Benjamin Gray

2026 JAMES W. FOLEY FREEDOM AWARDS SPONSOR The Foley Foundation is deeply grateful to @nytimes for their generous sponsorship and steadfast support of our mission. Their commitment helps us protect journalists and stand with American hostage families. Thank you for being a strong partner in this work. FOLEYFREEDOMAWARDS.ORG

The Foley Foundation is pleased to share the following invitation from the @StateDept: The U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, in partnership with the @JamesFoleyFund, @McCainInstitute, and @hostageus invites you to join us in commemorating U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day on March 9, 2026. To attend you must register for the event no later than Wed, March 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM. To register, visit: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… (To accommodate security screening, doors will open at 8:15 AM. All guests must arrive no later than 8:50 AM. This event is open to the public)

On March 10, in an online event, the Foley Foundation will share our latest independent, nonpartisan research analyzing the global threat of international hostage-taking. Learn how the threat continues to evolve—and what it means for Americans working, residing, or traveling abroad. As part of our eight-year #BringingAmericansHome research series, our Director of Research and Hostage Advocacy, Elizabeth Richards, will present our newest findings. A panel of experts will then explore the report’s implications. Register today at BRINGINGAMERICANSHOME.ORG.

Foley Foundation board member Ryan Fayhee spoke with CNN about American journalist Reza Valizadeh, who is unjustly imprisoned in Iran. At least five other Americans are also wrongfully detained. Their safety at this moment is paramount. #BringThemHome #Iran cnn.com/2026/02/27/pol…

With the U.S. and Iran now in open conflict, six American nationals wrongfully detained in Iran face unprecedented danger. Their safety cannot be forgotten. We respectfully urge @POTUS, @SecRubio, @aboehler, and @SebGorka to build on the Trump administration’s success in freeing Americans detained abroad by making the safe return of those held captive in Iran a top priority. Their lives depend on sustained attention and swift action. #BringThemHome #Iran @BOFHcampaign

Consequences for regimes that take Americans hostage are essential for effective deterrence, accountability for captors, and justice for victims. This first use of the State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention designation is a critical step. Right now, ensuring the safe release of Americans held hostage in Iran must be the top priority. #BringThemHome #SSWD @BOFHcampaign @StateSPEHA @SecRubio state.gov/releases/offic…

President @realDonaldTrump has made it clear that the Taliban must cease their hostage-taking, or there will be consequences. We will not rest until Dennis Coyle and Mahmood Habibi come home. @WhiteHouse

@SebGorka @realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse Thank you President Trump, Dr. Gorka, and @aboehler. Anything we can do to support your efforts to bring home these Americans, please let us know. We are in this together and we have faith that you CAN and WILL make this happen. 🇺🇸📷🙏

The message from @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, Secretary of State @SecRubio, Asst. to the President Dr. @SebGorka, US Ambassador to the UN @USAmbUN, & Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Response @aboehler is clear: #Taliban must #FreeMahmoodHabibi.

PODCAST: Judged: A Mother’s Love - Katie Bridget Murphy explores three extraordinary stories of mothers facing impossible choices including the story of Diane Foley (@FoleyDi) whose son Jim - a freelance journalist – is kidnapped when reporting from Syria. From private prayers to public campaigns, her efforts will help spark an overhaul of how her government responds to hostage crises. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/1YLZnG…

The 🇺🇸 @SecRubio stand behind @HeyTammyBruce @michaelgwaltz The Taliban must end all forms of hostage taking — they hold 2 Americans right now and it is unacceptable.

One year ago today, Marc Fogel was released from prison in Russia after 1,277 days in captivity. Marc was arrested on August 14, 2021, and later sentenced to 14 years in prison. His family - like all families experiencing this nightmare - was tireless in their advocacy for his return. Learn more about his case here: jamesfoleyfoundation.org/hostage/mark-f…

“The Foley Foundation cannot say enough about our Foley Fellows" - Dr. Thomas Durkin Current and former James W. Foley Fellows from @MarquetteU's Diederich College of Communication have created a safety guide, “Safety Guide for Student Newsrooms,” to be distributed by the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation as a resource for student journalists. Read more here: today.marquette.edu/2026/02/dieder…

#BringRezaHome!

REMINDER! The Foley Foundation will be in Milwaukee to celebrate the memory of James Patrick Ruder for “The James XIV”! Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley, along with Safety Education Program Director Tom Durkin will be cheering at the @MarquetteU vs Butler University game Saturday, February 7, 2026. The James P. Ruder Foundation continues its partnership with the @mupeacemaking and the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. Event proceeds help support the Foley Foundation's journalist safety education program, specifically student fellowships. To learn more, visit: eventbrite.com/e/the-james-xi…

The days just keep adding up - 502 days wrongfully detained in Iran. #freeRezaV Follow @freerezav to keep up with his story. Please use your platform to raise awareness.

Today we remember Kayla Jean Mueller on the anniversary of her death. Kayla was a humanitarian aid worker assisting Doctors Without Borders in Syria when she was taken hostage by ISIS on August 4, 2013. She was held in captivity until her death in 2015. Kayla remains a powerful reminder of the courage of humanitarian workers and the enduring need to protect Americans serving abroad. Learn more about Kayla's story here: jamesfoleyfoundation.org/hostage/kayla-…

An American Hostage the Taliban Won’t Admit Exists: nysun.com/article/an-ame…

The First Amendment is not optional. nabjonline.org/blog/nabjoutra…

FOLEY FOUNDATION WARNS VIOLATIONS OF PRESS RIGHTS THREATEN PUBLIC TRUST AND DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation is deeply concerned about the arrest of independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort. These arrests follow the search of journalist Hannah Natanson’s home earlier this month and seizure of her confidential newsgathering equipment. Journalism is not a crime, and a free press is the bedrock of democracy. Journalists must be allowed to do their work covering newsworthy events and government actions without fear of intimidation and/or arrest. In addition, the public has the right to be informed; violating the constitutional rights of journalists deprives the public of essential information and weakens trust in democratic institutions. The Foley Foundation will continue to support brave journalists—including those covering protests, public events, and government actions—through our safety resources that enable journalists to do their jobs without fear. #JournalismIsNotACrime