Here's the thing about the 101 Israeli hostages in Gaza: they were torn from their lives over 400 days ago. Here's the thing about the only two Jewish children who are currently hostages in Gaza: their parents are also hostages. Here's the thing about Ariel and Kfir Bibas' grandparents: they were both burnt to death in their home. One was a teacher with Parkinson's and the other was a painter.
The entire family lived on a kibbutz juxtaposed with Gaza and supported equal rights, freedom, liberty, and of course, legal statehood for their Palestinian neighbors. Here's the thing that we have lost from terrorism, conflict, information wars, antisemitism, falsification, and politics: our humanity. We have forgotten that the 101 hostages have first names, passions, careers, humility, love, and dreams. Ofri Bibas Levy and Yifat Zailer took the time to remind me, and now the rest of the world, about humanity lost in our very emotional conversation.
In this emotional episode, Marc welcomes Yifat Zailer and Ofri Bibas Levy to share their poignant stories and experiences over the past year. Yifat, an architect and passionate photographer, and Ofri, an occupational therapist, provide a deeply personal insight into their connections with the Bibas family and the impact of the traumatic events they endured on October 7th.
They discuss their struggles, emotions, and the changes that have reshaped their lives and identities since then. The conversation reveals the heartbreaking realities of having family members, including young children, taken hostage by terrorists, and the resulting emotional and physical toll. Both guests reflect on their resilience, hope for the future, and the significant need for global humanitarian considerations.
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