On this sun-drenched morning there gave the impression to be fewer individuals gathered in Hostages Sq. than on earlier launch days. Naama Moses, a volunteer promoting merchandise to help the Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board, which represents relations of the captives, ascribed this to the ache that many felt once they noticed the three males who had been freed final week.
“Maybe containing your disappointment could be simpler at dwelling in entrance of the telly, by yourself,” Ms. Moses stated.
Dr. Hagai Levine, the pinnacle of the medical crew for the hostage households group, stated that whereas the lads launched Saturday had been speaking and strolling on their very own, it was evident from the video of their launch that they wanted medical care. “Now they should be examined very rigorously,” he stated.
Dr. Levine stated these launched just lately had shared “dreadful testimonies” in regards to the standing of hostages who stay in Gaza. “Being in captivity for practically 500 days means extreme injury to their well being,” he stated. “They don’t have time, they might not survive the subsequent weeks.”
The specter of the cease-fire negotiations breaking down alarmed households whose family members weren’t set to be launched throughout the cease-fire settlement’s present part, which ends early subsequent month.
“There’s concern,” stated Mr. Zexer, whose household hosted the Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander throughout his navy service in Israel. “We live in a actuality present that even the satan couldn’t have conceived.”
Describing the strain and uncertainty between every week’s launch, Mr. Zexer stated that “the hostages are paying the value.”
Even after the Crimson Cross drove away with the newly launched males, heading towards Israel, the group at Hostages Sq. remained, hoisting photos of individuals nonetheless in captivity in a subdued celebration of solidarity.
“It’s overwhelming to be right here, the heat and the love,” stated Jennifer Brandeis, who was visiting Tel Aviv from Virginia. “Being collectively — it’s all the things to me.”
