Father's Reflection: Son's Release After 16 Months in Hamas Captivity

A Father's Perspective on Release

• 💬 Jonathan Dekel-Chen describes his son Sagui's release after 498 days in Hamas captivity as a rebirth, likening him to a "newborn 36-year-old son."
• 💔 The period from October 7th to February 14th is characterized as a "living hell" for the family.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sagui, upon release, was able to meet his 15-month-old daughter Shakar for the first time, having been abducted while defending his community.

Conditions of Captivity

• 🚇 Sagui spent most of his 16 months underground in Hamas tunnels, experiencing no sunlight for the entire duration.
• 🏥 There was very little to no medical care, with some individuals from the kibbutz dying due to lack of proper medical attention.
• 🍽️ Constant malnutrition or starvation was a significant factor during his captivity.
• ⏳ Sagui was aware of time, calculating his 498 days in captivity as 43 million seconds.

Kibbutz Nir Oz and its Residents

• 🏡 Kibbutz Nir Oz, founded in 1955, had about 400 members and was described as a "big family."
• 🕯️ Approximately 47 members died during the October 7th invasion.
• 👥 Out of the initial 240 hostages taken by Hamas, 79 were from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
• 📍 Nir Oz was ground zero for the massacre and hostage-taking on October 7th.
• 🏠 About 80% of the remaining Nir Oz residents now live in the southern city of Kiryat Gat, with the kibbutz being uninhabitable.

Rebuilding and Future Hopes

• 💔 The family cannot begin the mourning or recovery process until the remaining hostages are returned.
• 🏘️ About half of the surviving community are expected to return and rebuild, while others, like the Dekel-Chen family, will not.
• 🙏 Jonathan Dekel-Chen expresses a renewed faith in the people of Israel and global supporters, including Christian communities.
• ✨ He reflects on "little miracles" that happened within the horrific experience, attributing them to faith.

Thoughts on Gaza's Future

• 🕊️ Dekel-Chen believes there will be no peace as long as Hamas or a similar organization rules.
• 🌍 He suggests that the international community must provide the millions living in Gaza with something good that they don't want to lose to foster a better future.