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March 04, 2024 | Press Releases

Sarasota Stepmother of Hamas Hostage to Attend The State of the Union as Congressman Steube’s Guest

SARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is honored to have Ms. Gillian Kaye, of Sarasota, as his distinguished guest at the 2024 State of the Union. Ms. Kaye is the stepmother of Sagui Dekel-Chen, a dual American and Israeli citizen who was kidnapped by Hamas during the horrific October 7th attacks on innocent Israeli civilians. Sagui was seen fighting off the attackers while protecting his wife and young daughters.

“I’m honored Ms. Kaye has accepted my invitation to the State of the Union. The eyes of the world will be on Washington as the president addresses the state of the war and hostage negotiation efforts. Ms. Kaye, her husband Jonathan, Sagui’s wife Avital, their three daughters, and countless other loved ones have awaited Sagui’s safe return for nearly five months. Ms. Kaye’s presence at the State of the Union is integral to keeping national and international attention on bringing every single hostage home,” said Rep. Steube. 

“I am grateful to Rep. Steube for keeping the issue of our hostages and their continued captivity in Gaza in the national spotlight.  March 7th will mark 5 months since the brutal massacre of nearly 1,500 Israelis and the abduction of hundreds more by Hamas terrorists to Gaza, including my stepson Sagui Dekel-Chen. We will only be whole again with the return of all hostages and appreciate so much the partnership with our congresspeople who have advocated tirelessly on our behalf,” said Ms. Kaye.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas brutally murdered more than 1,200 people and took 240 hostages to Gaza. Sagui is one of 134 hostages remaining in Hamas captivity, including 6 American citizens. 

President Biden will address a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, March 7 at 9:00pm ET.