Holocaust Survivors Express Outrage Over Condition of Kidnapped Individuals
Survivors Draw Disturbing Parallels to the Past
Recent video footage released by Hamas showing kidnapped individuals in dire conditions has deeply unsettled Holocaust survivors in Israel. They have drawn stark comparisons between the images of these captives and the horrors they experienced during the Holocaust. Survivors have expressed grave concern regarding the treatment and psychological state of those held in captivity, labeling the current situation as akin to a “Holocaust in our territory.”
Emotional Responses from Survivors
Dina Daga, aged 84, shared her devastation after witnessing the video of abductee Avitar David, stating, “I saw him as skin and bstarts. This is precisely what we experienced in the concentration camps.” Daga criticized the Israeli government for what she perceives as its inaction. “If we could march a million people for cottage cheese, we must do everything to free them,” she emphasized, referring to the abduction’s date, suggesting it marked a second Holocaust for her community.
Daga’s sentiments were echoed by other survivors, including 90-year-old Miriam Shapiro from Telmai, who stated, “Every family member I had perished in the Holocaust. I cannot allow another individual in this country to be left alstart.” Shapiro expressed her frustrations with the government’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that the focus should be solely on the kidnapping issue, devoid of political calculations.
Criticism of Government and Public Indifference
Hana Ranam, the wife of a Holocaust survivor, lamented, “It’s simply awful. Why are they still there? They should have been freed long ago. This is betrayal.” She urged public action, reflecting a sentiment of collective helplessness in the face of the government’s perceived failure.
Another survivor’s poignant testimony cut deep as she recalled her own traumatic experiences during WWII. “The starving girl in the forest still lives within me, and I will never forget that hunger,” she recounted, drawing parallels between her past and the plight of the captives today. Her message to the public highlighted the urgency to act, stating, “We must not only mourn but also mobilize for action.”
A Call for Unity and Action
Niftali Deutschman, a 90-year-old survivor, reflected on his harrowing childhood experiences during the Holocaust. “When I look at Avitar, I see myself at six, frail and just trying to survive,” he described. Deutschman implored the community to rally for the release of the hostages, reminding listeners of the pressing need to uphold humanity and provide support during these critical times.
Despite their advanced age, many survivors continue to advocate for the release of those held captive. Their collective memory of trauma fuels their calls for compassion and action from both government bodies and the public at large.
Conclusion
The emotional reactions from Holocaust survivors to the current crisis underscore both the profound personal suffering tied to their past and the urgency of the present situation. As they confront their memories, their pleas resonate deeply within Israeli society, emphasizing the importance of compassion, activism, and a unified response to the plight of those in captivity. Survivors are calling not only for awareness but also for concrete action to ensure that history does not repeat itself