An Israeli woman, Eden Yerushalmi, was tragically kidnapped and killed by Hamas in a heinous attack that has left her family devastated. Her sisters, Shani and May, have bravely shared the harrowing details of the inhuman conditions in which Eden was held captive, shedding light on the nightmare they have been living since her body was recovered by the Israeli military in an underground tunnel in Gaza.
Eden Yerushalmi was abducted from the Nova music festival during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. Her body was among six recovered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a tunnel in Gaza. The family received proof of her being alive on three occasions, with the sisters expressing their disbelief and anguish at the tragic turn of events.
Shani and May revealed the appalling conditions of Eden's captivity, describing a dark and cramped tunnel where she was held for several weeks. They shared that the captives could barely stand, had minimal food, and were forced to use a bucket for bathroom needs. The IDF informed the family that Eden was shot at close range and had defensive wounds on her hands.
The discovery of Eden's body, along with five other captives, has sparked outrage in Israel, with many criticizing the government's handling of the crisis. The family expressed their shock and grief at the brutal manner in which Eden and the others were murdered.
Eden Yerushalmi, a 23-year-old pilates instructor and bartender, was a beloved individual known for her warmth and kindness. Her final moments, as recounted by her sisters, paint a heartbreaking picture of her bravery and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.
May, who bid a tearful farewell to her sister after her body was returned, described Eden as incredibly frail, weighing only 79 pounds at the time of her death. The sisters emphasized Eden's courage and strength, highlighting her as a hero who endured 11 months of captivity in the tunnels.
The tragic fate of Eden Yerushalmi serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of seeking peace and justice for all those affected by such senseless acts of violence.
