UJA-Federation of New York announces a new public art initiative collecting hostage pins and tags for a permanent installation commemorating the New York Jewish community’s advocacy to bring Israeli hostages home.
The project, in partnership with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, follows the return of Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage held in the Gaza Strip. In response, UJA issued a call to the community to donate the “hostage tags and pins worn by so many since Oct. 7 that will be used to create a public art installation.”
“You’ve worn it close to your heart. Now, let it tell the story,” it stated.
“For more than two years, these tags and pins represented our community’s anguish, hope and unwavering commitment to bringing every hostage home,” said Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.
He added that “by creating a permanent public artwork, we are preserving a lasting testament to the power of community, the strength of our advocacy and recognizing the resilience of hostages who have returned home.”
Individuals can drop off hostage tags and pins at more than 30 partner collection sites across Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester, a list that includes schools, synagogues and community centers. For mailing tags and pins, a P.O. Box is also listed.
“The locations just got the boxes at the end of last week,” Emily Kutner, executive director of public relations for the UJA-Federation of New York, told JNS. “They were all very enthusiastic to have the boxes at their locations.”
Further details about the artist selection and installation timeline are expected to be announced at a later date.
