Retired IDF Officer Shares Emotional Journey Supporting Families of Hamas Hostages

Retired Brigadier General Michal Teshuva, who accompanied many families of hostages held by Hamas following the October 7, 2023 attacks, recounts the intimate and painful moments behind the scenes. Shortly after the attacks, Teshuva joined the IDF’s hostages and missing persons command center, tasked with informing families about their loved ones’ status and providing continuous support through the crisis.

Teshuva, who retired in 2021 after a distinguished military career including serving as Chief of Staff to the IDF Chief of General Staff, chose to become a victims’ officer inspired by her husband’s similar role and the need for female officers to support families, especially mothers. She describes the emotional complexity of delivering devastating news and the challenge of building trust with families amid chaos and uncertainty.

She was the first to inform families like that of Almog Meir Jan, the initial hostage she was assigned to, and later supported others including the Goldstein-Almog family, who endured multiple losses and kidnappings. Teshuva highlights the unbearable agony of families living in limbo, the anger some expressed toward state representatives, and the delicate balance of maintaining hope while preparing for the worst.

Throughout the ordeal, Teshuva maintained close relationships with families, often providing emotional support beyond official duties, such as celebrating birthdays and assisting with bureaucratic matters. When hostages were rescued, including in the daring "Arnon" operation in June 2024, she was there to deliver the news and facilitate reunions, describing the surreal experience of meeting hostages she had come to know intimately through stories and updates.

Since early 2024, Teshuva has also served as director of Maccabi Healthcare Services’ Southern District, balancing her medical leadership role with her ongoing commitment to hostage families. She reflects on the profound human moments amid tragedy and the relief she felt when all 13 hostages she supported were eventually freed, marking the end of her most challenging mission.