Bereaved Father Responds to Outcry Over Hostage Survivor's Remarks

Hagai Loober, father of fallen soldier Yonatan Loober, has issued a conciliatory message to Yocheved Lifshitz, a former Hamas hostage, following public outcry over Lifshitz's statements. Lifshitz had claimed that she and other hostages were not released by Israel, but rather "bought from Hamas" by philanthropist Miriam Adelson.

Loober addressed Lifshitz directly, expressing his joy at her survival. "Yocheved dear, I am so happy you survived Hamas captivity and nothing can spoil my joy," he wrote. He acknowledged that Lifshitz's statements, which included saying his son Yonatan had no part in her release and that the government did nothing to save her husband, were deeply hurtful and insulting. However, he stated that his personal pain would be dwarfed by her freedom.

Loober also referenced his son's memory, stating that Yonatan never fought for credit and would be happy to see her safe, dismissing any "crazy, shocking, and horrifying" statements wishing her back to captivity. He concluded with a plea for unity and mutual respect in public discourse, emphasizing that even a bereaved father's insult does not justify cruel wishes or curses. He expressed a hope that Israelis can debate without humiliation and disagree without hate.