Israeli hostage reunited with family | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Omri Lishai: The Israeli hostage, husband of Lishai and father of Ron and Alma, kidnapped from Kabutz Nahal Oz on October 7th, 2023, and recently released.
• Lei Miran Lavy (Lishai): Omri's wife, who led the family's efforts for his release.
• Moshe Lave: Lishai's brother and Omri's brother-in-law, who provided this interview, detailing the family's ordeal and Omri's return.
• Kabutz Nahal Oz: The community where Omri and his family lived, attacked by Hamas on October 7th.
• October 7th Attack: The date of the Hamas invasion of Israel, including Kabutz Nahal Oz, leading to killings and kidnappings.
• Hamas: The Palestinian Islamist militant group responsible for the October 7th attacks and holding hostages.
• Hostage Crisis: The situation involving Israelis taken captive by Hamas.
• International Red Cross: The organization that facilitated the transfer of hostages across the border from Gaza.
• Ikalov Hospital: The medical facility where Omri is receiving treatment and support post-release.
• Crimes Against Humanity: The severe offenses against human dignity and human rights, attributed to Hamas by the family.
• President Trump: The former US President, credited by the family for prioritizing the hostage agenda and facilitating releases.
• Special Envoy Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner: Members of the Trump administration acknowledged for their efforts in the hostage release.
• Hostage Square: A public space where events, including birthday celebrations for hostages, were held to maintain awareness.
• Non-combatants: A term used to distinguish civilians from military personnel, discussed in the context of Gazan civilians holding hostages.
• Accountability: The demand for Hamas, its accomplices, and funders to be held responsible for their actions.
• Healing and Rebuilding: The family's primary focus post-release, rather than vengeance.

The Ordeal and Omri's Release

On October 7th, Hamas attacked Kabutz Nahal Oz, killing 15 people and invading the community. Omri Lishai, his wife Lishai, and their two young children (Ron, now 4, and Alma, now 2.5) were dragged from their safe room. Omri was taken to Gaza, where he was held for two years in tunnels and civilian houses. His wife, Lishai, her brother Moshe Lave, and other relatives fought for his release with "great dignity" over this period. Omri was recently brought across the border by the International Red Cross, leading to his reunion with his family.

Omri's Current Condition and Recovery

Moshe Lave reports that Omri is currently at Ikalov Hospital, undergoing necessary medical tests and treatments. He returned to a "new world" after two years of deprivation, including starvation, lack of water, poor sanitary conditions, no sunlight, and torture. Despite the trauma, Omri is recovering quickly, showing visible improvements (e.g., no longer as pale). He will require several months of medical treatments and significant mental health support. Moshe expresses confidence that Omri will fully recover and return to being the father, husband, and son he was before October 7th.

The Family's Reunion and Rebuilding

The family describes their reunion as "coming to life two days ago" after two years focused solely on the mission of securing Omri's release. Each family member had a specific task: Lishai's parents supported her and helped raise the girls in their displaced home; her sister Mikall supported Lishai in Israel through rallies and media; and Moshe supported from abroad, raising awareness. Now, they are shifting their focus to rebuilding their lives as a complete family. While acknowledging the "traumatic past" cannot be erased, they aim to build on the unity and strength demonstrated during the two-year ordeal to become an even better and more united family.

Maintaining Omri's Presence for the Children

Lishai played an instrumental role in ensuring Omri's presence in the household for their young daughters, Ron and Alma, even in his physical absence. She constantly spoke about him, shared stories, and they would wish him goodnight every evening, often looking at the stars and moon. Posters of Omri were displayed in their home and playroom, keeping his "spirit present." Ron, the elder daughter, vividly remembers the October 7th events, including seeing her father taken. She frequently asked her mother, "Where are you going? And are you going to try and bring daddy home?" The family also marked Omri's birthdays, including one in Hostage Square in April, to reinforce the belief that they would celebrate his life with him upon his return.

Stance on Vengeance vs. Healing

The Lave family explicitly states that their focus is not on vengeance but on "healing, rebuilding." They call for the international community to hold Hamas, its accomplices, and funders accountable for "crimes against humanity," "crimes against our family," "crimes against the people of Israel," and "crimes against the people of Gaza." Moshe mentions that Hamas is still executing people in Gaza. However, the family's path is to make the world a better place through their family's strength and the "light that Omri, Lishai, Ronin, and Alma bring to this world."

The Role of Civilians in Holding Hostages

Moshe Lave confirms that Omri was held by both Hamas and civilians, a fact known from previous captivity survivors. He acknowledges the difficulty of this reality but clarifies his perspective: while he doesn't believe all Gazans support Hamas or participate in atrocities, and many live under a "ruthless Islamist dictatorship," those civilians who participated in atrocities and held hostages are "simply affiliated, associated with Hamas." He asserts they are "not non-combatants" and should be held accountable through due process. He also criticizes "mouthpieces" who embolden Hamas, even after agreements, leading to the continued detention of 21 hostages and Hamas's refusal to disarm.

The US Administration's Role in Hostage Release

Moshe expresses immense gratitude to President Trump and his administration for prioritizing the hostage issue on their foreign policy agenda and efforts to solve the Middle East crisis. He specifically thanks Special Envoy Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Jared Kushner for their involvement. Moshe was part of the group that received personal notification from President Trump about the impending release, an experience he describes as "touching" and one they will "cherish forever." During this conversation, Moshe reiterated that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive, and stressed the need for all to be returned. He is confident that President Trump will continue to push Hamas and its funders until all hostages are released.

Omri's Immediate Desires and Future

Omri's most profound desire is simply "to be free to choose whatever he wants to do in every single moment." For two years, he was deprived of this fundamental right, alongside basic human necessities and subjected to torture. The family is dedicated to fulfilling his every wish, whether it's eating a steak (despite Moshe being vegan), watching a basketball match, reading a book, or simply being alone. The family pledges to be with him and behind him, marking these as the "happiest days" after two long years.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The Lave family's journey exemplifies profound resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of unimaginable trauma. Omri Lishai's release marks a pivotal moment of reunion and the beginning of a challenging but hopeful recovery process, supported by a family committed to his healing and freedom of choice. Their experience highlights the devastating human cost of the October 7th attacks and the complexities of the hostage crisis, including the involvement of civilians. Crucially, the family's steadfast refusal to seek vengeance, instead focusing on rebuilding and demanding accountability for "crimes against humanity," offers a powerful message of hope and a path forward for a better world, while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for the remaining hostages.