The Opinions The Israeli Hostage Who Refused to Embrace Revenge
Jun 10, 2025
Liat Beinin Atzili, a Holocaust educator and former hostage in Gaza, shares her harrowing experience of being held for 54 days after a traumatic abduction. She discusses the deep emotional journey of coping with grief following her husband's murder, emphasizing her choice to reject revenge. Liat reflects on the bonds formed during captivity and her commitment to dialogue through the Parents Circle, promoting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Her story highlights resilience, the complexities of grief, and the quest for hope amid conflict.
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Living Connection After Loss
- Liat dreams and has emotional conversations with her deceased husband Aviv, feeling close to him despite his absence.\n- She emphasizes that when a person dies, they remain present in a different way, not physically but emotionally.
Treatment During Hostage Days
- Liat was taken to an apartment with women and children who understood her situation, treated her kindly, and helped with necessities.\n- She was eventually moved to an apartment with another woman from near Oz, with two men guarding them and assuring her safety.
Captors' Care and Conversations
- Hostage captors cooked meals tailored to Liat's vegetarian diet, maintaining a daily routine amid captivity.\n- Despite the uncertainty, they engaged in conversations about lives and beliefs, showing unusual kindness and curiosity.