An Israeli family is mourning the loss of Oded Lifschitz, an 84-year-old peace activist whose body was returned from Gaza after being held captive for over 500 days. Lifschitz was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz by Palestinian gunmen on October 7, 2022, during a violent raid that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, primarily civilians. His daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, a filmmaker and academic based in East London, held onto hope for her father’s return until the devastating news was confirmed.
Oded Lifschitz was known for his advocacy for Palestinian rights and had a long history of humanitarian work, including driving sick Palestinians to hospitals in Israel. His commitment to peace and dialogue was reflected in his relationships with Palestinians, including encounters with notable figures such as Yasser Arafat, the former leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
The return of his body on Thursday marked a tragic conclusion to a prolonged period of uncertainty for his family. After identifying her father’s remains, Sharone expressed profound sorrow, especially for her mother, Yocheved, who was also taken hostage but returned alive. Yocheved, who met with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during her captivity, has been vocal about her husband’s legacy, emphasizing his dedication to peace and expressing her outrage over his killing.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office indicated that Lifschitz was murdered in captivity by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, a claim supported by the head of Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine. This revelation has added to the grief felt by the Lifschitz family, who had hoped for a different outcome after enduring "503 agonizing days of uncertainty."
In the wake of the news, crowds gathered in Israel to pay their respects to Lifschitz and others whose bodies were returned from Gaza. The situation has highlighted the ongoing impact of the conflict on families and communities, with many still grappling with the loss of loved ones and the trauma of hostage situations.
Oded Lifschitz’s legacy as a peace advocate is now overshadowed by his tragic fate. His family is left to mourn not only the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather but also the ideals he stood for. As they reflect on their grief, they acknowledge the broader implications of the violence and the continuing cycle of conflict in the region.