Melania Trump calls for world 'free from terrorism' in Rosh Hashanah tribute honoring Israeli hostages held by Hamas

Former First Lady Melania Trump called for a compassion world “free from terrorism” on Wednesday in a heartfelt tribute honoring the hostages taken captive by Hamas terrorists last October. The post was published on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and comes only days before the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Palestinian terrorist onslaught on Israel, where Hamas killed thousands of innocents and kidnapped hundreds more, who remain captive to this day.

Mrs. Trump called for the return of the hostages and a world free from terrorism, a matter that she has been directly impacted by following the most recent assassination attempts on her husband, former President Donald Trump's life.

"My thoughts are with those enduring the suffering of captivity. It is hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since the tragic events in Israel, where innocent lives have been destroyed," Melania wrote in a statement posted on X. "Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, should inspire us to defend human dignity and commit to the safe return of every hostage. Together, we must strive for a world grounded in compassion, empathy, and tolerance - free from terrorism."

Israel has been unable to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, despite several attempts, with the assistance of the United States and other allies. There are believed to be more than 90 hostages remaining in Gaza after more than 250 people from several countries were abducted by the terror group on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli authorities said that around 60 of them are still alive, while more than 30 are believed to be dead, as per the New York Times.

The Middle East war has escalated in recent weeks as a result of attacks on Israel from Iran as well as its terror proxy, Hezbollah. The Biden administration has pledged to support Israel amid rocket attacks that took place earlier this week from Iran on Israel. However, Biden told reporters on Wednesday that he would not support a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities from the Jewish state.