The mothers of four young women held hostage in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack have broken their silence. Their desperate plea for their daughters' return comes as the conflict enters its ninth month, a period laden with symbolism and anguish for these families.
Orli Gilboa, mother of 20-year-old IDF observer Daniella, voiced the unthinkable: "Nine months is a symbolic time for a parent, normally a happy time, but my daughter is in the hands of terrorists who we know sexually abused and raped women." The specter of potential pregnancy under such horrific circumstances haunts these families daily.
The mothers of Daniella Gilboa, Doron Steinbrecher, Agam Berger, and Romi Gonen united in a press conference, urging the world not to forget their daughters' plight. Their testimonies paint a grim picture of life in limbo, where hope and despair intertwine with each passing day.
Simona Steinbrecher, mother of 31-year-old Doron, described the past nine months as "pure torture." The families' fears are compounded by reports from released hostages confirming instances of sexual abuse.
In a bold move to maintain public attention, Orli Gilboa recently released Hamas footage of her daughter. "I am letting myself be more optimistic these days," she said, referencing a potential deal on the table. "I call on my prime minister and all the governments involved to use all their strength to make this deal go through."
The parents' plea extends beyond their personal tragedy, touching on the broader conflict. Shlomi Berger, father of 19-year-old Agam, emphasized that the war would continue until all hostages are returned. "For people who want to stop it, the only way is to make Hamas bring back all of the hostages," he stated firmly.
Meirav Leshem Gonen, whose daughter Romi was taken from the Nova festival, expressed disappointment with recent UN meetings that "failed to address" parents' concerns. She declared the ongoing hostage situation "a badge of shame to us all."
Public opinion in Israel appears to be shifting, with a recent Channel 12 poll indicating that 67% of Israelis now prioritize the return of hostages over continuing the war.
As the world watches, these families' united voice echoes a simple, heartrending plea: bring our daughters home.
* The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.
