In a harrowing turn of events, Noam and Alma Or, teenage siblings held captive for 50 days in Gaza, returned home only to face the devastating news of their mother's murder. The siblings, aged 17 and 13, were abducted during a brutal attack by Hamas militants on their community in Be'eri, a kibbutz near the Gaza border, on October 7.
Their uncle, Ahal Besorai, revealed the heart-wrenching moment to CNN from the Philippines, stating that the children were unaware of their mother's fate until their release. "The first news that they had to confront was the fact that their mom is no longer alive," Besorai said, describing the emotional and traumatic reunion with their grandmother and older brother.
Hamas Attack Turns Peaceful Be'eri Kibbutz Into Scene of Devastation
The attack on Be'eri, a peaceful farming community, marked a day of bloodshed and devastation, with over 120 residents, including children, murdered by Hamas militants. Amidst the chaos, Noam and Alma were separated from their parents and taken hostage. Their father, Dror, remains missing and is believed to be still captive in Gaza.
Besorai called the siblings' experience in captivity "horrible," but he refrained from going into detail out of respect for families who still have loved ones held hostage. The children were kept in a house in Gaza, sharing a room with another woman from their kibbutz.
In a significant development, a breakthrough truce agreement between Israel and Hamas has led to the release of more than 200 hostages in Gaza. This agreement includes the release of Palestinian women and children detainees from Israeli prisons, many of whom have never been charged or sentenced. The initial four-day truce was extended by two days, allowing for the release of groups of Israeli citizens and other nationals.
A Compassionate Perspective: Freed Teen's Empathy for Gazans
During their captivity, Noam, Alma, and the third woman in their room kept a shared diary, which they were unable to bring with them upon release. The circumstances of their release were kept secret from them until the last moment, with Hamas using deceptive tactics to maintain control over the situation.
Upon their return, Noam expressed compassion for the civilians in Gaza, reflecting on the plight of those left behind. "He said, 'I feel so sorry for them because they are staying here, and we are going home,'" Besorai recounted.
The family now focuses on the siblings' recovery. Despite losing weight and enduring immense trauma, they appear to be "sort of okay." However, the long-term psychological impact of their ordeal remains a concern. Besorai's poignant reflection on his first conversation with Alma post-release highlights the uncertainty and depth of the trauma they have experienced.
As the ceasefire continues, the release of hostages brings both relief and a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's human cost. The story of Noam and Alma Or is a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity and the enduring impact of such traumatic experiences.
