Escaped Prisoner Held Family Hostage, Did Dishes

In a bizarre turn of events in Beer Sheva, escaped prisoner Herzel Avitan held the Almalkais family hostage in their home for nearly 24 hours in late summer 1988. Avitan, who had already served time for murder and robbery and had a history of escape attempts, broke into the family's home, brandishing a pistol and informing them he had escaped prison and was being sought by police.

He demanded they keep him company, close the windows and blinds, and provide him with drinks and a radio tuned to news reports about the manhunt. Avitan assured the family, including parents Shimon and Eti and their daughter Yifat, that they would not be harmed. He even offered Shimon a banknote to gain their trust. The family's younger son returned home from swimming and joined them, and they all watched news coverage of Avitan's escape from Nitzan Prison.

During their surreal captivity, the family shared a Sabbath meal with Avitan, who spoke about his wife, son, and harsh treatment by guards. He expressed interest in the family's personal lives and even admonished Eti for leaving the door unlocked, reiterating that he would not hurt them. Eti later recounted finding Avitan washing dishes in the kitchen, where he explained he enjoyed the feeling of domesticity and wanted things to be spotless.

The next morning, Avitan left the apartment with Shimon and the younger daughter, heading towards Tel Aviv in a taxi. Despite passing through police checkpoints, they were not stopped. The taxi eventually stopped near a large orchard outside Ra'anana, where Avitan released Shimon and his daughter, gave the taxi driver a $100 bill, and fled into the trees. He was apprehended later by a special police force at his sister's home in Hod Hasharon.