New Hampshire Parents Make Plea For Son Missing In Syria
ROCHESTER, N.H. (CBS) - Standing at the end of their driveway outside their Rochester, New Hampshire home, John and Diane Foley said they know nothing about their son's whereabouts or who has taken him hostage.
"I appeal to the people who have Jim, to let us know where he is and to help us secure his release," said John Foley.
The Foleys read from a prepared statement and answered a handful of questions.
"At this time we're primarily appealing to the captors, the people who have Jim for information, any information," said Diane Foley.
Their son, James Foley, a freelance journalist, was kidnapped thanksgiving day in Syria.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports
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"We miss him terribly, he's in our thoughts and our prayers every day, we're committed to do everything in our ability to secure his safe release," John said.
This is the second time the family has been through this. James was kidnapped in 2011 in Libya and was released 44 days later.
But that did not stop him from reporting in dangerous territory, including the civil war in Syria.
"Jim was passionate about covering the story in Syria, passionate about the people there," said Diane.
The Foleys would not discuss what kind of help they are getting from the government nor what may have changed in the last few days that has them now going public.
"I ask the captors for compassion," said John.
A website, www.freejamesfoley.org, has been established to help spread the work.
Both U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte and Jeanne Shaheen tell WBZ-TV they are doing what they can.
"Senator Ayotte is actively assisting the Foley family and is in close contact with the State Department regarding James' status," said Liz Johnson, press secretary for Senator Ayotte.
Senator Shaheen's office also emailed WBZ-TV a statement that said, "My office has been in direct contact with the Foley family, and we are working closely with them. I have personally reached out to a number of agencies, including the State Department and the FBI, requesting any additional support they can provide. My thoughts and prayers are with the Foley family, and I will continue to work closely with U.S. officials to do what we can to help bring him back home."
