Aviva Siegel survived the tunnels of Gaza, and came to visit us at ONE FOR ISRAEL to talk about her time in captivity. It’s been a year since she and 104 others were released in a hostage deal late last November. However, her husband still remains hostage in Gaza.
It may be a year since Aviva and others were released, but it’s impossible to carry on as usual. She is still not free.
“I’m still there with Keith and all the girls and all the hostages – still in Gaza.” ~ Aviva Siegel1
Similarly, we had the aunt of little Abigail, Ella, come to speak to us about their horrific experience as a family. The survivors have been through so much, and need our prayers.
We were all so glad to see 105 of the hostages coming out of Gaza this time last year, but we are still waiting for so many others to come back home.
Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog said at the anniversary of the last hostage deal: “We must understand and internalize that if we do not bring them home, we will be left with a bleeding, open wound that will forever burn our souls as a society and as a nation.”
As far as we know, 97 of the 251 hostages are still being held hostage in Gaza. That includes the bodies of at least 34 that have been confirmed dead by the IDF along with two Israelis who entered the Strip in 2014 and 2015, and the dead bodies of two IDF soldiers being held by Hamas from 2014.
Please join us in continuing to pray for the release of all the hostages
- Pray for the safety and protection of those still in captivity.
- Pray that God would provide for the hostages, and comfort them with His presence.
- Pray for all of them to come home.
- Pray for the families who are longing for their loved ones to return.
- Pray for all those who have been returned and those who will be returned, for the deep healing from trauma.
- Pray for our leaders to have God’s wisdom and to make decisions that will bring the hostages home.
- Jerusalem Post, I’m still in Gaza: Aviva Siegel speaks on year mark of her return in hostage deal, Eve Young, November 26, 2024
