A Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
As many families across the world come together to celebrate the holidays, some are still separated from their loved ones. On the eve of Christmas and Hanukkah, the families of those still being held hostage by Hamas since the October 7th attack are facing another difficult holiday apart. One woman, whose life was directly impacted by the attack, is doing everything in her power to bring the hostages home. Liz Hirsch Naftali, author of Saving Abigail, has become an advocate for those who are still held captive.
Liz Hirsch Naftali’s Story: A Day That Changed Everything
On October 7, 2023, Liz was in Tel Aviv when the attack began. Sirens blared, and like everyone in Israel, she rushed to safety. However, as she attempted to contact her family in the Gaza border area, she received devastating news. The Hamas terrorists had invaded their community and taken the lives of her niece, nephew-in-law, and possibly her 3-year-old niece, Abigail. This marked the beginning of Liz’s personal fight to free hostages.
The Horrors of Kidnapping: Abigail’s Story
Abigail, only three years old at the time, was taken hostage during the attack. For 51 agonizing days, she was held in a dark, cramped room with little food or water. Liz describes the unimaginable suffering her niece experienced, with no medical attention or basic hygiene. Yet Abigail’s resilience shone through. Despite her trauma, Abigail managed to remain joyful and playful, dancing, eating French fries, and enjoying strawberry ice cream, even while haunted by the horrors she faced.
Life Under Attack: The Reality of Living in Israel
Living in Israel means living under the constant threat of missile attacks. Liz describes a reality where citizens are forced to seek shelter at a moment’s notice, with alarms going off multiple times a day. This becomes a part of daily life, and despite the constant fear, Israelis, including Liz’s family, continue to go about their day after seeking shelter. Liz shares that her daughter, who lives in Israel, sent a text to assure her she was safe after a missile strike. The ongoing threat is something that those living in Israel live with daily.
Abigail’s Release: A Long-Awaited Reunion
After months of uncertainty, Abigail was finally released from Hamas captivity in late November 2023. Liz recalls the overwhelming emotions of that moment, when President Biden personally called to inform her family that Abigail was coming home. A photo of Abigail in her grandmother’s arms confirmed the long-awaited reunion.
Advocating for the Other Hostages: A Mission Continues
Even after Abigail’s release, Liz’s fight is far from over. She has become an advocate for the remaining hostages, many of whom have been held for more than 440 days. Liz and other families have tirelessly worked with both the current Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration to secure the release of these innocent victims. Liz emphasizes that we all have a role to play in raising awareness, both through social media and by engaging with policymakers to demand action.
How Can You Help?
The struggle to free these hostages is not just a political issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis. Liz urges everyone to use their voices to elevate the stories of those still trapped. Social media, personal relationships, and even reaching out to leaders across the globe can make a difference in this fight.
A Call to Action
Liz Hirsch Naftali’s book Saving Abigail offers a deeply personal account of the kidnapping and rescue of a 3-year-old hostage. It sheds light on the brutal reality faced by families affected by this ongoing crisis. By raising awareness and amplifying the stories of those still held hostage, we can help bring them home. Liz remains committed to this mission, and she calls on all of us to join her in advocating for the release of the hostages.
Source: Fox News
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