Hostages released from Gaza in Historic Ceasefire
Thirteen Israelis, ten Thai citizens, and one Filipino man were among the group of hostages freed from Gaza on the first day of the historic ceasefire with Israel, following weeks of violence and unrest.
The Israeli hostages, which included four children and five elderly women, were visiting family at the Nir Oz kibbutz when Hamas attacked on October 7th. The group of hostages also had been working in the area as part of a large migrant labor force doing various types of work inside Israel. Notably, they were not part of the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Among the hostages was Ohad Munder, who turned nine years old during his captivity. His mother, Keren, who teaches children with special needs, and his grandmother, Ruth, were visiting relatives in Nir Oz when they were attacked by Hamas. Ruth’s husband, Avraham, remains in captivity in Gaza, and her son, Roee, was killed in the attack.
Another family, the Asher family, consists of Doron Katz-Asher, an accountant, and her young daughters Raz and Aviv. They were visiting family in Nir Oz when they were abducted, and Doron’s mother, Efrat Katz, was killed in the attacks.
The hostages also included the Aloni family, comprised of Danielle and her daughter Emilia, who were visiting relatives in Nir Oz when they were kidnapped along with many other family members.
Yaffa Adar, one of the founders of Nir Oz, was also among those held captive. Videos of her being driven towards Gaza by Hamas gunmen became an emblematic image of the hostage crisis for many in Israel. She has three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Other hostages such as Chana Katzir, Chana Peri, Adina Moshe, and Margalit Moses also have compelling stories of tragedy and survival. During their ordeal, their loved ones were killed, leaving lasting pain and trauma for the families.
In a heartbreaking twist, the Filipino care worker, Gelienor ‘Jimmy’ Pacheco, was kidnapped from Nir Oz by Hamas militants who killed his employer, adding to the overwhelming human toll of the crisis.
Additionally, Vetoon Phoome, a Thai citizen who had been living and working in Israel, was among the hostages. He was planning to return home when he was taken from his room in the kibbutz. His employer was killed and his family was initially told he had also been killed on October 7th.
The release of the hostages marks a significant step towards peace in the region, and their stories of resilience and survival serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.