Podcasts > The Daily > Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

By The New York Times

In this episode of The Daily, a tragic story unfolds amidst the conflict between Hamas and Israel. It centers around Yoheved Lifshitz, a kibbutz dweller dedicated to socialist principles and equality, and her husband Oded, an advocate for displaced Bedouins and a fervent participant in the peace movement.

Their lives were upended when Hamas militants attacked their community, leaving casualties, abductions, and a trail of destruction. The podcast delves into the harrowing details of Yoheved's captivity, her unexpected release, and Oded's uncertain fate as an ongoing hostage of Hamas. It captures the aftermath of the attack, the shattered lives of survivors grappling with grief and uncertainty, and the resilience of hope in the face of immense adversity.

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Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

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Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

1-Page Summary

Life in the kibbutz built by Yoheved and Oded

In the kibbutz established by Yoheved and Oded, a utopian and revolutionary lifestyle flourished, built on the principles of socialism and equality. Yoheved, also known as Yochaev Edelivshitz, and Oded dedicated themselves to communal living, sharing all resources, including the collective rearing of children. They transformed a barren, sandy area near the Gaza Strip into a cultivated haven. Post the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Oded advocated for the rights of displaced Bedouin Arabs and against the occupation of lands, participating actively in the peace movement. He also assisted Palestinians by driving them to Israeli and East Jerusalem hospitals for medical care.

The Hamas attack on October 7

On October 7th, the kibbutz of Nir Oz was devastated by a Hamas terrorist attack. The village of Nieroz suffered casualties, abductions, and the destruction of property. Yoheved and Oded Lifshitz were among those taken hostage. Yoheved's home was burned down during the incursion, and both she and Oded were kidnapped after Oded had been shot. As hostages, they endured a terrifying journey, including being moved through a series of underground tunnels, which tragically mirrored the tumultuous events happening above ground.

Yoheved's captivity and release

During Yoheved's captivity, she existed in harsh conditions within an underground prison, lying on mattresses and sometimes allowed minimal movement. With a sparse diet and suffering from a severe illness, she experienced considerable hardship. Her release was abrupt and came with no prior notification. Disguised as an Arab woman alongside another released girl, Yoheved was only made aware of her impending release during the escape process, which involved navigating various corridors and ascending to freedom.

Lives upended in the aftermath

The aftermath of the Hamas attack left the Nieroz community crippled. One-fourth of its residents were impacted severely, with many killed or kidnapped and homes destroyed. Oded's fate remains uncertain, causing immense distress to his family, who are desperate for his safe return. Yoheved now resides in an assisted living facility in Tel Aviv's suburbs, surrounded by faces from her past kibbutz life. She holds onto hope that Oded will return so they can rebuild their lives, a hope symbolized by the piano waiting for him to play once again.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The 1967 Arab-Israeli War, also known as the Six-Day War, was a conflict between Israel and its neighboring Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. It began on June 5, 1967, and ended on June 10, 1967, resulting in a swift Israeli victory. Israel gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights as a result of the war. The war significantly reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East and had long-lasting implications for the region.
  • Yoheved and Oded were partners who established a kibbutz together, sharing a vision of communal living and social activism. They worked side by side to create a utopian community based on principles of socialism and equality. Their dedication to each other and their shared ideals shaped the foundation of their kibbutz and their life's work.
  • The underground tunnels mentioned in the text are significant as they were used by Hamas during the attack on the kibbutz. These tunnels served as a means for the attackers to move around undetected and carry out their assault. For the hostages, being moved through these tunnels added to the fear and uncertainty of their situation. The tunnels symbolize the hidden and dangerous nature of the conflict, showcasing the complexity and challenges faced in such situations.
  • Oded's fate remains uncertain due to his abduction by Hamas during the attack on Nir Oz. His whereabouts and condition are unknown, causing distress to his family and community. The lack of information about his well-being leaves his loved ones hoping for his safe return.

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Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

Life in the kibbutz built by Yoheved and Oded

Sharone Lifshitz discusses the utopian and revolutionary life Yoheved Lifshitz and her partner Oded created in their kibbutz.

Building a communal society in the new state of Israel

Sharing resources and child rearing

Yoheved Lifshitz, often referred to as Yochaev Edelivshitz, was part of a group that built a community with the principle of raising their children collectively and sharing all resources. Yoheved and Oded shared a vision of building not just a family but a socialist, equal state. The couple believed firmly in a communal living approach, where everything from money and food to the responsibilities of child rearing was collectively managed and shared.

Cultivating the land together

Yoheved mentioned that their community was formed on sandy territory near the Gaza Strip, signifying how they worked together to cultivate the land. They started with an isolated area that had only two houses and shacks surrounded by much sand. They transformed this challenging landscape into what was described as a haven. Oded plowed the fields, planting various crops, while Yoheved managed the turkeys and worked in the kitchen to prepare meals for the entire kibbutz community.

Fighting for peace and reconciliation with Arab neighbors

Campaigning for Palestinian land rights after 1967 war

The couple's vision extended beyond their kibbutz to broader issues of peace and reconciliation. After the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, with tensions over Israel's capture of new territories, Oded became an outspoken advocate against the occupation. He voiced his belief that Israel should not displace Bedouin Arabs and that Israel already had ample land within its internationally recognized borders.

When Israeli authorities pushed Bedouin Arabs off their land in the Sinai Peninsul ...

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Life in the kibbutz built by Yoheved and Oded

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Kibbutzim are collective communities in Israel where members live and work together, sharing resources and responsibilities equally. The kibbutz movement emerged as a way to create a socialist and cooperative society, emphasizing communal living, agriculture, and social equality. Members typically share meals, child-rearing duties, and work in various roles based on the community's needs. Kibbutzim have historically played a significant role in shaping Israeli society and have evolved over time to adapt to changing economic and social conditions.
  • The Arab-Israeli War of 1967, also known as the Six-Day War, was a conflict between Israel and its neighboring Arab states - Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The war resulted in Israel gaining control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. The war had significant implications for the region, including the displacement of populations and ongoing tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The aftermath of the war shaped the political landscape and peace efforts in the Middle East.
  • Bedouin Arabs are a semi-nomadic group historically inhabiting desert regions in the Middle East. In the context of Israel, Bedouin communities have faced challenges related to land ownership and displacement due to various government policies and land disputes. The displacement of Bedouin Arabs in the Sinai Peninsula and other areas has been a contentious issue, with debates surrounding land rights, legal battles, and efforts to address these social and political complexities. The situation reflects broader tensions and complexities in the region regarding land, identity, and historical claims.
  • Oded was an advocate for peace and reconciliation in Israel, particularly concerning Palestinian land rights and the displacement of Bedouin Arabs. He actively campaigned against the occupation and supported causes aimed at justice and unity. Oded's efforts included legal actions to halt displacements and personally driving ill Palestinians to hospi ...

Counterarguments

  • The communal living model may not account for individual aspirations and personal space, which can be important for personal development and happiness.
  • Collective child-rearing might lead to a lack of strong parental bonds or individual attention that some believe is crucial for a child's development.
  • A socialist, equal state as envisioned might struggle with economic efficiency and innovation due to lack of competition and personal incentives.
  • Cultivating land in a communal setting might not be as productive as modern agricultural practices that leverage economies of scale and advanced technology.
  • Advocating for Palestinian land rights is a complex issue, and there are arguments that stress the importance of national security and historical claims that counter the idea of returning land captured in 1967.
  • While docu ...

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Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

The Hamas attack on October 7

On October 7th, a traumatic event unfolded as Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, particularly targeting the kibbutz of Nir Oz, leading to widespread loss and the taking of hostages.

Terrorists invade the kibbutz and take hostages

During the chaos of the attack, more than 200 people were taken into Gaza, with the village of Nieroz, near the border with Gaza, suffering numerous casualties and abductions. Among those abducted were Yoheved and Oded Lifshitz. Yoheved's home was completely burned down during the attack.

Oded shot and taken captive; Yoheved also kidnapped

Oded Lifshitz was shot during the invasion and subsequently taken captive. Similarly, Yoheved Lifshitz was also kidnapped by the terrorists, and the details surrounding their capture remain sparse.

Traumatic stories emerge as hostages walk through tunnels

Yoheved Lifshitz, expecting she was being kidnapped, made the conscious decision to memorize details of her surroundings, potentially to aid in any future reporting if she were to be released. She recounted being initially taken on a moped to a village near Oz, known as Khirbat Haza, before being transferred to a car. During this process, she was forced to surrender her personal belongings, including her watch and ring.

Subsequently, Yoheved was led to a large hangar which concealed an entrance to a ...

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The Hamas attack on October 7

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A kibbutz is an intentional community in Israel traditionally focused on agriculture, where members live and work together. It originated as a combination of socialism and Zionism, aiming for communal living and shared resources. Over time, some kibbutzim have shifted towards privatization and diversified their economic activities beyond farming. Members of a kibbutz are called kibbutzniks.
  • Gaza is a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It includes Gaza City and is governed by the Palestinian Authority. Gaza has been a focal point of conflict and political tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • A hangar concealing an entrance to underground tunnels is a structure typically used to hide the access point to a network of tunnels beneath the ground. In this context, the hangar served as a camouflaged location that disguised the entryway to the underground passages, providing a secretive and protected means of moving individuals in and out of the tunnels without detection. The use of a hangar in this scenario suggests a deliberate effort by the perpetrators to conceal their activities and movements, adding a layer of complexity and clandestine operation to their actions.
  • The traumatic event described involves a Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, specifically targeting the kibbutz of Nir Oz. The attack resulted in casualties, abductions, and hostages being taken into Gaza. The hostages, including Yoheved and Oded Lifshitz, were forced to walk through underground tunnels, sharing harrowing experiences along the way. The narratives shared by the hostages highlighted the fear and ...

Counterarguments

...

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Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

Yoheved's captivity and release

The events surrounding Yoheved's captivity under harsh conditions and her unexpected release are recounted, providing insights into the harrowing experiences she endured.

Harsh conditions in the underground prison

Yoheved, along with other hostages, was instructed to sit on mattresses in a chamber, an environment reflective of their immense psychological trauma. In an underground prison, she spent most days lying down on one of the mattresses provided by her captors. Although she was sometimes allowed to stretch her legs in the tunnels, the full extent of her living conditions, including the size of her room and the amenities provided, remains unclear.

Interaction with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

There is no information provided about any interactions with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Illness and uncertainty before sudden release

Yoheved's daily diet consisted of a cucumber, spreading cheese, and a piece of pita bread, along with coffee in the morning and water throughout the day. During her captivity, sh ...

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Yoheved's captivity and release

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The sudden release of Yoheved without explanation or context could be due to various factors such as political negotiations, ransom payment, or a change in the captors' plans. It is common in hostage situations for releases to occur abruptly and without detailed information provided to the captives. The lack of transparency in such situations can create confus ...

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Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

Lives upended in the aftermath

The community of Nieroz has been gravely affected, with a significant number of its residents facing dire consequences in the aftermath of a Hamas attack.

Community gravely impacted; many killed and homes destroyed

In a devastating blow to the small community of Nieroz, one quarter of its residents were either killed or taken as hostages during the Hamas attack. This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the town, tearing apart the fabric of a once peaceful community and leaving many homes in ruins.

Oded's fate uncertain; family fears for his health and safety

The uncertainty surrounding Oded Lifshitz's fate has left his family in a state of limbo. Sharone Lifshitz holds up a poster that pleads "Bring him home now," signaling the desperation and hope that Oded will be able to share his story once again. The lack of information has ignited a fear for his health and safety, and the family is calling for his safe return.

Yoheved moves to assisted living, hoping Oded will return

Amid the turmoil, Yoheved Lifshitz has been placed in an assisted living facility in the suburbs o ...

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Lives upended in the aftermath

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Oded and Yoheved Lifshitz are a married couple who have been separated due to the recent tragic events in their community. Yoheved is now living in an assisted living facility while hoping for Oded's safe return. Their bond is evident through Yoheved's unwavering hope for their reunion amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
  • The piano symbolizes hope and longing for Oded's return. It serves as a reminder of the shared life and memor ...

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