Families of Israeli Hostages Plead for Global Support

This week, in Brussels, families of Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas in Gaza delivered impassioned pleas for international support, revealing the human toll of the ongoing crisis in a press conference organised by EIPA – Europe-Israel Press Association.

With tears and trembling voices, they shared the harrowing experiences of their loved ones who have been held captive since the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Cochav William Levinson, whose 19-year-old son, Shay Levinson, tragically lost his life after being kidnapped during the October 7th Hamas attack, has urged the global community not to equate Hamas with freedom fighters for Palestine.

Cochav William Levinson, accompanied by his daughter Mika

Accompanied by his daughter Mika, Levinson addressed reporters in Brussels, portraying the EU as a potential saviour in the quest for the release of the 125 remaining hostages.

He described the EU as “a knight in shining armour,” emphasising its potential to play a pivotal role in securing the freedom of those still held captive.

He stated, “Make no mistake, Hamas is a terrorist organisation. It is a tyrannical, extreme Muslim terrorist organisation.

It is not a freedom fighter. Hamas doesn’t even pretend to care about its own people.”

Levinson emphasised the urgent need for global intervention to end the suffering of the hostages.

Mazy Zafrani, the aunt of 26-year-old Noa Argamani, who was abducted from the Nova festival on October 7th, expressed the profound anguish of their family’s plight:

“Noa has endured 234 days in captivity. Her mother’s health is deteriorating rapidly, and her deepest desire is to reunite with her daughter, if only for an hour, to share a hug and be by her side.”

As an only child, Noa’s absence weighs heavily, particularly as her mother battles terminal brain cancer, as noted by representatives of the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“We remain in the dark about Noa’s well-being since the release of a video in January,” her aunt lamented. “There have been no other signs of her existence. We are devoid of information, receiving no updates from any international entity, including the Red Cross.”

Sharon Kalderon, sister-in-law of Ofer Kalderon, echoed Zafrani’s sentiments, urging empathy from European leaders.

She stressed the need for recognition of the hostages’ suffering, stating, “This war is very tough for both sides. There are tragedies on both sides. We pray this bloodbath will end soon.”

Sharon Kalderon, sister-in-law of Ofer Kalderon, recounted her own harrowing experience as a survivor of the 7 October 2023. “We were there for 34 hours without food, water, or a chance to use the toilet.

“Thousands of terrorists surrounded our house, trying to get in. At 8:30 in the morning, we received a message from our daughter saying, ‘The terrorists are here, in our house.’ We escaped through the window,” she said.

Sharon Kalderon described the terror of those hours and the abduction of her family members. “Our children were taken but were returned after 52 days.

“One of the last hostages who was released after 55 days told us about Ofer’s  wounds. He was shot in the leg and was in extreme pain, crying. We haven’t had any further news since then,” she said, highlighting the uncertainty that continues to haunt the families.

Sharon Kalderon called for urgent humanitarian action:

“We demand minimum humanitarian needs for the hostages. The Red Cross must be allowed to access them. We thank God for those who have been released, but there are still babies, children, fathers, grandfathers, and soldiers held captive. The most important thing now is to bring them back home as soon as possible. The war will not be over until they are all home, until we recover the dead.”

Family members abducted by Hamas

Bar Kupershtein

Bar Kuperstein, 22, hailing from Holon, found himself ensnared in a nightmare when he was abducted from the Nova festival, where he served as both a security guard and paramedic. Despite the perilous circumstances, Bar selflessly tended to the wounded until terrorists seized him. His family was confronted with the grim reality of his abduction through Hamas videos, yet remains hopeful for his safe return. Bar’s commitment to supporting his family financially underscored his dedication, driving him to work at the festival.

Ofer Kalderon

Ofer Kalderon, 53, residing in Kibbutz Nir Oz, was forcibly taken from his home along with other family members, including his children Sahar and Erez, who were eventually released after 52 agonizing days. Tragically, other family members succumbed to violence. Ofer’s daughter, who shared his captivity, affirmed his survival at the time of her release, though updates on his condition remain scarce. As a French citizen, Ofer’s profession as a carpenter and passion for cycling defined him.

Noa Argamani

Noa Argamani, 26, hailing from Be’er Sheva, endured a nightmarish ordeal when she and her partner, Avinatan, were abducted from the Nova festival on 7th October. The chilling event was recorded and circulated on social media platforms, leaving Noa’s loved ones in a state of anguish. A subsequent photo depicting Noa drinking water in captivity intensified her family’s distress, particularly her mother, who battles terminal brain cancer, fervently hoping for a reunion before her time wanes.

Shay Levinson

The heart-wrenching saga extends to Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, 19, whose tragic fate was sealed on January 21, 2024, when the IDF confirmed his death. Shay, a standout volleyball player from Giv’at Avni in northern Israel, was abducted and killed by Hamas on October 7. Notably, Shay’s commitment to coexistence was exemplified through his involvement with a team in Eilabun, an Arab village near his hometown, where he stood as the sole Israeli Jew for several years.

The press conference, held on Monday, 27th May 2024, served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgency of concerted action to secure the safe return of those held captive. The families’ impassioned call for immediate intervention resonates deeply, underscoring the pressing need for decisive steps to alleviate their suffering.

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