Family of Ethiopian hostage Held by Hamas Blocked Gaza Crossing

Approximately 20 relatives of Avraham Mengisto, an Israeli with a mental condition and who crossed into Gaza last year, blocked the Erez Crossing Thursday morning to try to raise awareness of his captivity.

Mengisto, who is of Ethiopian origin, crossed into Gaza on a Friday last September. Perhaps because of his color, soldiers who spotted him entering Gaza figured he was a Gaza Arab.

After troops arrived at the scene to double-check, they found a knapsack he left behind. Inside was a Bible, which made it obvious that an Israeli Jew now was in the hands of Hamas.

The family is frustrated by the lack of information concerning their relative's continued captivity, assuming he still is alive,

The brother said this morning at Erez Crossing::

We respect freedom of travel for everyone, Palestinians and Israelis alike, and we…demand that Hamas free my brother immediately.