There has been no trace of Hamas hostage Tal Shoham for 275 days and nights. Instead of playing, his children torture themselves every day with questions that no one can answer. The release of the red-white-red citizen is the big goal, but that is still up in the air…
Children need to play, laugh, run across meadows and beaches and scream with joy. Naveh and Yahel – they are 8 and 4 years old – have not been able to do this for a long time. Exactly since October 7, 2023.
On that day, heavily armed hordes of the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas invaded Israel, slaughtered over 1,200 people and abducted approximately 250 women, men and children to the Gaza Strip. Including Naveh, Yahel – and their parents.
Taking hostages feels like an eternity
Mama Adi, Naveh and his sister were released after 50 days. Her grandfather Avshalom was killed on October 7, as were two other family members. But there is still no trace of Papa Tal Shoham, an Austrian citizen; he has been held hostage in Gaza for 275 days and nights.
“This time has become a painful eternity for my children,” says Adi Shoham. Because they know what it means to be held hostage; they know the dangers, the daily helplessness and the fear of falling into the hands of terrorists.
Open-ended questions are particularly stressful for children
Naveh and Yahel were robbed of their childlike lightness. They have questions that they have written down: questions that no child should ever ask. “Where is Grandpa? How did he die? How did they decide who to kill and who to kidnap? Where is Dad? In a tunnel or a house?” And most of all: “I’ve had enough. I want my daddy! When is Dad finally coming back?”
Naveh is 8, Yahel is 4! Mama Adi says: “It is an unbearable reality. The torment must stop. These questions are part of our daily lives. The community must help us bring Tal home to our children. This is the most humane, decent and urgent thing we can do.”
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.
