In Tel Aviv, Einav Zangauker's life has been transformed into a ceaseless campaign for her son's freedom. Matan Zangauker, 24, was abducted from his kibbutz home during Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, along with his girlfriend. A year has passed since that fateful day, and Einav's struggle continues unabated.
The last communication from Matan came at 10:08 on the day of the attack. His final WhatsApp messages read: "They're breaking into the homes," "I love you," "don't cry," and "they're getting in." These words marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal for the Zangauker family.
For ten days following the attack, the family remained in agonizing uncertainty about Matan's fate. Finally, they received official confirmation that he was among approximately 250 people taken to Gaza. This event occurred against the backdrop of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
"For me, the kidnapping happened yesterday morning. Matan is alive but I don't know if my fight, if my race against time, will bring him back alive."
As of October 2, 2024, 101 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least half believed to be alive. The situation has evolved since the initial abductions, with 117 hostages having returned home alive through various means. This includes four released at the start of the Gaza war, 105 mostly women, children, and foreigners freed during a brief truce with Hamas in November 2023, and eight rescued by the military.
Einav Zangauker has emerged as the face of a protest movement demanding negotiations for the hostages' release. Her activism includes chaining herself to fences, blocking traffic, and descending from a bridge in a cage outside Israel's defense headquarters. This tireless effort is part of a broader context of Israeli-Palestinian relations, which have been marked by significant events such as the Oslo Accords, the First and Second Intifadas, and ongoing disputes over territories and borders.
The hostage crisis has brought to the forefront the complex political landscape of Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu, the current Prime Minister serving since December 2022, faces criticism from Einav and other families of hostages. They accuse him of prioritizing his coalition government's survival over securing the hostages' release. Netanyahu denies these allegations, insisting that Hamas is responsible for the deadlock in negotiations.
The situation in Gaza is further complicated by the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007, which has significantly impacted the lives of Palestinians in the region. The status of Jerusalem and the proposed two-state solution remain core issues in the ongoing conflict.
As Einav continues her fight, she draws strength from her son's resilience. "He has resolve that I have never seen. He's a young man who was forced to take responsibility for his sisters because there was no father at home," she says. Her determination reflects the broader struggle for peace and resolution in a region that has seen decades of conflict and failed peace initiatives.
The hostage crisis serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As international bodies like the United Nations continue to be involved in peace efforts, the families of hostages like Einav Zangauker remain caught in what she describes as a "never-ending nightmare," hoping for a resolution that will bring their loved ones home.