She is neither demented nor stupid, does not suffer from Stockholm syndrome and is not confused by the situation.
It's not age or captivity or cameras. Yocheved Lifshitz is an impressive, strong and smart woman. There is a chance that much smarter than the people who are now supposed to worry about the welfare of the abductees on behalf of the State of Israel.
In front of the cameras, she told the truth.
She had no interest in creating unnecessary drama, nor did she look at herself as Galit Distel's replacement in the dying Ministry of Information. The truth, as far as she was concerned, was that she was well taken care of.
It is this truth that is supposed to protect more than 200 other abductees still held by Hamas, including Yocheved's husband. What will happen to those who remain there if their captors are described as animals if this is not true? Will this improve the conditions of captivity of the abductees, or will it just make us feel that Israeli public diplomacy is working?
Unwittingly, or with the deep understanding that her story will determine the standard of care for prisoners still in Gaza, an 85-year-old woman set standards for Hamas. Yes, standards. The whole world now knows that she was treated well, that she did not suffer from severe abuse or deprivation.
And there is an expectation that every captive who returns from captivity, and an artist who sees everyone at home soon, will tell the same story. What do we prefer, that the prisoners be abused and we have a good story, or that they be treated well and our publicity harmed?
And no, that doesn't mean the kidnappers didn't act like human animals. Whoever burned and raped and murdered in cold blood is the scum of mankind, blood vengeance A little boy has not yet created Satan. But once the abductees have arrived in Gaza, they are an asset, they are needed. No one thinks that intelligence information can be extracted from abducted babies or elderly women, they are just a bargaining chip in the hands of this despicable organization, that's all.
Don't you want to hear the truth? Don't arrange a press conference for a woman who has experienced terrible trauma and has never stood in front of the cameras without a briefing or preparation, or just skip the show. Yes, Ichilov spokesman, there is no need to make a wow effect to journalists who do not expect this. Abductees who return are not pawns in the hands of any speaker.
And there is an expectation that every captive who returns from captivity, and an artist who sees everyone at home soon, will tell the same story. What do we prefer, that the prisoners be abused and we have a good story, or that they be treated well and our publicity harmed?
Does the truth interfere with your advocacy? Make an effort to explain better than the truth you have in hand, without distorting any other truth. But no one has any right to curse and hurt someone who has realized that what she says is comforting to other families who have no idea what their loved ones are going through right now. If they took good care of her, there's a chance they were too. A drop of silence, a glimps, in the sea of unimaginable pain.
Gilad Shalit was held captive by Hamas for five years. He, too, talks about fair treatment and concern for his well-being. It is hard to understand or believe or accept that these human animals are also capable of treating Israelis fairly, especially after all the pictures we have seen and the stories we have heard. But apparently life is sometimes much more complex than advocacy.
We must pray that Yocheved Lifshitz's truth will be the truth of other abductees when they return home: abductees are not advocacy, they are first and foremost human beings and the families waiting for them at home.
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