Grieving Families of 'Black Sabbath' Victims Left to Cope Alone
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
The author criticizes the Israeli government for allegedly abandoning a hostage deal in May 2024 due to coalition pressure, leaving families of deceased hostages to grieve alone. He calls for a change in government to establish a state commission of inquiry and uncover the truth.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Families of deceased hostages are left to grieve alone, lacking government support.
- A reported hostage deal in May 2024 was allegedly scuttled by coalition threats.
- Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir threatened to dissolve the government over the deal.
- The author criticizes Netanyahu for prioritizing the coalition over hostage release.
- A Likud candidate's remark about a deceased hostage's wife is condemned.
- A change in government is called for to establish a state inquiry.
The author recounts visiting the home of a bereaved friend whose son was killed after being taken hostage on "Black Sabbath" (October 7th). He was surprised to find two other parents there whose children had also been returned deceased. The author expresses ongoing concern for the hostages held in Hamas tunnels since October 7th, having published numerous articles calling for their release at any cost, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
He reveals that a deal to release most hostages in exchange for a ceasefire was reportedly reached in early May 2024 and approved by the Israeli cabinet, with Egyptian representatives awaiting finalization. However, the deal was scuttled at the last minute due to threats from ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir to dissolve the government. The author criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu for prioritizing the coalition over the hostages, including the wounded, elderly, children, women, and sick, and failing to find any minister to oppose this "selfish, uncompassionate decision."
While the return of surviving hostages is a cause for joy, the families whose loved ones returned in coffins are now left to grieve alone, finding solace only amongst themselves. The author notes that the public support that once rallied for the hostages has quieted. He quotes one father who, after receiving his son's remains in a "bag of bones" and observing mourning rituals without a grave, still feels "like a hostage."
The author laments that politicians from the "failure coalition" continue to ignore the suffering of hostages and their families, with some even spewing venom for electoral gain. He specifically condemns Likud Knesset candidate Itzik Bonzel for a "macabre" remark about Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husband Oded was returned deceased, even after Bonzel apologized.
The author concludes that the "hostage families" will find no rest, and his own pain can only be eased if the Israeli public votes for a "change government" that will establish a state commission of inquiry. This, he believes, is the only way for families and released hostages to find truth and solace, and to remove those responsible for the "destruction of democracy" from power. He stresses the public's obligation to remain attentive to the bereaved families' plight, offering support and acknowledging their grief as a national tragedy.