Hostage's Mother Urges Netanyahu to Take Responsibility Before Yom Kippur

Ahead of Yom Kippur, Einav Tsengauker, mother of former hostage Matan Tsengauker, publicly called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take responsibility for the failures leading to the October 7th attacks and to apologize to the victims and the Israeli public. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Tsengauker invoked the spirit of Yom Kippur, emphasizing the need to confront harm caused to others. "The eve of Yom Kippur reminds us that transgressions between people are not erased on their own. That there is a moment when a person must stand before those they have harmed, look them in the eye, take responsibility, and ask for forgiveness."

She reflected on the three years since October 7th, describing the immense and indescribable loss and pain the Israeli society has endured. Tsengauker specifically mentioned families who lost loved ones, soldiers who died, the physically and mentally wounded, families who worked to free hostages, and former hostages themselves who are trying to relearn how to live after experiencing hell. She stated that within this reality, one apology is still missing.

Directly addressing the Prime Minister, she urged him, "Mr. Prime Minister, it is not too late. Here are the things you need to do just before the fast begins: Take responsibility. Ask for forgiveness. From the victims of the failures and from the entire nation of Israel. And vacate your position, just as all other responsible parties for the failure have done."

Tsengauker clarified that an apology would not change the past or heal deep wounds, but argued that acknowledging responsibility is the first step toward repair. "Because there is no leadership without responsibility and personal example," she wrote. She added that an apology can signal to the public, "I see your pain. I acknowledge my personal responsibility for the failure. I understand what you have been carrying since that day."

She stressed that seeking forgiveness should not replace the demand for truth or accountability but rather complement it. "He who asks for forgiveness does not erase responsibility. He begins to take it," Tsengauker stated. She concluded by reiterating her demand for Netanyahu to take personal responsibility for the October 7th failures, including policy decisions regarding Gaza, ignored warnings that could have prevented the attack, and all events that occurred under his leadership.