What it is:

A poignant account emerges from the heart of Israel’s Knesset, where Holocaust survivor Bella Haim recounted the chilling parallels between her WWII trauma and her grandson’s capture and subsequent death at the hands of Hamas terrorists during the recent Israel-Hamas war.

Why it matters:

The personal narratives of Holocaust survivors like Haim underline the deep trauma inflicted upon generations of Jews, offering a human perspective on the effects of conflict past and present in the Jewish community. Her speech, mirroring the overarching fear of re-living past atrocities, serves to provide both commemoration of the Holocaust Remembrance Day and activism for unity against current terror threats.

The bigger picture:

As families grapple with the ramifications of their loved ones being held captive or killed by Hamas, Haim’s words serve as a rallying cry for unity and the safe return of the hostages, while emphasizing the echo of Holocaust horrors felt by survivors still witnessing acts of violence against their people.

The Tragic Narrative of Yotam Haim:

Bella Haim narrated the life and demise of her grandson, Yotam, a young musician taken hostage in Israel’s south by Hamas during a large-scale incursion. His death, misconstrued by IDF troops as terrorist intent, represents a personal tragedy amidst the broader impact of regional violence. Yotam’s voice message to his grandmother on the day of the incident encapsulates the gripping fear and concern for family that many in the region felt.

A Unified Call to Action:

Voices from the Knesset meeting such as Tsili Wenkert and Menachem Haberman, both survivors with captive family members, echo the necessity for unity in fighting against entities like Hamas. Their testimonies also underscore the medical emergencies and neglect faced by hostages like Omer Wenkert.

Legacy of Violence:

An additional layer of the day’s grief is presented through Hadassah Lazar’s account of her brother Shlomo, his traumatic past during the Farhud riots, and his present “second Holocaust”— re-living the experience of persecution with his capture. Lazar’s historical comparison further underlines the cyclical nature of violence faced by Jews throughout history.

Framing of Optimism and Perseverance:

Finally, MK Merav Cohen (Yesh Atid) offers a contrasting element of hope, highlighting the enduring spirit and commitment to principles that ground the survivors’ community, their families, and the Israeli state at large; a requisite solidarity needed to surmount the current trauma echoing from a haunted past.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.