Nizar Zakka

المضيف الغادر - اختطاف نزار زكا في إيران youtube.com/watch?v=PzmTLF…

Iran’s future will be shaped by courage and reform. Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former MP and longtime advocate for women’s rights, has consistently stood for change, even at great personal cost. Leadership requires that kind of strength. @POTUS

In my personal view, one of the most courageous and qualified voices for Iran’s future is Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani,a reformist, women’s rights advocate, and someone who has paid the price for speaking truth to power. Iran deserves leadership rooted in courage and reform. @POTUS

This chart compares wrongful detentions and hostage taking by Venezuelan and Iranian authorities by showing each year as a percentage of that country’s total wrongful detentions and hostage taking of foreigners , revealing starkly different detention strategies. Venezuela’s arrests are highly concentrated in a small number of years indicating the use of mass arrests as an episodic political tool deployed during moments of heightened pressure. Iran’s pattern, by contrast, is distributed across many years, reflecting a structural and institutionalized system of detention rather than crisis-driven surges. The chart underscores how Venezuela relies on bursts of wrongful detention followed of foreigners by selective release, while Iran maintains a persistent, normalized practice of wrongful detentions as part of long-term state control and leverage. @POTUS @StateDept @StateSPEHA @WhiteHouse @aboehler @DeptofWar @SecWar @FBI @FBIDirectorKash @CNN @washingtonpost @nytimes @nypost @CBSNews @Reuters @PBS @FoxNews @WSJ @AP @axios @NBCNews @AlMonitor @BBC @AlArabiya_Eng @AJEnglish @AlHadath @IranIntl_En @AFP @FRANCE24 @ilQuotidiano @elpaisinenglish @elmundoes @cnnespana @eldiario @CaracasChron @ElUniversal @ultimasn @ElNacionalWeb

HAW Daily Brief 1/5 HAW Press Release: Hostage Aid’s UNGA 80 Side Event: Breaking the Chain: Global Action Against Hostage-Taking – Hostages as Victims of Terrorism & State Violence hostageaid.org/hostage-aid-wo… New York - Hostage Aid Worldwide @MorganOrtagus regarding President Trump’s recent executive order, stressed deterrence as a cornerstone of U.S. policy: “This administration’s decisive & unprecedented action ensures deterrence is not just a concept, but a concrete policy. President Trump has put our adversaries on notice. Such injustice will not stand.”

“If we allow hostage taking & wrongful detentions to endure without cost, then we allow the very foundations of the int’l order to erode. Now is the time for change! We must not allow the cycle of injustice to continue. The path to a better future is clear. We can achieve peace through strength,” Deputy U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus at Hostage Aid’s #UNGA80 side event: Breaking the Chain: Global Action Against Hostage-Taking; Hostages as Victims of Terrorism & State Violence. @MorganOrtagus

“Regardless of motivations, tactics, & geopolitics, hostage taking is a fundamental, egregious human rights violation,” UN Under Secretary General for Safety & Security, Gilles Michaud at Hostage Aid’s #UNGA80 side event: Breaking the Chain: Global Action Against Hostage-Taking; Hostages as Victims of Terrorism & State Violence.

“I was terrified for my life every single moment. Being hidden above ground was horrid. But there’s nothing that can compare to the darkness & dread that the tunnels bring with them! The same tunnels where far too many innocent people are still being held at this very moment,” Naama Levy in her first public testimony since her return from 477 days captivity in Gaza at Hostage Aid’s #UNGA80 side event: Breaking the Chain: Global Action Against Hostage-Taking; Hostages as Victims of Terrorism & State Violence.

Press Release: Hostage Aid Worldwide’s UNGA 80 Side Event: Breaking the Chain: Global Action Against Hostage-Taking – Hostages as Victims of Terrorism & State Violence. Hostage Aid Worldwide convened its annual high-level side event during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, “Breaking the Chain: Global Action Against Hostage-Taking: Hostages as Victims of Terrorism and State Violence.” The gathering brought together the UN Secretary-General, senior U.S officials, heads of mission, survivors, and experts to confront hostage-taking as a tool of terrorism and state violence. The event opened with a reflection on global developments from UNGA79 to UNGA80, including those in Syria as well as Hostage Aid’s on-the-ground work over the past year. This review underscored both the persistent challenges and the growing international momentum to coordinate responses. Under-Secretary-General Gilles Michaud emphasized the urgency of collective action: “Regardless of motivations, tactics, and geopolitics, hostage-taking is a fundamental, egregious human rights violation.” He was joined by U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, UK Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward, German Ambassador Ricklef Beutin, and Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon as well as many others. Survivor testimonies moved the audience, most notably the first public testimony of Naama Levy since her release from Gaza. Ortagus stressed deterrence as a cornerstone of U.S. policy: “This administration’s decisive and unprecedented action ensures deterrence is not just a concept, but a concrete policy. President Trump has put our adversaries on notice. Such injustice will not stand.” Levy delivered an emotional appeal: “Diplomacy and an agreement brought me back. That same diplomacy must bring back all the people who can still be saved. Please act. Find a solution immediately. Save these innocent lives. Bring them all home. Now.” Hostage Aid gave a sneak peek of its 2025 Global Hostage Report offering data-driven insights into evolving hostage-taking trends and state responses. The organization also discussed its “Government Performance Score Card” and stressed the necessity for balance and working simultaneously on the four criteria to achieve success; deterrence, duration of captivity, support during captivity, and post-release support. Touching on Hostage Aid’s advocacy campaign for the case of Austin Tice, the organization highlighted its approach to advocacy in the country of captivity. Advocating in-country has proven success, as demonstrated by the case of Travis Timmerman. As part of the organization's annual UNGA side event, a recognition award was given this year to British lawyers Adam Wagner and Adam Rose who were honored for their extraordinary efforts in securing the release of British hostages. The 2025 “Breaking the Chain” award was presented to the Brits by Hostage Aid board members and UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward. Upon closing, Hostage Aid reaffirmed that genuine success must be measured not only by securing releases but also by reducing captivity times, deterring future detentions, and ensuring survivors receive long-term reintegration support. Read more in HAW’s full press release on our website: hostageaid.org/hostage-aid-wo…

“Diplomacy & an agreement brought me back. That same diplomacy must bring back all the people who can still be saved…Please Act! Find a solution immediately! Save these innocent lives. Bring Them All Home. Now!” Naama Levy in her first public testimony since her return from captivity in Gaza at Hostage Aid’s #UNGA80 side event: Breaking the Chain: Global Action Against Hostage-Taking; Hostages as Victims of Terrorism & State Violence.

Such an honor to listen to the powerful testimony of Naama Levy today in NYC at the Global Action Event Against Hostage Taking, led by @HostageAid Worldwide #BringThemHomeNow

6 years ago today, Nizar Zakka walked out of Evin Prison after 1,362 days held hostage in Iran. His story didn’t end at the prison gates—it began there. From captivity to cause. From silence to voice. From pain to purpose. Now he leads @HostageAid with other former hostages, fighting for the freedom of those still waiting in the dark. We’re thankful that @ZakkaNA is free—but too many are not. So the fight continues until we #BringThemAllHome.

Six years after his release from Evin Prison, Nizar Zakka, President of Hostage Aid & former hostage in Iran, shares a part of his story of captivity, betrayal, & rebuilding. @ZakkaNA reflects on the trauma of being used as a political pawn, the painful silence of those who abandoned him, & the strength found in solidarity. Read “Six Years Free — A Story of Survival, Loss, and Purpose” in this month’s newsletter on our website: hostageaid.org/finally-nizar-… Full Monthly Newsletter: conta.cc/44N426q

Statement Regarding Recent Reports on Austin Tice Hostage Aid Worldwide is aware of the recent news and circulating reports concerning Austin Tice over the past 48 hours. As the organization entrusted by the Tice family to assist in the search for Austin, we would like to clarify that only the Tice family will issue official comments or statements regarding any ongoing developments. These statements will be made either directly by the family or through Hostage Aid, and only once information has been verified and confirmed. We respectfully ask all media outlets and members of the public to refrain from speculation—particularly during this Mother’s Day weekend—and to allow the family the space and privacy they deserve until an official statement is released. Hostage Aid Worldwide remains fully committed to supporting the Tice family and all families of hostages in their pursuit of truth and justice. Finally, we wish to clarify that Hostage Aid receives no funding from any government. We are fully supported by public donations, and any claims suggesting that our mission is funded by a Gulf government are categorically false and part of a misinformation campaign. اوستن تايس @CNN @washingtonpost @nytimes @nypost @CBSNews @Reuters @PBS @FoxNews @thehill @VOANews @WSJ @AP @HoustonChron @axios @PressClubDC @AlMonitor @LBCI_NEWS @MTVLebanonNews @ALJADEEDNEWS @AlHadath @AlArabiya @AlJazeera @AlMayadeenNews @Annahar @ElnashraNews @aljoumhouria @cnnarabic @AlArabiya_SY @foxnewsarabia_ @RSF_inter @CPJMENA @pressfreedom @NPCInstitute

Statement on Austin Tice: Hostage Aid is aware of recent reports. Only the Tice family will issue official statements—either directly or through us—once information is verified. We urge media and the public to respect the family’s privacy, especially on Mother’s Day. Hostage Aid receives no government funding. Claims to the contrary are false.

@JasonMBrodsky @POTUS

.@POTUS to #Hamas: "Release all the hostages or it is over for you."

HAW Daily Brief 1/6 ‘You Were Sent by God’: Freed Hostages Meet Donald Trump in White House hostageaid.org/you-were-sent-… Israel - The Jerusalem Post Six freed hostages met with US President Donald Trump while on a special visit to Washington on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the details. The delegation, organized by The Hostages Families Forum & Hostage Aid, is comprised of Doron Steinbrecher, Eli Sharabi, Naama Levy, Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, and Keith & Aviva Siegel, who were all freed as part of phase one of the most recent Gaza deal. @bringhomenow

Thank you President Trump for making the release of hostages your top priority. We are counting on you to #BringThemAllHome! @bringhomenow

American journalist Austin Tice, abducted in Syria in 2012, paid the ultimate human sacrifice for his dedication to truth—his freedom. Austin’s name must not be forgotten. His story must remain at the forefront, his face never fading, serving as a constant reminder to the #USG of the urgency to bring him home. @POTUS @realDonaldTrump @secrubio @StateDept @MikeWaltz47 @PressSec @SteveWitkoff @JDVance @HouseForeign @StateSPEHA @aboehler @HouseForeignGOP @WhiteHouse @MarcATice @DebraTice @USEmbassySyria @washingtonpost @PressClubDC @mcclatchy @ptalamantes @mccarrennews @FreeAustinTice @NPCInstitute @wppressfreedom @RSF_en @naomi_tice @pressfreedom @rcfp @PeterHuvos @marcorubio @RepAlGreen اوستن تايس

Today, President Trump met at the White House with former hostages in Gaza: Eli Sharabi, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith & Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov, & Iair Horn. The visit was organized by Hostage Aid & the Hostages Families Forum. President Trump wad presented with a token of appreciation for all that he is doing for the release of hostages. @bringhomenow @CNN @washingtonpost @nytimes @nypost @CBSNews @Reuters @PBS @FoxNews @VOANews @WSJ @AP @axios @AlMonitor @NBCNews @NPR

1 היום, בזמן שהחטופים בהובלתה של הבוסית הגדולה מכולם @einathal מארגון @HostageAid הביאו לנשיא טראמפ, את הפלאק המרגש הזה, וסיפרו לו כמה הוא נשלח ע"י אלוהים להציל אותם, בדיוק באותו הזמן, שליחות אלוהית גם איך שהוא מצאה אותי. קיבוצניק ואוונגליסט נשמע כמו התחלה של בדיחה, אבל זה לא