The Bereaved Mother: I will not Sit Shiva Until My Son's Body is Returned

Sigalit Gal, the mother of the late IDF veteran Shaked Dahan, whose body is being held by the terrorist organization Hamas, says that she does not intend to sit shiva until her son's body is brought back to her.

Earlier this evening, the IDF spokesman announced that Sergeant Shaked Dahan, 19 years old from Afula, a fighter in the 77th Battalion, 7th Brigade, was killed in the battles against Hamas and his body was kidnapped by the terrorist organization.

The bereaved mother posted a photo of herself next to her son and wrote: "I salute you, my beloved and precious Shaked. I fought all my life to take care of and raise you with love, excellent education, values, a proper environment. I did for you what I had to as a mother. I managed to keep and protect you in many situations."

"You were taken from me forever. They took you and didn't care to bring you back. Not even your body. This doesn't respect you, it doesn't respect the family, and it certainly don't respect the country. I gave you the honor while you were alive and I will continue to immortalize you. Know that many people love you."

At the end of her words, Sigalit wrote: "I decided not to sit shiva until your body is returned. I love you forever and ever, my dear child."