Release of American with Eastern Connecticut Ties Held Hostage by Hamas Brings Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the second American citizen, Liat Beinin, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, has been released after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the attack on October 7. Liat’s family lives in Waterford and are active members of eastern Connecticut’s Jewish community. “My Beinin family from Israel spent five days in eastern Connecticut with us this August. We grew very close to them as they walked with us in Harkness Park, dined with us, and shared birthdays with us over lobster in Noank. As soon as we heard of their capture we reached out to our Congressman, Joe Courtney and he did everything possible to keep Liat and Aviv’s capture high on the agenda of the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. We cannot thank him and his staff enough for their dedication and diligence in the efforts to free the hostages,” said Jerry Fischer of Waterford and the former executive director of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. “After several weeks in captivity, it is a relief to see Liat Beinin back in safe hands. I applaud President Biden and his Administration for their steadfast commitment to brokering the deal that made Liat’s release possible. While this is surely joyous news to her loved ones in eastern Connecticut, who my office connected with the US State Department, we will continue assisting the family with locating and returning her husband Aviv Atzili who was also kidnapped,” said Rep. Joe Courtney. “I am wishing Liat and her family comfort as they reunite and join them in praying for Aviv’s safety.” ###