LOS ANGELES — Roye Ben Menahem has turned his cousin’s face into a symbol of a broader plea, emblazoning it on posters and T-shirts to raise awareness and call for his release. His cousin, Rom, a security guard, is among 200 individuals taken hostage by Hamas militants during the Oct. 7 attack in Gaza.

“We are beyond devastated,” Ben Menahem said, speaking from his home in Woodland Hills. He described the fear and uncertainty that has gripped his family since his cousin’s abduction, noting that they have had no contact with him since that day.

“When I heard the news, my heart dropped,” he added, reflecting on the moment he learned of Rom’s capture.

The family was bracing for the worst over the weekend when reports emerged that six hostages had been killed by Hamas.

“I was praying it wasn’t him,” Ben Menahem said, recalling the tense wait for updates.

The ordeal has been surreal for the family, with each piece of news bringing a mix of hope and dread. Ben Menahem expressed relief when Rom’s name was not on the list of those killed, although he acknowledged the conflicting emotions of feeling relief at the cost of others’ lives.

In response to the situation, Ben Menahem is advocating for a cease-fire, hoping it might lead to a hostage deal and his cousin’s safe return. Mel, a spokesperson for IfNotNow, a Jewish-American group opposing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, echoed this call for a cease-fire. She also suggested that the U.S. should consider an arms embargo on Israel to push for a diplomatic resolution.

“We stand with the hundreds of thousands of Israelis demanding a cease-fire,” she stated.

For Ben Menahem, the ultimate goal is peace for both sides.

“I know there are many innocent people who just want to live their lives,” he said, emphasizing his hope for an end to the violence.

By sharing his cousin’s story, Ben Menahem aims to hasten what he calls the end of a “living nightmare” for his family and others in similar situations.