Bereaved Father Responds to Hostage Survivor's Claims on Release

Hagai Louber, the father of fallen soldier Yonatan Louber, has responded to statements made by former Hamas hostage Yocheved Lifshitz regarding the release of captives. Lifshitz had claimed that US President Donald Trump was responsible for the return of the hostages. Louber expressed deep disagreement with this assertion but strongly condemned personal attacks against Lifshitz, emphasizing that his grief as a bereaved father does not overshadow his joy at her safe return.

"Dear Yocheved, I am so happy you survived Hamas captivity and nothing can spoil my joy," Louber began his statement. He acknowledged that Lifshitz's words might cause him pain, stating, "Even if you say my son Yonatan, may he rest in peace, had no part in your release, and even if you say the government did not lift a finger to save your husband, and even if you say words of thanks only to the mediators and not to your people, it would indeed sadden and deeply offend me, and I would think you are making a grave mistake."

However, Louber drew a clear line between disagreement and personal vilification. "But my sorrow will be canceled compared to the joy, and the offense will not be felt compared to you being free," he wrote. He connected this to his son, Yonatan, believing he would have viewed the dispute with humility. "Because my son never fought for credit," Louber stated. "And I am sure that if he is looking from heaven, he is happy that you are back with the family."

Louber vehemently rejected hateful remarks directed at Lifshitz, such as wishing she had returned to the tunnels. "The thought of a crazy, shocking, and horrifying statement that you should return to the captivity tunnels does not cross my mind," he declared. He concluded by calling for a more respectful public discourse in Israel, stating, "And nothing, not even my offense, the offense of a bereaved father, justifies the attack. And may we know how to argue without humiliating, and to disagree without hating. Amen."