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Families of Israeli Hostages Speak Out as Survivors Grapple with Hamas Attack

HeadlineOct 11, 2023

In Israel, over 100 bodies were found at the Be’eri kibbutz near Israel’s separation barrier with Gaza. It was one of several kibbutzim attacked by Hamas fighters, killing entire families, including children. Meanwhile, at least 100 hostages are believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. Among those missing are U.S. citizens. This is Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen.

Jonathan Dekel-Chen: “Kibbutz Nir Oz is no more. It was destroyed in a barbaric, inhuman attack in which dozens of my friends, my neighbors were killed. Many dozens more are either known to be hostages or missing. I’m here speaking today and reaching out to my son, Sagui, who grew up on the kibbutz, Sagui Dekel-Chen. And he’s an arm length’s away in Gaza, evidently, but couldn’t be farther from me and our family right now.”

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