The CPAC conference hosted an emotional panel featuring families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Relatives shared heartbreaking stories of their loved ones kidnapped during the October 7 attacks on Israel. One mother held up her son’s broken eyeglasses as she described his medical needs being ignored by terrorists.
Conservative leaders at the event slammed the Biden administration for not doing enough to free Americans trapped in Gaza. “We’re seeing weakness on the world stage,” said a former Trump official on the panel. They argued President Biden’s focus on ceasefire deals instead of military pressure lets Hamas call the shots.
New video footage shown at CPAC revealed Hamas fighters using civilian homes as hideouts near Israeli kindergartens. Panelists blasted mainstream media for downrating Palestinian terrorism. A Gold Star father shouted, “These are evil people burning babies – why won’t CNN show the truth?”
Speakers praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for recently sending state rescue teams to assist Israel’s recovery efforts. They contrasted this with Biden’s delayed response to approving military aid. “Conservatives understand you negotiate from strength, not apology tours,” said a Navy SEAL veteran on stage.
The crowd roared when a teenage hostage’s sister declared “Hamas uses human shields because they know weak Western leaders will blame Israel.” Attendees waved Israeli flags as families described their missing relatives reciting Bible verses in captivity to stay strong.
Panelists warned about pro-Hamas protests spreading on college campuses, calling university leaders “cowards” for allowing antisemitism. A Holocaust survivor’s grandson said “Never again means fighting terror NOW” as screens showed maps of Hamas tunnels under Gaza hospitals.
Conservative commentators urged using frozen Iranian funds as bargaining chips for hostage releases. They criticized Biden for offering sanctions relief instead. “You don’t feed a crocodile hoping it eats you last,” boomed a radio host to cheers from the audience.
The event closed with prayers led by a pastor whose congregation includes three hostage families. Attendees vowed to keep pressure on politicians until every captive comes home. “Evil wins when good people stay silent,” shouted a mother into the microphone before leaving photos of her missing son at the podium.
