As the fate of dual citizens is negotiated by Qatar and the US, Israeli captives could be left behind
“We’re in a horror movie, a nightmare, this is the worst period in our lives,” Lee Dan, three of whose relatives are being held in Gaza, tells Mishpacha. “Our biggest fear is that the IDF will launch a ground offensive before they can be rescued, and who knows what will happen to them. It’s clear that Hamas intends to use them as human shields.”
Dan speaks for hundreds of families who were leading normal, happy lives just two weeks ago. It seemed unimaginable that their peace of mind could be shattered so quickly. But on the morning of Shabbos Simchas Torah, everything changed. These families’ loved ones were abducted to Gaza or are listed as missing. The captives include children and babies, elderly Holocaust survivors, women and mothers, as well as people with special needs. What they all have in common is that they’re innocent civilians caught up in the cruelest massacre the Jewish People has known since the Holocaust.
As of press time, 222 families had received official notice from Israeli authorities that loved ones were being held by Hamas. Two captives — a mother and daughter from Chicago — were released by Hamas over Shabbos, and there were reports of another pending large release of hostages with dual citizenship. But there are many other families with loved ones classified as missing who are walking around in complete uncertainty, trying to hold on to hope for a miraculous happy ending to the story.
The Dan family’s nightmare began when they received word that three of their loved ones were abducted and are being held by Hamas: Erez Calderon, 12; Sahar Calderon, 16; and their father, Ofer Calderon, 50.
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