Families of 5 held hostage by Hamas meet with Israeli Consul General Elbaz-Starinsky at Hollywood synagogue
HOLLYWOOD, FLA. – Families of those still held hostage by Hamas gathered in Hollywood for an event featuring Israel’s Consul General, as they continue to fight for their loved ones’ release more than a year since they were taken.
A Night of Hope and Resilience
Among the tables of casual chatter at Temple Beth El of Hollywood, Thursday night, the color yellow figured prominently. It’s a sign of hope that keeps family members fighting for their five loved ones’ freedom.
"We want them home, safe or not safe, but we want the bodies, we want them in Israel, so even if they are not alive, they can be buried in the Holy Land," said Orit Feigelman, Chairwoman of the Reut Organization, an Israeli nonprofit, which organized the families’ first night in Florida as part of their efforts to help the families of the hostages, along with Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami.
Finding Closure and Empowerment
Part of that closure is getting a chance to reflect on themselves. Therapist Arian Lev is leading them through introspective therapies. "I will give them techniques, how to empower themselves to be in a good situation with themselves in order that they will be strong for their family and for the children that will come back from the Hamas captivity," said Lev.
The Long and Difficult Wait
Eliyahu Stivi has now been waiting over 500 days for his son Idan to come home since he was taken from the Nova Music Festival. "It’s very, very difficult. It’s very sensitive," said Stivi. Mishel Iluz, whose 26-year-old son Guy could be seen running away from Hamas terrorists near the site of the music festival, echoed Stivi’s sentiments. "It’s a nightmare. I always will remember our last call. ‘Father, I love you,’ and he kept saying it, something like four times,’ said Iluz. "And I told Guy, ‘Guy, you’re going to stay alive. You’re going to succeed these things.’"
The Uncertainty and Desperation
Iluz went to the festival site the next day only to find a war zone. He said he found his son’s car covered in bullet holes. "I will never forget this bloody Saturday," he said. Now Iluz knows his son was taken. He doesn’t know if he’s dead or alive. Oded Lifshitz feels the same uncertainty about his 83-year-old father, who was taken out of his home. "We don’t know anything about him since Day 20," said Lifshitz.
A Call to Action
Now these family members are determined to know more and continue to fight to get their loved ones back. "We need urgently to release them all, and end this war, and don’t fight again," said Lifshitz. There are currently more than 70 hostages still in Hamas captivity. Around 30 to 35 of them are believed to be dead, but three hostages are expected to be released on Saturday.
Conclusion
The meeting with Consul General Elbaz-Starinsky and the Reut Organization’s efforts aim to bring closure to the families of the hostages and help them find the strength to continue fighting for their loved ones’ release. As the families wait with bated breath for the return of their loved ones, they remain steadfast in their determination to see this ordeal come to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current number of hostages still held captive by Hamas?
- There are currently more than 70 hostages still in Hamas captivity.
- How many of the hostages are believed to be dead?
- Around 30 to 35 of the hostages are believed to be dead.
- Are there any expected releases from captivity in the near future?
- Yes, three hostages are expected to be released on Saturday.
