Ohad Munder-Zichri, a young child, commemorates his ninth birthday in captivity after being taken hostage by Hamas. Along with his mother and grandparents, Ohad vanished during an attack by Hamas militants on the kibbutz of Nir Oz, where he was visiting. Since then, there has been no sight of him. His father, Avi Zichri, struggles with the uncertainty of his son’s situation and the fear of what he may be experiencing.
Despite the unimaginable anguish of his father, efforts are being made to raise awareness and bring attention to Ohad’s predicament in hopes of his safe return. As the young boy’s ninth birthday passes, the community stands united, sending virtual cards, recording greetings, and pleading for the release of the hostages, particularly the children. With each passing day, the anguish intensifies for Ohad’s father, who can do nothing but hold onto hope and eagerly await the day he can embrace his son once again.
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Ohad Munder-Zichri, a child taken hostage by Hamas, turns 9 years old in captivity
Background information
Ohad Munder-Zichri, a nine-year-old child, is believed to be a hostage held by Hamas. Along with his mother and grandparents, Ohad was taken during Hamas militants’ attack on the kibbutz of Nir Oz. This devastating incident occurred on October 7, 2023, and since then, Ohad has not been seen. His birthday falls on October 23, which adds to the anguish and worry felt by his family.
Ohad’s abduction and his family’s anguish
During the attack on Nir Oz, Ohad, his mother, and his grandparents were taken as hostages. This sudden and cruel event has caused immense uncertainty and worry for Ohad’s father, Avi Zichri. As a father, Avi is haunted by thoughts of what Ohad might be going through. He wonders about his son’s safety and well-being, constantly imagining different scenarios and hoping for the best possible outcome. Sleepless nights and constant anxiety have become a part of Avi Zichri’s life as he waits for news of his son and family.
Ohad’s family and his life before the abduction
Ohad comes from a loving family. His parents are Avi Zichri and Keren Munder, and his grandparents are Avraham and Ruti Munder. Before the abduction, Ohad enjoyed spending time with his grandparents and uncle at their kibbutz in Nir Oz. He had a variety of interests and talents, including solving Rubik’s cubes, playing soccer, tennis, and chess. Ohad was also a passionate fan of Liverpool FC. His home was filled with his beloved Liverpool FC souvenirs, trophies, and photos of his family.
Raising awareness on Ohad’s birthday
On Ohad’s ninth birthday, there has been an outpouring of support from both local and international communities. In an attempt to raise awareness about Ohad’s plight, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, initiated an international social media campaign. This campaign encourages people to send virtual birthday cards to Ohad. Additionally, Israeli athletes, including members of Ohad’s favorite soccer team, have recorded birthday greetings and wishes for Ohad’s safe return. In Ohad’s hometown of Kfar Saba, yellow balloons with messages recognizing his birthday in captivity have been displayed. The local community has also organized various initiatives to show their support for Ohad.
Appeals for the release of hostages
Ohad’s family, along with many others, have been appealing for the release of all the hostages held by Hamas. They emphasize the importance of releasing the children among the hostages, as at least 20 of them are believed to be children and teenagers. The Israel Defense Forces estimate the number of hostages to be more than 200. To amplify these appeals, a widespread media campaign has been launched, bringing attention to the plight of the hostages and urging the captors to release them.
Everyday agony for Ohad’s father
Ohad’s father, Avi Zichri, experiences intense anxiety and agony every day as he awaits news of his son and wife. The constant worry is amplified by reports of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, as Zichri fears for the safety of his loved ones. The waiting and uncertainty consume him, and the only respite he can find is in sleeping pills that temporarily relieve his agony. However, even in sleep, the guilt of not thinking about his family weighs heavy on his heart. His only hope is for a reunion with Ohad and his mother, where they can embrace each other after enduring such a difficult separation.
Final messages from Ohad’s mother
During the attack, Ohad’s mother, Keren Munder, communicated with Avi Zichri through text messages. Her concern for their safety and well-being was evident, as she shared updates on the situation and their actions to stay safe. In her final message, she expressed hopes for a quick resolution without harm and advised Zichri to follow the instructions from the homefront command.
Support and hope for Ohad’s return
While waiting for news of Ohad, Zichri has found support from his friends. Their presence and encouragement provide him some measure of comfort and strength during this challenging time. Zichri longs for the day when he can be reunited with his son and wife, with hopes of falling into their arms in a tearful embrace. It is this hope that serves as his solace in the absence of his loved ones.
Conclusion
The ongoing hope and determination for Ohad’s release remain strong. The agony and anxiety experienced by Ohad’s family in his absence are pervasive. Raising awareness about Ohad’s situation is crucial as it brings attention to the plight of all the hostages held by Hamas. The importance of garnering support and amplifying their appeals cannot be stressed enough. The hope for Ohad’s safe return remains unwavering amid the immense challenges faced by his family.
Related site – Ohad Zichri turns 9 while held hostage in Gaza; brother: ‘He should stay strong and know we love him’