Following the return and burial of her father, Oded Lifshitz, nearly 503 days after being taken hostage by Hamas, Sharone Lifschitz shared the profound impact of the experience. Despite the horrific circumstances surrounding his death, she emphasizes the importance of returning all hostages and acknowledges her father's legacy as a peace activist.
Bereaved Daughter of Gaza Hostage Says Father’s Burial Provides Meaning Amidst Tragedy
Bereaved Daughter of Gaza Hostage Says Father’s Burial Provides Meaning Amidst Tragedy
Sharone Lifschitz reflects on the significance of burying her father, Oded Lifshitz, who died in captivity, as she advocates for the return of all hostages.
Sharone Lifschitz, a British-Israeli woman, expressed the deep significance of burying her father, Oded Lifshitz, who tragically died while in captivity after being taken hostage by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023. The return of her father's body last month provided her with a sense of closure. “Bringing back my dad and being able to bury him was one of the most profound things,” she shared, reflecting on the emotional journey after her father was captured alongside her mother, Yocheved, who was released in late October 2023.
The Israeli government reported that Oded Lifschitz was murdered in captivity over a year before his body was returned. “It’s not the outcome we were hoping for," Sharone remarked. "But it's a relief to know that he is not suffering." In a memorial event held at the JW3 Community Centre in London, attended by dignitaries and other families affected by the attacks, she highlighted the importance of being reunited with loved ones, whether living or deceased, in these tragic circumstances.
The first phase of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas concluded on March 1, leading to the release of 25 living hostages and eight deceased. The discussions surrounding a potential extension of the ceasefire and further hostages' release have yet to yield an agreement. Sharone emphasized how important it was to say goodbye to her father as a means of closure in a harrowing situation, stating that it has underscored the urgency of returning all hostages for their families to grieve and honor their loved ones appropriately.
Oded Lifschitz was recognized as a journalist and a passionate advocate for peace, known for fostering relations with Palestinians and working to ensure their access to medical care. Sharone has dedicated herself to campaigning for her parents since their abduction, urging a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts. "I can't give up on peace in my own life," she asserted, promoting the idea that lasting solutions must reside in reconciliation rather than further division. As the community mourned, Sharone remains hopeful for a future where all families can bury their loved ones and find peace amidst turmoil.
