Sharone Lifschitz, a British-Israeli residing in east London, maintained unwavering hope for the safe return of her 84-year-old father, Oded, who was held captive by Hamas for over 500 days. Oded, a staunch advocate for peace and Palestinian rights, was forcefully taken from his home by Palestinian gunmen on October 7th and tragically killed while in captivity in Gaza. His body was eventually returned on Thursday, bringing devastating news to Sharone, her family, and especially her mother Yocheved, who was also held hostage but thankfully survived.
Upon the identification of Oded’s body, the Israeli National Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed that he had been murdered in captivity over a year ago by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization. Sharone, a filmmaker and academic, tearfully expressed a mix of relief and apprehension upon learning of the ceasefire, as it presented an opportunity to finally uncover the fate of her father after enduring a year of uncertainty.
Oded Lifschitz, a journalist and dedicated peace activist, had longstanding ties within the community, particularly in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he lived and was abducted from. He was known for his humanitarian efforts, including driving sick Palestinians to Israeli hospitals for treatment. In a tribute, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer mourned Oded’s tragic passing, acknowledging his tireless pursuit of peace and expressing hope for the realization of his vision for the region.
The release of Oded’s body, alongside three others, marked a somber moment for the families and communities affected by the devastating events of October 7th. The toll of the conflict was profound, with approximately 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians, and a subsequent military response from Israel that resulted in further loss of life. Despite the anguish and uncertainty faced by the hostages’ families, they united in their grief and remembrance, honoring the memory of their loved ones, including Oded Lifschitz, whose legacy of peace and compassion endures
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
