Lake County Gazette

Illinois' 10th Congressional District candidate Jim Carris commented on the recent killing of six Israeli hostages, saying, "As a former hostage myself, I know this isn’t some political talking point—it’s a matter of life and death," in a Sept. 1 Facebook post.

"My heart breaks for the six Israeli hostages who were tragically found dead, and my deepest condolences go out to their families," said Carris, Camdidate, according to Facebook. "No words can ease the pain of such a loss. While many politicians are quick to offer flowery language, the real way to honor their sacrifice is through strong, decisive leadership that brings the remaining hostages home safely. As a former hostage myself, I know this isn't some political talking point—it's a matter of life and death."

The bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered in Gaza on Aug. 30. According to an ABC News report from Sept. 2, the four men and two women were allegedly killed shortly before their bodies were discovered. ABC News reported that three of the individuals were supposed to be released as part of a cease-fire deal. The bodies were found in a tunnel in Rafah, and there are still 97 hostages remaining in Gaza.

Screenshot of Jim Carris' Sept. 1 Facebook post | Jim Carris for Congress Facebook page

On Sept. 2, Hamas reportedly released a video of one of the hostages, Eden Yerushalmi, and said they would release footage of all six victims. Yerushalmi spoke to the camera, saying she loves her family and asked the Israeli people to reach a cease-fire deal, according to ABC News.

The Israeli Defense Forces identified the hostages in a Facebook post on Aug. 31: "The bodies of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino were found and recovered yesterday. They were all taken hostage on October 7 and were murdered by the Hamas terrorist organization while in captivity in Gaza. The IDF and ISA send their heartfelt condolences to the families. Israeli security forces are operating with all means to bring home all the hostages as fast as possible."

According to CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference on Sept. 2 and said that Israel would respond to Hamas with a response similar to the attack that killed Fu’ad Shukr, top commander of Hezbollah in July. "We’re going to exact a heavy price from Hamas; I’m not going to tell you what the price is going to be and what we’re going to do; there’s going to be an element of surprise here," Netanyahu said at a news conference on Monday night.

Carris's campaign website highlights his extensive business background rather than political experience: "Jim has spent his life in business, not politics—practicing law, running his own company and as a corporate leader," reads a statement on his campaign website. An accomplished attorney, he is Managing Principal, Executive Managing Director, and Market Leader at Colliers International.