By Isabelle Wilson-
An Israeli hostage has told her story of captivity at a gripping press conference in Tel Aviv Israel this morning, in which shesaid she went through hell.
85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz has recounted her nightmarish journey through the Gaza Strip, where she was held captive by Hamas militants. Her tale of survival sheds light on the brutality of her abduction and the unexpected kindness she encountered while in captivity.
Lifshitz’s mild voice resonates with the horrors she endured as she was taken on a motorcycle ride into the depths of a perilous “spiderweb” of underground tunnels. With her legs on one side and her head on the other, she was ferried to an uncertain fate, enduring physical abuse at the hands of her captors along the way.
Her ordeal did not end upon her arrival in the tunnels. The terrorists who abducted her confiscated her watch and jewelry, and then, with unfathomable cruelty, forced her to navigate a labyrinthine network of tunnels that she likened to a “spiderweb.”
Sitting by her side, her daughter, Sharone, aids Lifshitz in recounting her harrowing story, their bond a testament to the strength that binds families during times of crisis.
Following the harrowing journey through the tunnels, Lifshitz found herself in a large hall with approximately 25 other hostages. After a few hours, she and four other captives were taken into a separate room.
Astonishingly, Lifshitz described the treatment she received as “good,” acknowledging that she was provided with medicine and food during her confinement.
In a surprising turn of events, Lifshitz made a poignant reference to the terrorists’ attempts to breach Israel’s security barrier, suggesting that their efforts were in vain. Her words underscore the significance of security measures in the region.
Although Lifshitz has been released, her husband remains in Hamas captivity, a painful reminder of the ongoing anguish faced by countless families in the region.
For Sharone, the return of her mother is cause for celebration. “My mom is very much hoping that all the people who were with her will come back,” she said, reflecting the hope for a brighter future for all those affected by this conflict.
Yocheved Lifshitz’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage that can emerge from the darkest of circumstances.
Image: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)