Barring any last-minute delays, today should see the first stage of the return of women and children from Hamas captivity in Gaza. We are excited for the families who will be reunited with their dear ones and heartbroken for the families of those whose fate remains unknown. We hope they will all be released soon!
The Israeli government, on whose watch and due to its recklessness people were kidnapped from their home and country, has a moral obligation to bring them all back. We demand as much from Netanyahu and his ministers!
The cabinet meeting summoned to discuss a deal for their release revealed the true face and the callousness of the messianic religious coalition factions. Otzma Yehudit’s ministers led by Itamar Ben-Gvir were not ashamed to raise their hand against the deal, while Religious Zionism’s ministers led by Bezalel Smotrich retracted their opposition at the last minute and voted in favor. These people feel no empathy for the pain and suffering of the kidnappees’ families. All they care about is that the invasion of Gaza with its devastation, refugees, thousands of casualties, terrorists, and civilian women and children should continue in order to rebuild Gush Katif, even if it comes at the cost of the lives of kidnapped children, women, men, and elderly. All is fair game to them.
Since the heinous Hamas massacre of October 7th, we have all been taking part in the campaign for the release of the kidnappees. Israelis mobilized, demonstrated, made donations, wrote opinion pieces, voiced support, held marches and protests, and thereby became a partner in securing their release. Public pressure worked!
Zulat supports the deal that was signed and any future ones. Bringing back the kidnappees is the government’s most important national mission. It is an obligation that trumps all else!
Yours,
Zehava Galon, President of Zulat
>> A Message From Zulat President regarding the 07/10 massacre