Einav Zangauker asks Hamas: ‘Take care of my son, film him’

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan has been held captive in Gaza by Hamas for 537 days, issued a heartfelt appeal on Thursday morning directed at Hamas commanders in Khan Younis and U.S. President Donald Trump. In her message, she urged Hamas leadership to keep Matan alive and called on Trump to exhaust all efforts to secure the release of all captives.

In a letter, Zangauker wrote: “I am Einav, the mother of Matan Zangauker. We, like our sons, have also felt like we’ve been in Hamas captivity for over 500 days. The fear and loneliness are killing them, and killing us too. Will our sons also be granted the chance to come home? Don’t forget them. Don’t forget us.”

She continued: “I appeal to the Hamas commanders in Khan Younis and to their guards: please keep them safe until a deal is made. President Trump, please do everything you can. The Israeli government must bring back all the boys still in Hamas captivity, otherwise, the war will not end. It’s time to put an end to this nightmare.”

Zangauker also made a poignant request: “I call on their guards—film them. I hope our sons get to see this video. Our boys need us to be strong for each other. My Matan, your mother is on her way, along with Ilana, Natalie, Shani, and an entire country—we fight every day to bring you back. Stay strong. You will get out and return to us. We’re all fighting for you. Take care of him for me.”

In December, a video surfaced providing proof of life of 24-year-old Matan Zangauker—exactly 14 months after he was abducted from Nir Oz alongside his partner, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was later freed in a hostage deal. In the video, Matan spoke directly to his mother: “I’m watching you. I hear a lot about you. I understand the things you’re doing,” he said. “I hear about the actions you’re taking. I’m very happy to know you’re doing well. I hope to see you again soon, when we meet. I hope to sit with you at a table, eat with you, talk with you, drink with you.”

Israel Hayom contributed to this article.