British Columbia Resident Reconnects with Aunt Freed from Hamas Captivity
Rutie Mizrahi, a resident of Vancouver, British Columbia, received the long-awaited news that her elderly aunt, Yocheved Lifshitz, had been released by Hamas after being held hostage. This comes more than 24 hours after the initial attack on Israel by the militant group. Upon learning of Lifshitz’s release, Mizrahi reached out to her aunt by phone and described her as exhausted but still resilient in spirit.
The 85-year-old Lifshitz has been taking visits from family members and receiving the necessary medical treatment since her return. Mizrahi expressed her happiness and love to her aunt during their phone conversation, choosing not to delve into the details of Lifshitz’s harrowing experience in Gaza. Mizrahi believes that Lifshitz needs time to recover and process the trauma she endured.
Lifshitz is one of the few hostages released by Hamas out of the more than 200 people they have kidnapped, including Mizrahi’s husband and Lifshitz’s husband, Oded. The condition and whereabouts of Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old veteran journalist and peacekeeper, remain unknown.
On Monday, Yocheved Lifshitz and another elderly woman were released to the Red Cross in Egypt. Yocheved, who requires medication and overnight oxygen support, recounted her ordeal after being interviewed in the hospital. She described being taken on a motorbike, being hit with sticks, and witnessing the destruction and violence caused by Hamas.
Lifshitz and the other hostages were initially taken to a large hall with 25 other captives who were described as being friendly. They were then brought into an underground network of tunnels resembling a spider’s web somewhere in Gaza. Lifshitz and four others were separated from the rest of the group, which included her husband.
During their captivity, Lifshitz and the others subsisted on cucumbers and cheese but were relatively well-treated, receiving access to medical care from paramedics and doctors.
Reports in the Israeli press suggest that Hamas is willing to release 50 of its prisoners if Israel agrees to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, especially fuel. However, the Israeli government has stood firm, refusing to comply unless all the hostages are set free.
The retaliatory actions by Israel following the Hamas bombings have resulted in the deaths of over 5,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush and destroy Hamas in response to their incursion. Hamas leaders attribute their attack to Israel’s crackdown on militants, the ongoing Gaza blockade, the imprisonment of thousands of Palestinians, and the construction of settlements deemed illegal by the UN and many international nations.
While Lifshitz’s release brings relief to her family and loved ones, Mizrahi emphasizes the need to continue efforts to secure the freedom of all the remaining hostages. She urges governments worldwide to work tirelessly towards achieving this goal. Mizrahi reminds us that among the remaining hostages are individuals of different ages and backgrounds, including children, mothers, and the elderly. Their exact condition and wellbeing are unknown, underscoring the urgency of their release.
Currently, Lifshitz remains in the hospital, having lost a significant amount of weight during her abduction and experiencing very low blood pressure. Although her recovery will be a long process, Mizrahi has confidence in her aunt’s strength and optimism. Mizrahi believes that Lifshitz, who has always managed to find the good in any situation, will ultimately be okay.
Mizrahi also highlights the fact that Lifshitz might not be fully aware of the extent of the tragedy that has unfolded since her capture, including the high number of casualties. Mizrahi, who herself comes from a family that advocates for peace and Palestinian rights, encourages everyone to speak out against hatred, racism, discrimination, and anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it is encountered. She urges individuals not to remain silent but rather to extend support to people in need, particularly women and children, around the world.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza, with nearly 580,000 seeking shelter in United Nations-run schools and shelters, according to the UN.
In conclusion, the release of Yocheved Lifshitz from Hamas captivity has brought some relief and joy to her family in British Columbia, Canada. However, the focus now shifts to the safe return of all the remaining hostages and the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
