President Isaac Herzog met this evening (Tuesday, 10 October 2023) at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, with the families of missing persons and hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas.
The meeting was also attended by Brigadier General (Ret.) Gal Hirsch who has been placed in charge of efforts to return the hostages. Also attending were representatives of the families of the missing soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul.
President Herzog commented: “I have just finished a deeply moving and painful meeting with the families of those who have been abducted, and are missing in the terrible assault which Israel has endured. I met those who do not know the fate of their loved ones, and those who know that they are in the hands of a cruel and brutal enemy. It was a difficult and painful meeting, but even so - we saw the strong, amazing spirit of the families – and of Israeli society as a whole – in full force.”
The President stressed, “Israel is committed to the security of its citizens, to their safety and wellbeing – both when they are attacked by murderous and cruel human monsters, and when they are kidnapped and taken prisoner by them. I would like to emphasize: the full responsibility rests on the barbaric murderers of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. And therefore, as to the wellbeing of those abducted and kidnapped, it should be made clear, not a hair on their heads should be harmed. They should be unconditionally released and returned home. The entire international community must be committed to this firm demand, for the unconditional, immediate return of these daughters and sons of ours – among them citizens of many other countries too. This is a basic and binding humanitarian and moral duty.”
He concluded, “At the meeting, we were joined by Brigadier General Gal Hirsch – who has been recently appointed in charge of the issue of abducted and missing persons. He presented the principles of his operation. A huge effort is currently underway, involving thousands of people working to respond to all the needs of the families, and I hope that contact will soon be made – as promised – with the thousands of people who have reached out. I too am party to these efforts – speaking with leaders all over the world, and the entire international community, demanding the return home of our sons and daughters. I support the steps taken by the Prime Minister, the Government, and all the various agencies and military operatives who are in charge of the issue. In the name of the entire nation, I offer a warm embrace, much comfort and strength to the families in this difficult time. I pray for the removal of the agony of uncertainty, and for the wellbeing and safe return of the abducted and missing persons as soon as possible.”
Brigadier General Gal Hirsch added: “Dear families, we are working with dedication and around the clock, in an effort to understand the full picture of the situation, and bring you the information you are searching to receive. Along with the ongoing intelligence and operational effort as the war continues, we are engaged in a system for you have easy contact with me and my team. The referral center is operating around the clock, and we are working constantly to improve so we can help. This evening the President and his wife met the families of the missing and I personally experienced with them the shock, the pain, and the terrible feelings of uncertainty. My team and I are fully committed to the mission, and we are with you in the difficult journey that lies ahead, and in carrying the heavy burden to bring everyone back home.”