Family of Kidnapped Soldier Releases Disturbing Footage of Abduction

Introduction

The family of a kidnapped soldier, Matan Angarest, has publicly released a troubling video documenting the moments of his abduction. The footage shows Angarest unconscious and being brutally attacked by a mob. His mother, Anat Angarest, explained the emotional turmoil that led them to share this distressing material.

The Release of the Video

Anat Angarest announced the release of the video, which had previously been kept private by the family, during a press statement on Thursday evening. She described the footage as depicting her son in a vulnerable state, stating, “We are forced to publish documentation of Matan, my son, from the moments of his abduction—beaten and attacked by a crowd.”

Angarest revealed that she had withheld from watching the video until recently, expressing her realization that silence was no longer an option in their struggle. “I must think only of what I need to do to prove that there are people buried underground in immediate danger—who can still be saved,” she asserted.

Background on Matan Angarest’s Situation

Matan Angarest has been in Hamas captivity for 545 days. His family has experienced deep frustration and fear regarding his condition. The emotional strain has compelled them to take unprecedented steps to advocate for his release. Initially, they refrained from sharing information, hoping that their son’s situation would resolve favorably.

“At first, we were silent; we hardly published any material and wanted to maintain Matan’s privacy,” Anat explained, highlighting their initial hopes for a swift release. However, as time progressed and trust in the government waned—especially after previous abduction deals did not include him—the family felt compelled to act.

“Every time we remain silent, it shortens the lives of those who care about him—my parents, who are Holocaust survivors, see their beloved grandson in this situation,” she added.

Current State of Affairs

The Angarest family emphasized the dire circumstances faced by Matan in captivity, noting that he has suffered multiple serious injuries during his time in confinement. They referenced medical reports indicating long-term disabilities and the worsening of his health due to the ongoing mistreatment he endures.

In her closing remarks, Anat urged, “My son is in a cage, living under conditions of starvation and without daylight. How can anystart argue that retrieving him is not the most important thing?”

Recent Developments

Signals of life from Matan Angarest have been reported recently, along with information regarding his state from another captive, Keith Siegel, who was held with him. Despite his serious injuries sustained during the abduction, Matan was not included in a recent humanitarian exchange aimed at releasing captives.

The family’s actions have raised concerns regarding the treatment of captive soldiers and the policies underpinning governmental negotiation strategies. The video serves as a stark reminder of the individual stories behind the policies and as a direct appeal to the public and authorities for action.

Conclusion

The Angarest family’s courageous decision to share their ordeal aims to shine a light on the harsh realities faced by their son and others like him, pushing for a renewed conversation about the responsibilities owed to those serving in the military