Mother of Israeli Hostage Killed in Gaza Rejects Revenge After Captor's Death

Iris Hayim, mother of Yotam Hayim who was killed by Israeli fire in Gaza in December 2023 after escaping Hamas captivity, spoke on the Kan News program "Ma'avirim LeRishon" about the recent killing of the terrorist who held her son. She stated she never felt any joy or desire for revenge against the captor. Instead, she expressed shock and disbelief that such events could occur in Israel and emphasized the need for national introspection following the October 7 attacks to strengthen internal unity against enemies.

Hayim described how the news of the terrorist's death brought back painful memories of her son's captivity. She reflected on how, over time, she perceives Yotam and other hostages like Alon and Samer as not truly being prisoners in a mental sense. She received a photo of the terrorist from the Israeli security services, contrasting the threatening image shown in the media with a more humanizing picture of a young boy being embraced. This led her to question the nature of hatred and violence, recognizing that the captors were humans driven by hatred, not monsters.

As a nurse, Hayim compared Israeli society to a body where each individual is a cell; only by strengthening and synchronizing these cells can the nation repel threats like cancer. Her comments highlight the personal and societal challenges Israel faces in the aftermath of the war and hostage crisis. The interview also briefly referenced Alon Ohana, a former hostage survivor, who recently appeared at the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States.

Hayim's reflections underscore the complex emotions of victims' families and the broader call for unity and resilience within Israeli society following traumatic events.