Title: “The families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas: an unbearable wait”
Introduction:
Since the deadly attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, more than 240 Israeli hostages are still held captive. Their families live in unbearable anguish, without news of their loved ones. Faced with this tragic situation, Israeli society is mobilizing to provide emergency psychological support to those affected. In this article, we will delve into the daily lives of these devastated families and discover the initiatives put in place to support them.
The trauma of families:
Every Saturday evening in Tel Aviv, relatives of the hostages gather to express their pain and helplessness. For them, time stopped on the day of the attack. Of the 247 confirmed hostages, only five have been released, adding to the families’ anguish. Orly Gilboa, mother of a young 19-year-old hostage, testifies to her despair: “I’ve been standing for a month already. I don’t know anything about her! Where is she? Is she eating? Is she drinking? Is she alive? Please bring her back to me!”
Emergency psychological support:
In the heart of Tel Aviv, a building is dedicated to providing emergency aid to the families of hostages. Psychologists are present daily to offer them support. This forum has become an essential place where families feel listened to, understood and supported. Niva Ben Zion, therapist, explains: “This forum is like their home. Some come every day, others prefer to communicate by phone. Most are not ready for in-depth emotional therapy, but we are here to them, at every moment.”
The mobilization of Israeli society:
Faced with the distress of the families, Israeli society as a whole is mobilizing to support and accompany the hostages’ loved ones. Solidarity initiatives are multiplying, ranging from fundraising to help families to the creation of support groups where everyone can share their experiences and find comfort. Awareness campaigns are also launched to maintain media attention on the fate of the hostages and maximize the chances of their release.
Conclusion:
The unbearable wait experienced by the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack is a profound trauma that is shaking the entire Israeli society. The need for emergency psychological support is crucial for these families who live in uncertainty and pain. The mobilization of Israeli society demonstrates unfailing solidarity, ready to provide tireless support to the hostages’ loved ones. In the hope of an imminent release, these families can at least find a little comfort and understanding in the initiatives put in place to support them.