An Israeli soldier ran the New York City Marathon with scores of other soldiers on Sunday in support of Israeli hostages, chanting “Bring them home, guys!” he shouted. after crossing the finish line.

Artum Zahavi, 40, was one of 150 runners who took to the streets of the Big Apple as part of a group organized by Bring Them Home Now, a volunteer organization focused on bringing back dozens of hostages kidnapped during Hamas’ October 2023 offensive against Israel.

As a member of the Israel Defense Forces, Zahavi was unable to speak directly to the media.

But it was a “crazy marathon,” he said as he walked toward the embrace of flag-waving fans near the finish line near Columbus Circle in Manhattan on Sunday.

“This is all crazy,” he said, and then added, “Bring ’em home, guys!” he shouted. into the noise.

The crowd followed his lead, chanting “Bring them home!” He started chanting slogans. Hebrew.

Organizer Dana Cwaigrach told The Post that the marathon group was formed in honor of five hostages who made running their passion: Naama Levy, Doron Steinbacher, Evyatar David, Ohad Yahalomi and Edan Alexander.

Alexander’s parents, who live in New Jersey, helped organize the support rally, hoping their son would one day be returned to them.

They handed out flags and banners to spectators and cheered as sympathetic road runners pounded the pavement wearing “Run for their lives” T-shirts.

“We are here to cheer on the runners and raise awareness for the hostages in captivity,” Cwaigrach said.

One of the group’s supporters, a 32-year-old woman named Sarah, said she thought it was important for citizens to come forward for the hostages.

“Most of the pictures of the hostages here are of the runners themselves,” he said. “It could have been you too; As if these are people who share common experiences, common hobbies with you. This is a civilian who was kidnapped for doing nothing.

“Of course there are political tensions,” the Upper West Sider continued. “But there are political tensions between many countries; you shouldn’t just kidnap civilians.”