My son, Hersh, was abducted from a music festival on October 7, 2023, suffering severe injuries before being taken captive. He endured torture and starvation for 328 days, ultimately perishing in a Gaza tunnel on August 29, 2024, from multiple gunshot wounds.
Hersh was initially slated for release in a July agreement between Hamas and Israel, but the deal collapsed, resulting in his death along with other hostages.
My husband and I, after enduring unimaginable suffering for over 300 days, relentlessly advocated for the release of all remaining hostages. Currently, 98 hostages remain in Gaza; we urge their immediate return for physical and psychological recovery, along with the repatriation of the deceased for proper burials.
A recently reached agreement for hostage release will begin implementation soon.
Many expressed surprise at our relief, given our profound grief. We are happy for the release of other hostages but deeply mourn Hersh. We can hold multiple, complex emotions simultaneously.
This initial release phase must not be the final one. While 33 hostages will be freed, 65 remain captive, highlighting a collective failure of humanity.
The remaining hostages represent diverse religious backgrounds and ages, ranging from two-year-old Kfir Bibas to 86-year-old Shlomo Mansur, both scheduled for release in this initial phase. Their prior inclusion in a failed November 2023 release agreement emphasizes the precarious nature of their situation.
The civilians impacted by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack also urgently require aid and recovery; hence, complete implementation of this agreement is paramount.
While hopeful, a deal’s success hinges on its full implementation.
Godspeed to us all.