What it’s about
Ayelet Samerano, the grieving mother of Yonatan Samerano, who remains missing after his abduction — allegedly by a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) worker turned Hamas collaborator — backs Israel’s decisive actions against the agency. Her personal tragedy brings attention to broader concerns about some UNRWA staff’s ties to anti-Israel acts and terrorism.
Why it matters
The support of a bereaved mother highlights the legitimate concerns Israel has expressed about UNRWA, an organization heavily funded by international bodies, while allegedly allowing extremist ideologies and actions. This controversy questions the accountability of international agencies and the actions Israel must take to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Details
Ayelet Samerano has become poignant a voice applauding Israel’s ban on UNRWA. Her son, Yonatan, vanished on October 7, 2024, when Hamas militants reportedly abducted him from Kibbutz Beeri, using a UNRWA vehicle allegedly driven by a complicit UNRWA social worker.
Fear and Uncertainty
The uncertainty surrounding her son’s fate continues to haunt Samerano. “It’s an awful way to live,” she disclosed, embodying the fear and anguish felt by many Israeli families in similar plights.
Controversy and Accountability
Samerano criticized the UNRWA for allegedly indoctrinating individuals with anti-Israel sentiments, revealing distressful findings from various reports, including teachings that venerate attacks on Israeli civilians. She questions the direction of international funds if facilitated by such principles.
Continuing Struggle
Despite these challenges, Samerano has been on a relentless campaign to secure her son’s return and expose the wrongdoings she perceives within UNRWA. She confronted agency officials and shared her harrowing journey with global audiences.
About Yonatan
Described as charismatic and ambitious, Yonatan had dreams of expanding his horizons, reflecting the youthful spirit tragically interrupted by the heinous acts of October 7. His journey ended amid violence, amplifying questions about international accountability.
The Larger Picture
This narrative not only underscores the personal tragedies resulting from geopolitical conflicts but reignites the discourse around the integrity of humanitarian agencies operating within conflict zones and their impact on regional peace and security.
This story was first published on jpost.com.