The ex-wife of a hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza expressed hope for his release in the coming weeks following the emotional reunion of three Israeli women with their families. The family of Hadas Kalderon faced tragedy when five members were kidnapped during Hamas' attack on Kibbutz Nir Or in October 2023. Sadly, her mother and niece lost their lives in the incident. However, there was some relief when her daughter, Saha, and son, Erez, were released after being held captive for over 50 days in November 2023.
Despite the ordeal, Kalderon's ex-husband, Ofer, remains in captivity. While information about him has been scarce, Kalderon and her family remain optimistic about his eventual release. The recent return of the first captive out of 33 to be released by Hamas and its allies has brought a sense of hope and possibility for the families awaiting the return of their loved ones.
Describing the situation as a mix of joy, happiness, fears, and worries, Kalderon emphasized the importance of bringing all hostages back safely. She credited US President-elect Donald Trump as a 'game changer' whose involvement facilitated the ceasefire-hostage release deal. However, she acknowledged that the three-phase agreement, while a positive step, presented its own challenges.
Expressing gratitude for the progress made, Kalderon acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need for patience as the remaining hostages are awaited to be reunited with their families. The hope and resilience shown by Kalderon and other families in similar situations serve as a testament to the strength and unity in times of adversity.
