In the video: Verda Ben Baruch, the grandmother of the kidnapped soldier Idan Alexander, in an interview with Tel Shalu on his weekend/still photography: Reuven Castro, photos courtesy of the family
It has been 146 days that 134 abductees have been held captive by Hamas, and again there is talk of a new plan and deal that will bring them home.
Although there is cautious optimism again, the families of the abductees set out to march on their way to Jerusalem, crying out for the leadership to bring their loved ones home.
Verda Ben Baruch is the grandmother of Idan Alexander, 20 years old, who was kidnapped to Gaza on October 7, from the base where he served near the Gaza border.
Idan moved with his parents to the United States at the age of two months.
At the age of 18, he decided that he wanted to volunteer for significant service in the army.
"He fulfilled his dream," says Varda in an interview with "Shlev" at the Walla! studio. "His parents gave him the blessing of the road, and we were very happy that he came to us and joined the family of soldiers."
Idan chose to serve in Golani, and was stationed at the Gaza border. Hamas's surprise attack on Israel, on the holiday of Simchat Torah, his mother Yael stayed in Israel, after he came to visit in order to celebrate the holiday with him. "She was with us here at Sukkot and it was such a beautiful and good holiday," recalls Varda. "But on Tuesday he had to return to the Gaza border post and he told his mother 'if I don't go someone else will stay there'.
He was so considerate and returned to the base, even though his mother begged the commanders to leave him because she came especially."
On the morning of October 7, Idan still had time to call his mother and update her on the difficult moments he went through before he was kidnapped. "He called his mother, said that something abnormal is going on here , that they are being shot at and there is a terrible mess.
She told him 'I'm here for you and I love you'.
He said: 'Mom, I have a splinter in my helmet, but I'm in a protected place.'
He was on guard duty and in the morning was taken by Hamas to Gaza."
"He was on guard duty and was kidnapped in the morning."
Varda against the background of the photo of her grandson Idan/Reuven Castro
What do you know about his condition?
"We didn't get any signs. He was missing for 5 days. We set up a home emergency room and went to the wounded to ask who knows what happened to him, because there was serious chaos here.
In the end we saw some video they sent us showing Idan being taken from the guard post and they identified him and the army confirmed.
We saw that he was taken alive and intact and he walked on his feet.
That's how we want to see him back."
We talk a lot with parents and siblings. But how did your life change as a grandmother?
"Life stopped and changed 180 degrees.
The house is no longer the same.
Nothing interesting, just bringing our loved ones home.
This is what they do day and night.
Bring the kidnapped home safe and sound.
the bodies too.
Everyone there should be returned for burial."
They are talking about an outline again. Apparently, soldiers will not be part of the second outline. How does it feel?
"I am happy that there are abductees returning to their homes.
It is very difficult for us to think that the soldiers are at the end.
They are all human, they all need to get along with everyone and not make categories.
We want everyone at home.
I don't want to think about anything else, the government should try to bring everyone back.
We are a country that is built on values that have been built up from generation to generation, that the people of Israel guarantee each other and that's how we want it - to be a mutual guarantee.
That everyone in the government, in the cabinet and in all places that have influence will understand that the people of Israel are one for everyone, and that our unity is what is important and when the abductees return, that is what will restore hope and trust in the country."
More in Walla!
The breakthroughs, the treatments and what does the future hold?
Everything you need to know about diabetes
In collaboration with Sanofi
"We want to see actions and results."
Netanyahu, Gallant and Levi in the War Cabinet/Government Press Office, Kobi Gideon
Varda feels the mutual guarantee in the street, from all communities.
Recently she was in prayer at the Western Wall for the release of the abductees with Gur Hassidim.
"We saw their care and their cry. It is not obvious, these are people who are not drafted into the army and still feel they belong to this nation. This is what we need."
Do you also feel the leadership?
"They are trying, but I want them to try harder. Face to face we receive a lot of promises and hugs and what is apparently necessary, but we want to see it in actions and results. This is what the test of our government's performance will show us. Bibi's and everyone around him."
Netanyahu sometimes says that they have other considerations.
"We don't get into politics. It's his job to think about how he brings about the unification of the people and not division and pain and sorrow. Everyone should think if it was their grandson, or their son, or their parents - what's important is that everyone thinks it's like flesh from their own flesh. That's how You have to treat the matter with empathy and love. And love your neighbor as yourself."
Idan is also an American citizen.
There is a warm embrace from the administration.
Do you feel that Biden's desire is significant?
"They are trying very hard and making every effort. From the first moment it happened, they immediately contacted us. Yael was in Israel and her husband also joined. There was a meeting with Biden in Zoom for an hour and a half. There were also meetings with Blinken, and there are also meetings and close cooperation in the US.
We know they are doing their best, but in the end it depends on us and Hamas."
"I'm just praying."
Varda Ben Baruch/Reuven Castro
do you have anger
"No. I just pray. I am a woman of prayers and faith. I want to strengthen my grandson and all the abductees. I took it upon myself every day to pray for the abductees. I have a list that I pray for everyone. I feel that we are like this, and all my anger fade away. My energy goes in a good direction, of prayer, faith and strengthening."
Is the family with you?
"Yes. We were at the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. We are people of faith and believe that this is what will also bring good."
After such a terrible event, it's hard to believe.
How do you find the strength to believe?
"I say thank you that you restored my soul in me, every day I pray I turn to the Creator of the world and receive strength and transfer strength. I don't want negative thoughts, to hold myself and for the family to be strong for Idan."
The families march to Jerusalem.
Do you feel that the people are with you?
"Yes. I feel that the people are with us. Everyone who can come to the march and identify. I always say don't leave us alone and don't forget us. This issue of the abductees is not something that will end with the push of a button. And we want you to be with us and identify with us and give us the strength. The headquarters of the abductees He's our back. It's my second home. I constantly congratulate them. They all volunteer and I always say, 'Let's not meet tomorrow, or on Saturday night at the assembly.'"
What would you like to say now to the public in Israel?
"I want to say to our people, stay united. Leave politics, put it aside. Now is your time to be together and show togetherness. Our strength is in our unity. This is the answer to Hamas. I hope Bibi and the entire cabinet will understand that this is our significant need to return the kidnapped safe and sound And thanks to our soldiers who do everything and fight for all our people. And with God's help we will be told good news."
"Yaeli feels that her heart is not whole, and even for me to see his father cry secretly was not easy. Idan is the revered eldest son. I wish he would be with us at his brother's bar mitzvah. It will be before Pesach. I even wish he would be early and be in the preparations."
More on the same topic:
Gaza war
War of Iron Swords
abducted