2023-10-26 18:16:00
The families of the abducted and missing persons held a press conference this evening (Thursday) in the plaza of the Tel Aviv Museum, demanding the release of their loved ones from Hamas captivity in Gaza.
“They have been there for 20 days,” said Merev Leshem Gonen, mother of Roni Gonen who was kidnapped from the party near Kibbutz Reim. “20 days when we have no idea how they are doing. Not how they are treated, not if they are breathing. 20 days when we are asked to be patient. For 20 days we have no idea what is happening with our loved ones and it makes no sense. We were very patient, but that’s it. Patience Ours has expired.
“We appeal to the entire government of Israel, to all our leaders – we are citizens of the State of Israel. Our expectation is that the State of Israel will take care of us and our loved ones. That it will ensure their safety and bring them all back today, today, today! We expect the cabinet to talk to us later this evening and explain What are they going to do to us.”
A clock that counts the time of the abductees in captivity. “20 days, and the government is mute” (Photo: Hadas Yom Tov)
“Karina recovered from cancer, she is strong,” said Paula Perista, whose sister Karina and eight other members of her family were kidnapped. “In my heart I see her helping and protecting everyone.”
Malki Shem Tov, the father of Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped from the nature party: “Omer just wants to spend time with friends. I’m appealing to the leaders, to the cabinet – imagine 20 days sitting in the dungeons, without oxygen, without electricity, without water, suffering from shelling. Imagine what they feel. We are in the dark for 20 days, and we are being asked to be patient. We are not waiting any longer, we want them back. Imagine that these are your children.”
Eyal Eshel, father of Roni Eshel, an observer who was kidnapped to Gaza: “Roni is a soldier in the IDF, and a 19-year-old girl. My girl. She is under your watch. 20 days, and the government is silent. 20 days and no one tells us what happened to her, what happened to her. We have information, photos, a snapshot – all this on our own. All by ourselves. You come to me to ask for information. What do you do all day? I don’t want to hear about plans and methods of operation, I don’t want to hear what is expected. I have a million questions in the puzzle that I put together myself. I demand one thing, get up from your chairs and put your heart in my place, and take responsibility. I dedicate my whole life to the country, and I am an active reservist. So is my firstborn. Don’t turn your back on me.”
Yela and Ilai, brothers of Avitar David who was kidnapped from the nature party: “Tomorrow it will be three weeks since Avitar went to the party. He didn’t eat because of excitement, and found himself in hell. On Saturday we woke up to videos of my older brother being led in a van, tied up, surrounded by terrorists with weapons. Three Weeks of a never-ending nightmare.”
Ditza Or, mother of Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped from the party: “You know my Avinatan from the videos. He did not abandon his girlfriend, and we call on the State of Israel not to abandon him.”
Talk today every morning with your email
#families #abductees #Israeli #government #return #today