Mothers of Israeli Hostages urge Netanyahu to bring their Children Back
Saturday night, amid reports of a potential deal to return all hostages and on the eve of marking 9 months since October 7th, the Hostages Families Forum held a support rally. The event focused on mothers who have been waiting 9 months for their loved ones’ return – the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for proper burial, said a statement issued by Hostages forum.
Orit Meir, mother of Almog Meir Jan who was rescued from Hamas captivity: “I got Almog back without a deal; an operation and bravery brought him back. He’s one of seven rescued since that cursed Sabbath. For the 120 hostages, only pen and paper will do the job. We have a strong army, brave soldiers and commanders, but now leadership must make the right move. They must sign a deal, and now.
This is the first rally I’ve attended in four weeks. Every Saturday until Almog was returned, I stood here on stage holding his picture, helplessly looking around at my fellow mothers. But there’s work to be done. We must continue and not give up, perhaps make compromises because lives are more important than anything. We must continue so my fellow mothers can embrace the living and, sadly, some will find solace in placing a flower on their children’s graves. We have no time to waste, no privilege to wait, delay, or hesitate. Nine months is already longer than creation; nine months is the time to bring everyone home. Now.”
Yifat Haiman, mother of Inbar Haiman who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas: “I carried Inbar in my womb for nine very difficult months, but the last nine months – it’s suffering and pain that cannot be contained. I gave birth to Inbar in a very difficult labor, and she was a precious gift for only twenty-seven years. My Inbar lies in Gaza. I want my Inbar to return for eternal rest close to me so I can light a candle for her and cry at her grave. This is the least I ask, the least I demand from the Israeli government: Bring my Inbar back to me, bring her back because every day I am murdered anew.”
Ella Haimi, wife of the late Tal Haimi, who gave birth to their fourth son in May: “Three weeks passed from the moment you and I discovered I was pregnant until October 7th. Like any couple expecting a child, we were excited and knew the path to birth was still very long because 9 months is a lot of time. On the night of October 7th, when I realized you were kidnapped and your fate was unclear, I thought you’d surely return by the birth, after all, 9 months is a long time. Two months ago, Lotan was born. He’s beautiful and sweet with the same intensity as the taste of the missed opportunity for you to meet each other. It’s clear to all of us that only a deal will bring back all the hostages.
As a widow of a hostage, I call on you – Prime Minister and all Cabinet members – don’t miss the opportunity to bring everyone back! The disaster happened on your watch, and it’s your responsibility, Prime Minister and coalition members! Attack this mission with determination and courage, just like my Tal and his friends, who didn’t hesitate in defending the kibbutz they loved so much, thereby saving dozens of kibbutz members. Complete the negotiations, it’s possible!”
Simona Steinbrecher, mother of Doron Steinbrecher: “My Doron, nine months since you were taken with unimaginable brutality and cruelty. You were kidnapped alone, you were lonely, and I’m so physically close to you, and can’t help you! On day 107, your video was released. I saw you sick and weakened, but strong in heart and mind. I felt that you still know that my heart and mind, your mother’s, are with you. I would do anything to be with you in the darkness you’re in. I cry out your cry from every possible platform! I speak with whoever I can, in every language I know. I wish I could switch places with you.”
Ayelet Samerano, mother of Yonatan Samerano who was murdered and kidnapped: “My Yonatan, I’ll do everything for you, as I’ve always done. This is the fight of my life, my struggle to bring you back to the world of the living. Bringing 120 hostages out of Gaza is like giving birth to them again. I call on all mothers in Israel and around the world, unite with us, lend us your strength and love. Harness your power for love, not hate. Harness your strength for a struggle that comes from love, not from anger, not from disappointment, and not from war.”
Anat Angrest, mother of Matan Angrest who was kidnapped to Gaza severely wounded and unconscious: “I’m considered lucky among the hostage families. I received a sign of life from Matan in a video our soldiers found in Gaza. In the video, Matan, my son, is seen looking directly at the camera with wounded eyes and addressing you, Prime Minister. He shouts: ‘Netanyahu, I don’t understand how this happened, but I’m counting on you to get me out of here.’ The Prime Minister didn’t get you out of there. The country you fought for decided you’re staying there. You’re not a child because you’re over 18, not a woman, not elderly, and not chronically ill. You’re ‘just’ a soldier who fought and was willing to sacrifice himself. So you’re staying there… in tunnels, in darkness, wounded, bleeding, who knows if still surviving.
I turn to you, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and remind you: Matan is a heroic soldier, but first and foremost, he’s a child who grew up in Israel on its values, who gave me the title of mother 21 years ago. And you, Netanyahu, gave me the title of mother to a child kidnapped into hell 9 months ago.”
Hagit Chen, mother of the late Itay Chen: “Four months ago, we were informed that my hero Itay fell in battle on 10/7. A notification that doesn’t allow for burial and shiva, a notification that doesn’t allow for anything except a punch in the gut. Nothing prepared me for the nightmare my life has become in the last 9 months. There must be a deal to bring back the men, to bring back the soldiers, those alive and those no longer. There must be a deal for everyone, all 120 hostages! Because any partial deal will leave our sons in Gaza forever”, concluded the statement
