Here & Now Anytime Hostage family, Palestinian man reflect on 2 years since Hamas attack on Israel
Oct 7, 2025
Daniel Lifshitz shares his heartbreaking experience as the grandson of hostages taken on October 7, 2023. He discusses his grandmother's release, his grandfather's tragic death in captivity, and their family's struggle for peace and recovery. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Mohamed Hatem from Gaza describes how he copes with war through fitness, highlighting challenges like food shortages and the dire conditions in Khan Yunis. Both guests express a strong hope for a ceasefire and a better future, despite the ongoing turmoil.
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Family Kidnapped From Kibbutz
- Daniel Lifshitz recounts his grandparents being kidnapped from their kibbutz on Oct. 7 and the immediate terror that followed.
- His grandmother was released after 16 days and his grandfather later returned killed after 503 days in captivity.
Trauma After Release And Brutal Killing
- Daniel describes his grandmother's physical decline in captivity and her ongoing mental trauma after release.
- He recounts how his grandfather was shot, dragged naked, and returned to Israel in a coffin months later.
Peace Requires Political Change
- Daniel notes many hostages taken that day were peace activists who had helped Palestinians.
- He argues peace requires demilitarization and a new government in Gaza willing to renounce terror, starting with hostage releases.