Emotional Plea from Brother of Hostage Calls for Action Amidst Ongoing Crisis

As a fragile ceasefire holds with Iran, families remain on edge, especially those with loved ones still trapped in Gaza. My brother, along with 49 other hostages, is underground, clinging to hope for a safe return.

For nearly two weeks following the escalation of violence, we lived through an unbearable nightmare. When Iran launched its missile attacks, my wife was abroad, leaving me alone at home with our three young children. Racing to the bomb shelter while sirens blared, I struggled to reassure them. My wife felt compelled to return to Israel, unwilling to let us endure this without her support.

This level of fear has become our daily experience.

Deep Concern for the Hostages

Every moment, my thoughts return to my younger brother Avinatan. As we sheltered from bombs, I couldn’t help but wonder about his state in the captivity of terrorists. What is he experiencing underground, in complete darkness? This anxiety is a shared burden for countless Israeli families, struggling between the chaos of war and the dread of forgetting their loved ones.

The international community might shift focus to emerging issues, but the plight of the hostages risks falling into obscurity. Yet their suffering continues, frozen in time. We persist in our quest to bring them back home.

A Call for Leadership

President Trump, your decisive leadership during times of crisis has inspired many. Your firm response to Iran demonstrated America’s commitment to its allies and global safety. With a ceasefire in place, we have a crucial opportunity; let us not squander it. You have successfully facilitated hostage releases before. Now, you have a chance to broker one of the most significant deals yet, one that could secure the release of all hostages.

A Brother’s Heartache

It has been 628 days since Avinatan was taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza. He remains alive but is subjected to inhumane conditions—deprived of sunlight, clean water, medical care, and basic human rights. Each day he serves as a painful reminder of a cruel game where human lives are bargaining chips.

On October 7, 2023, a day meant for joy during the Simchat Torah holiday turned into a nightmare. I was unaware that Avinatan attended the Nova music festival, one of the first locations targeted by Hamas. News of the attack spread quickly on social media, leading to a horrifying reveal: Avinatan handcuffed and being forcibly dragged into Gaza, separated from his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. This traumatic moment still feels surreal, yet I face its reality each passing day. Notably, Noa was rescued this past June, while Avinatan remains in captivity.

The Ongoing Struggle

For the first 500 days, uncertainty clouded our lives. We lacked any information about his fate, plagued with the horrible thought of the suffering he endured. It wasn’t until March that we finally received confirmation of his survival—a moment of relief amidst the despair. However, knowing he is alive is merely a small victory; our ultimate goal is his return.

Former hostages have described appalling conditions: confined in dark tunnels, facing starvation, and living in prolonged silence that erases the ability to speak. Enduring systematic cruelty has become their daily reality.

Avinatan is not just a number; he is a 32-year-old individual with a big heart. As an electrical engineer at Nvidia, he is a dedicated uncle to his nieces and nephews and belongs to a close-knit family comprising seven siblings. Avinatan is known for his thoughtful nature and culinary skills, often preparing elaborate meals just to see others smile. His absence leaves a void in our lives, and the bond we share transcends words. We are brothers who communicate without needing constant contact, having grown up side by side, enjoying our time together effortlessly.

The Effects on Our Family

The last time I saw Avinatan was at my youngest daughter’s third birthday celebration. As her fifth birthday approaches, I feel the persistent weight of his absence. The reality for my children has changed drastically; they are frightened and confused, waking to the alarming sounds of sirens and asking heartbreaking questions that no child should ever have to face.

In our daily lives, we feel his absence acutely—at celebrations, during moments of sadness, and in mundane routines. Each empty chair at Friday dinners serves as a stark reminder of his absence. Family milestones come and go, yet the impact of his captivity continues to resonate through our lives.

Hope for a Comprehensive Resolution

President Trump, you are in a position to transform this narrative. The twelve-day operation with Iran has concluded, demonstrating that the United States supports Israel during critical times. Now, let us channel that success into a broader initiative. This is the moment to negotiate for the return of all hostages held in Gaza. Current reports indicate the presence of 50 hostages, some confirmed alive, while others have tragically lost their lives. Each of these individuals possesses their own story, and their return is paramount.

We express our gratitude to you and the people of the United States for standing with our families during this harrowing time. It is essential that we now focus on achieving the rightful conclusion to this agonizing situation.

A Continuing Commitment

Avinatan remains alive and waits for our efforts to shine a light on his plight. We will not relent in our fight—not until he and all other hostages are safely back with their loved ones.

Moshe Or is the brother of hostage Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.