A year has passed since the unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists on the State of Israel. The Austrian-Israeli dual national Tal Shoham is still among those kidnapped. His son addressed the audience with moving words (see video above).
In an emotional video message, his 9-year-old son – he and his sister were in the hands of the terrorists – describes the dramatic moments of the hostage situation. And the difficult time afterwards, always accompanied by the hope of finally being able to hug his father again.
The organizers hope for a good turnout
A large-scale memorial event for the victims will take place at Ballhausplatz in the city of Vienna on Monday. “We view the current situation in the Middle East with great concern; Israel’s existence is threatened more than ever. That is why Austria will remain committed to the security of Israel and Jews worldwide,” Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler made clear in the run-up to Remembrance Day.
In addition to Edtstadler, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and Israeli Ambassador David Roet will also address the audience. Several thousand people are expected at the event – a major commitment for police and state security!
A year ago we experienced the largest Jewish pogrom since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and committed atrocities against peaceful citizens of all backgrounds: killing, torturing, raping and mutilating.
250 people were kidnapped in dark tunnels. Some returned through agreements or rescue operations, others were executed. Their stories and their plight bear witness to the unimaginable horrors of their captivity. 24-year-old Eden Yerushalmi weighed only 36 kilograms when she was murdered!
101 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip, in darkness and uncertainty for 365 days, while their families are tormented. Since then, the rise of anti-Semitism worldwide has been alarming. Disguised as criticism of Israel, this criticism and calls for genocide have become normal. We thank the Austrian government for its support for Israel and its efforts to combat anti-Semitism and are confident that these will continue.
Israel wants to live in peace, but had to act. We will never hand over the hostages and we will ensure that Hamas can never harm us again. Hezbollah cannot remain on the Israeli border with hostile intentions. All Israelis deserve to return home safely.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
