Three months have passed since the devastating terrorist attack on October 7th, perpetrated by Hamas, a Palestinian extremist group. The aftermath of the assault continues to haunt the families and loved ones of the hostages who were captured that fateful day. Israeli authorities estimate that 107 hostages are currently being held by Hamas in their stronghold of Gaza. Among the captives is Doron Steinbrecher, a 30-year-old woman who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Azzah.
Doron's older brother, Dor Steinbrecher, revealed the heart-wrenching details of the kidnapping. On that day, while residing in Israel's central region, Dor woke up to the blaring sound of a missile rocket alarm. Concerned for his family's safety, he immediately contacted them and learned of the terror unfolding at the kibbutz. Doron, who resided in an apartment within the community, made a frantic phone call to their mother, tearfully confessing that she was hiding under her bed in the safe room. Unfortunately, her precautionary measures could not deter the assailants, who forcibly took her away.
Desperate for any sign of life, the Steinbrecher family has not received any evidence of Doron's well-being. Despite the return of several other hostages, none of them have reported seeing her in Gaza. With Doron requiring daily medication, her parents reached out to the Red Cross for assistance. However, their plea was met with a disheartening response, as the humanitarian organization urged them to prioritize the well-being of people in Gaza over their daughter's urgent medical needs.
The situation has been further exacerbated by mounting reports of sexual violence perpetrated against young women and teenagers held captive by Hamas, as documented by The New York Times. The horrifying revelations have only added to the already palpable fear surrounding the fate of Doron and the other hostages.
In a plea to those who have shown indifference, Dor emphasized that the hostages are ordinary citizens who were forcefully abducted from their beds without justification. He urged them to empathize with the families and consider the victims as their own beloved relatives in need of help. The tearing down of posters seeking information about the missing hostages was condemned, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and prompt action.
As the ordeal continues, it is crucial that the plight of the hostages, including Doron Steinbrecher, remains in the spotlight. Their lives and well-being hang in the balance, and the international community must unite to ensure their safe return.
