Hostage's Mother Shares Emotional Account of His Release and Captivity
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Ditzah Orr, mother of Avinatan Orr, who was released from Hamas captivity, shared her feelings in her first interview since his return. She expressed immense joy for his safe return but also profound sorrow for families still waiting for their loved ones. Orr discussed her son's resilience, attributing it to his deep Jewish roots and faith. She also spoke about his separation from fellow hostage Noa Argamani and her prayers for his future happiness.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ditzah Orr expressed simultaneous joy for her son Avinatan's safe return and sorrow for families still awaiting loved ones.
- She attributed Avinatan Orr's resilience to his deep Jewish roots, faith, and connection to the Israeli people.
- Orr acknowledged Avinatan Orr's decision to separate from fellow released hostage Noa Argamani.
- She revealed Avinatan Orr's greatest hardship in captivity was the fear of losing his parents.
- Ditzah Orr prayed for her son to find a worthy life partner and build a happy home.
Ditzah Orr, mother of Avinatan Orr, who was released from Hamas captivity, gave her first interview since his return on the program "HaPatriotim," hosted by Yinon Magal. She expressed immense joy at her son's safe return, stating he came back "healthy, strong, happy, and victorious." However, Orr also spoke of the profound sorrow and pain that persist for families whose loved ones have not yet returned. "On the other side of the heart, there is crying, sadness, and terrible brokenness, and a void and pain, many challenges that still need healing," she said, describing the simultaneous existence of joy and grief.
Orr attributed her son's resilience to his deep roots in Jewish tradition, faith, and connection to the Israeli people, likening him to a strong tree. She noted that his hometown of Shilo, a place with deep historical and spiritual significance in Judaism, further anchors him. She also addressed the separation between Avinatan and Noa Argamani, who was abducted with him and also returned to Israel. Orr stated that the decision was Avinatan's, acknowledging that their two years in captivity had changed them both and altered what was once suitable for their relationship.
She shared her personal prayers for Avinatan's future, hoping he finds a "worthy life partner from the root of his soul" and builds a happy, loving home. Orr also revealed that the greatest hardship Avinatan experienced in captivity, as detailed in his book "Through the Earth," was the fear of losing his parents, a sentiment echoed by other former POWs. She reassured him during his captivity that he was surrounded by support, and humorously added that his Sukkah from that year was still waiting for him.
