The family of Austrian-Israeli dual nationality Tal Shoham kidnapped by Hamas is currently in Vienna. Included in your luggage: a moving letter from the Pope!
“I pray with you, especially for your father Tal, and sincerely hope that you can hug him again soon.” They are words that give strength. And they do not come from just anyone, but from the pen of the Holy Father. Addressed to a courageous young man who, despite the young age of eight, has already been through hell.
Boy (8) kidnapped with family
On October 7, when Islamic hordes attacked the State of Israel and killed more than 1,200 people (see information box below), Naveh’s life also took a dramatic turn. The boy was abducted to the Gaza Strip along with his parents and sister. His father Tal Shoham is still in the hands of the terrorists.
250 endless days of captivity
But what can an eight-year-old do when faced with terror and the chaos of war? For example, he made an appeal to the world: so, with the support of his mother, he wrote a letter to the Pope – about his grief, his grief, the endless worries about his father that break his heart. In the hope that Francis would continue to work for the release of the hostages and for peace.
And indeed: a reply from the Pope recently landed in Naveh’s mailbox. The student took the letter with him to Vienna, where he proudly presented it to the “Krone” on Tuesday (see video above). Together with his mother Adi, his four-year-old sister Yahel and grandfather Gilad Korngold, the boy is currently in the federal capital – the homeland of his ancestors, who were once expelled by the Nazis.
The Chancellor replied via mobile phone
During the interview in central Vienna, Naveh’s grandfather’s cell phone rings. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, with whom Korngold met during his last visit to Vienna in December, has been in touch.
The head of government once again encourages the family and assures that he will exhaust all options: “For the federal government and for me as Chancellor, the release of Tal Shoham remains an absolute priority. To do this, I am using all discussions with Middle Eastern political decision-makers to secure his return to his family,” Nehammer said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
