Women were tied behind their backs, young children were pulled from their parents’ arms, and elderly people were brutally abused. The Hamas attack last Saturday is not just focused on those who were killed. An even more tragic aspect is the abductees and their families, who are living a nightmare waiting for their return.
For 34-year-old Yoni Asher, the worst day of his life was last Saturday, when his wife Doron, who was visiting her parents in the area where the Hamas attacks began, called him in a panic to tell him that terrorists had entered their home.
Speaking to Philenews, he said it was the last he had heard from both her and their daughters Aviv and Raz, 5 and 3. “Communication was cut off and I heard from them again, watching videos of the kidnappings posted on social media. I was able to pick out both my wife and my daughters. That is why I am sure they have been kidnapped,” he said.
Now, devastated – and it showed in every word he said – all he wants is for his family to return. “I am appealing to the international community to help and time is of the essence. Even if adults can endure detention, for young children it is impossible,” he explained.
At the same time, however, the uncertainty and not being able to do anything for his family is tearing him apart. The only “weapon” he has at his disposal is his words, calling on the international community to help in any way they can. “We are all parents, we all have children. Our voice must be heard. Our children must be returned,” he said.
Already the families of the abductees are organizing and trying to support each other. With every passing hour, a new abductee story is added to the nightmare Israel is living.
“There are families searching for their own and others mourning for those who have lost their lives. We are trying to understand what happened and what we can do. It is an ongoing process and we need to support each other,” he said.