in the past week meetings were hold in the presence of the hostages, journalists , diplomats and Sant Egidio
A powerful press conference held yesterday shed light on the profound humanity of the hostages who recently met with Pope Francis. Their words, gestures, and expressions resonated deeply with all who listened. Sharon Lifshitz, speaking on behalf of her 86-year-old mother, Yocheved Lifshitz, who was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz, described the Pope as a man of peace, just like her father, who remains a prisoner in Gaza. Sharon also conveyed the Pope’s kindness and his promise to continue praying “for our people and for all the hostages in Gaza.”
Louis Har, another hostage, shared his moving experience of meeting the Pope, highlighting how the Pope’s message of peace was heard by many and felt deeply.
The press conference also featured a delegation of former Hamas prisoners, who met with leaders of the Sant'Egidio community. Their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the hostages' plight and advocate for their release were emphasized as both crucial and significant in the ongoing struggle.
Later in the day, Louis Har, Sahar Kalderon, and Adi Shoham, three survivors of the Gaza hostage ordeal, met with representatives of the diplomatic corps to the Holy See. The meeting was introduced by Ambassador Yaron Sideman and hosted by the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, with President Noemi di Segni also in attendance.
Adi Shoham’s testimony was particularly harrowing as she recounted the kidnapping of her and her two young children, Naveh (9) and Yahel (4), along with her mother, aunt, and 12-year-old cousin. Tragically, her husband, Tal Shoham, remains in the hands of terrorists. Their testimonies moved all those present, evoking deep emotion and solidarity.
The urgency of bringing all hostages home was felt throughout the day, with calls for action under the hashtag #BringThemAllHomeNow.