What happened:
In a harrowing interview, Dafna Elyakim spoke with N12 about the day she and her sister, Ella, were taken hostage by Hamas militants right out of their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The capturing led to a perilous journey that included stays in multiple locations in Gaza.
Why it matters:
Dafna’s chilling narrative illuminates the existential threats facing Israeli citizens caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflict. It underscores the dangers of violence permeating everyday life and the harsh realities of being a hostage at the hands of a terrorist organization.
Details of the Homeland Invasion:
Violence erupted that morning with numerous “Red Alerts” followed by Hamas operatives forcing their entry into the Elyakim residence. Dafna’s father and his partner plus her son took shelter with Dafna and Ella, attempting to remain concealed. However, invaders shattered their refuge, grievously injuring Dafna’s father before callously live-streaming the traumatic scene to social media.
Bloodstained Memories:
The aftermath left a haunting image of a bloodstained room, a grimly visual testament often shared amidst widespread disinformation to communicate the stark brutality of the conflict.
Harrowing Abduction
The kidnappers exploited young Tomer to bait additional victims before dispatching the family by car towards Gaza, where they encountered crossfire resulting in Dikla’s death. Left without a chance for parting words, profound sadness accompanied Dafna as she was separated from her dying father.
Grim Conditions in Captivity:
Held in a string of different locations including a civilian home, a school, and finally a detention facility, Dafna and Ella faced escalating terror; their existence hanging threadbare on the whims of their captors. Dafna reflects on constant fear for her life and Ella’s, living marked by psychic torment that made the comfort of sleep elusive and dreams of a return to Israel distant.
The Weight of Experience:
Finally emerging from captivity, a mosaic of emotions including disbelief and survivor’s guilt confronts the sisters. Dafna carries the burden of memories, often focusing on those still in captivity, coupled with a morbid reminder above her bed — a memento of the unpredictable fragility of life.
Family Reunion:
As life struggles toward normalcy, Maayan Zin, Dafna, and Ella’s mother cherishes her daughters’ return, an event gravely balanced between devout relief and stark reflection.
This story was first published on jpost.com.