Israeli Siblings Freed By Hamas Learn Of Mom's Murder On Reaching Home

Noam Or, 17, and his 13-year-old sister Alma, who spent an agonizing 50 days in Hamas captivity, were finally freed in the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Hopes of reuniting with their mother, however, were shattered when the siblings learned about her tragic death during an October 7 attack in Israel. Forced apart from their parents and taken hostage by Hamas, the siblings endured confinement in a Gaza house, sharing a room with another woman from their kibbutz.

Ahal Besorai, the maternal uncle, revealed the heartbreaking news to the media: "My sister, their mom, was murdered on October 7. The children did not know that." The separation from their mother from the outset of their ordeal added a layer of cruelty to an already painful experience.

Reunion Marred By Grief

Upon crossing the border and reuniting with their grandmother and older brother after their release, the siblings were confronted with the harsh reality of their mother's demise. "And that was an emotional and traumatic moment for them," Mr Besorai shared. The tears and pain were palpable as the teens, still in shock, faced the harsh truth of their mother's tragic fate. Meanwhile, their father, Dror, remains captive in the Gaza Strip, adding another layer of uncertainty to their already tumultuous situation.

The Ordeal Of Liberation

Handcuffed, blindfolded, and eventually handed over to the Red Cross, the siblings faced the harrowing experience of liberation. Mr. Besorai, choosing not to delve into the specifics of their ordeal, emphasized its horror. "It wasn't pleasant, to say the least. It was horrible," he expressed, highlighting the psychological toll on the young captives.

Compassion Amidst Pain

Despite the pain and trauma, Noam Or showed compassion for the Gazans they encountered during their release. The complexity of the situation unfolded as the siblings, now free, focused on recovery, having lost weight during their captivity. However, concerns loom large regarding the long-term impact of this traumatic experience on their well-being.

The Unseen Scars

As the siblings adjust to their newfound freedom, questions arise about the emotional scars left by their harrowing experiences. Mr. Besorai, reflecting on a conversation with Alma, noted her smile and glittering eyes during a Zoom call. Yet he pondered, "What is behind these glittering eyes? What is deep inside them following this horrible ordeal? It is just very difficult for me to assess," highlighting the invisible wounds borne by these young souls.

The release of another 11 Israeli hostages by Hamas adds another layer to the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Two women and nine children, including sets of brothers, were released on Monday night as part of a four-day ceasefire agreement. The emotional toll of such ordeals is immeasurable, leaving families and individuals grappling with the profound impact of war and captivity.