What is this about
Nine months after their brutal abduction by Hamas terrorists, the bedrooms of Israelis kidnapped on October 7 remain eerie monuments to that day’s horror. Some rooms show distressing signs of the chaos while others are preserved in an almost haunting stasis. This article delves into the lives of those affected.
Why it matters
The sentiment and images of these preserved bedrooms reflect a larger narrative of resilience and survival within Israeli communities affected by these heinous acts. Despite the unthinkable violence, the bereaved families affirm their faith and hold onto the hope of reuniting with their loved ones.
Violent Acts by Hamas
On October 7, Hamas terrorists conducted a brutal assault on Israel, killing roughly 1,200 people and kidnapping 251, many directly from their bedrooms. The kidnapped hostages were subjected to unimaginable conditions during their time in Gaza. Since then, the Israeli Defense Forces have strived to combat these terrorists and rescue the kidnapped Israelis.
Struggling Lives ‘Frozen in Time’
Some rooms of the kidnapped bear distressing signs of the violence, like blood-stained floors and bullet-riddled walls. Jerome Dekel-Chen, leaning against the remnants of his son Sagui’s room, described it poignantly: “This was a place of joy until October 7. Now, it’s not just a war zone, but a place of massacre.”
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Holding On to Memories
There are rooms that exude the routine lives once led by their occupants. Families maintain the sanctity of these bedrooms to honor the missing souls and to hope against hope for their return. For example, Amit Levy often sleeps in his sister Naama’s room to feel close to her, maintaining her bed and surrounding possessions in a heartfelt tribute to his sister’s resilience and the hopeful longing for her return from captivity.
The light in Omer Shem-Tov’s room remains perpetually on, a beacon of hope fuelled by his family’s undying spirit.
Community Resilience
Despite the heavy damage and losses, communities like Kibbutz Nir Oz and suburbia in Givatayim continue to sustain their spirit through family bonds and collective prayers. Mementos and blessed artifacts fill these rooms as symbols of divine protection and enduring love.Families string photo collages and exchange cherished tokens, waiting bravely for the day their loved ones come back safely.
Government & Community Action
Families, driven by their emotional strength, not only nurture their hopes through recovery and faith but also actively pressure the Israeli government to strengthen its efforts to rescue all abducted Israelis. On her involvement in these initiatives, Shelly Shem-Tov expresses, “This bedroom has energy. I feel that he can feel me when I’m in there.”
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.