Families of hostages who fear they’ve been forgotten amid Israel’s new war with Iran gathered online Saturday in place of weekly demonstrations. Over 2,000 people took part in the event — one of several online gatherings in support of the hostages — according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, held virtually due to the restrictions on the size of public gatherings as Iran continues to launch missiles at the Jewish state daily.
Ofri Bibas-Levy, sister of freed hostage Yarden Bibas whose wife Shiri and young sons Ariel and Kfir were murdered in captivity, said, “It feels like the 53 hostages have disappeared from the conversation.
“They’re still there, while people move on to the next front. It’s important for the public to know the hostages could be home now — we are one political decision away,” added Bibas-Levy.
Israel says its sweeping assault, launched on June 13, on Iran’s top military leaders, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment sites, and ballistic missile program is necessary to prevent the Islamic Republic from realizing its avowed plan to destroy the Jewish state.
Iran has retaliated by launching over 470 ballistic missiles and around 1,000 drones at Israel.
So far, Iran’s missile attacks have killed 24 people and wounded thousands in Israel, according to health officials and hospitals.
“Just as there was a brave decision to strike in Iran, and just as leaders showed courage to bring closure in Lebanon — now we are just one decision away from bringing them all home,” continued Bibas Levy.
She also said that such a decision “will bring our brave soldiers home” and “allow us to shift focus and resources to Iran.”
“The story in Gaza can end,” she continued.
Kobi Ohel, father of hostage Alon Ohel, said during the event: “This is the moment when decision-makers must understand that there’s a specific point on the timeline where a decision has to be made, to focus on their return. Only then will we be able to grow, recover, and rebuild — when the right decision is made.
“I turn to our leadership and ask: Make the right decision now. Bring them back,” he continued.
Nira Sharabi, whose husband Yossi was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023, and later murdered in captivity, and whose body is still held by Hamas, spoke of how the war with Iran has affected her and triggered traumas from October 7.
“I’m reliving the fears of the sirens and constantly looking for security to protect us,” she said, expressing how returning to bomb shelters for extended periods and waiting for Iranian missiles to hit arouses complex feelings for families of hostages.
“From our perspective, the issue has not been resolved, and I hope that there isn’t too long a road left to go — it consumes us every moment,” she said. “The whole situation this last week makes everything even more difficult.”
Terror groups in the Gaza Strip are holding 53 hostages, including 52 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023.
They include the bodies of at least 31 confirmed dead by the IDF, and 20 are believed to be alive. There are grave concerns for the well-being of two others, Israeli officials have said.