Hagar Brodutch, a former hostage of Hamas along with her three children, faced another night of terror during the recent Iranian missile attack. Brodutch, who was kidnapped from kibbutz Kfar Aza and held captive for 51 days in Gaza, expressed her hope for a swift end to the ongoing war.
In a message via WhatsApp, Brodutch shared, “We had a horrible evening and night. I just wish the war would be over already. We can’t stand it anymore.” She also cared for 4-year-old American Abigail Eden, whose parents were killed by Hamas, during her captivity. Brodutch and Abigail were eventually freed in a prisoner exchange on Nov. 26, but more than 100 people still remain in captivity.
Daniel Aloni, another former hostage who was released with his 5-year-old daughter, Emilia, expressed concern that the escalating tensions with Iran could divert attention from the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. The Hostage Family Forum, representing the families of hostages, emphasized the importance of focusing on the remaining captives who have been held for over 190 days.
Amidst the stress and anxiety of the recent attack, the forum stated, “The fears and emotions we all felt pale in comparison to the terror, dread, despair, loneliness, cold, physical and mental torment the 133 hostages held by Hamas have endured for 190 days and nights.” They urged the international community to prioritize the release of all hostages before more innocent lives are tragically lost.