WASHINGTON, October 26, 2023 — The harrowing story of Liat Beinin Atzili, an Israeli American teacher held hostage by Hamas for 54 days after the October 7th attack on Israel, is now unfolding on screen in the documentary Holding Liat, which has been shortlisted for an Academy Award.
A Family’s Agony Amidst War
Holding Liat offers an intimate look at the desperate fight to secure the release of Atzili, who was among over 250 people taken hostage, including at least 12 U.S. citizens. The film chronicles the anguish of her parents, Yehuda and Chaya Beinin, as they navigate the uncertainty of her captivity while witnessing the escalating conflict in Gaza.
- The documentary provides a personal perspective on the hostage crisis.
- It highlights the emotional toll on families during wartime.
- The film explores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a deeply human lens.
- Liat Beinin Atzili was held captive for 54 days before being released in November 2023.
- Her husband, Aviv Atzili, was killed during the initial Hamas attack.
What was the experience like for Liat Beinin Atzili during her captivity? She was initially held by a family affiliated with Hamas for approximately 36 hours, who treated her well, according to her account. She was later transferred to a location guarded by two Hamas members, where she remained until her release alongside another female hostage.
The film features raw and emotional moments, including a tense exchange with an Israeli official:
ISRAELI OFFICIAL: [translated] Our intelligence says your daughter Liat is being held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
YEHUDA BEININ: [translated] Wait, wait, wait, wait.
CHAYA BEININ: It is so hard not knowing what’s going on with her. My biggest worry is that she’s not with us anymore.
Yehuda Beinin’s frustration with the situation is palpable:
YEHUDA BEININ: We’re being led by crazy people, whether it’s on the Israeli side or whether on the Palestinian side. And the result is always death and destruction.
The documentary also reveals the internal struggles within the family, as seen in these exchanges:
CHAYA BEININ: Yehuda and I deal with problems differently.
YEHUDA BEININ: The struggle for peace and reconciliation is the best way to respect Liat and Aviv and provide a human side to the story.
NETTA ATZILI: I’m not going to thank them for attacking my parents and murdering my acquaintances.
TAL BEININ: Let’s just figure out where Liat and Aviv are. Let’s just focus on that, Aba.
The film doesn’t shy away from differing political views within the family:
JOEL BEININ: We want to be supportive of the family. And on the other hand, I’m here, and I disagree politically.
TAL BEININ: Sometimes it’s better to just be quiet, because you know what? For getting Liat and Aviv back, put a yarmulke on your head.
YEHUDA BEININ: No, I’m not going to run away. I’ll stand my ground.
The uncertainty and fear are ever-present:
CHAYA BEININ: There’s no way of knowing how much longer this is going to go on.
TAL BEININ: Who’s holding her? Is she in a house? Is she in a cave? Is she being fed? Does she have her glasses? The longer it takes, the harder it is to stay positive.
YEHUDA BEININ: There’s no guarantee that either of them are coming out of this alive.
ISRAELI OFFICIAL: [translated] We just got the list. And unfortunately, Liat is not on today’s list.
A clip from the film shows Yehuda Beinin advocating for his daughter’s release in Washington, D.C.:
YEHUDA BEININ: Whatever happens with Aviv and Liat, it’s not in my hands. But it’s not in my nature just to sit around and to wait for things to happen. This is not a future that I envisioned for either of my children. When has war ever ended well? Liat, actually, because she’s smarter than me, understands this, understood this a long time ago, much before, much before me.
Liat Beinin Atzili, the subject of the film, revealed she was unaware of her husband Aviv’s death during her 54 days in captivity. She learned of his fate after her release in November 2023. She shared that knowing her youngest daughter was safe provided some solace during her ordeal.
Atzili emphasized the need for dialogue and understanding, stating, “There aren’t any conflicts that are unsolvable. It’s just a matter of people wanting to speak to each other and wanting to listen and to understand each other’s stories.” She echoed her father’s sentiment that violence is not the answer.
Director Brandon Kramer explained the impetus for making the film, noting that Yehuda Beinin quickly became a vocal advocate for peace and reconciliation, a narrative that wasn’t being widely reported at the time. He and his family felt a responsibility to document the Beinin family’s experience and amplify their message.
Worth a look
