Sharone Lifschitz, a British-Israeli filmmaker and academic, finds profound meaning in the return of her father's body after a harrowing hostage ordeal. Her father, Oded Lifshitz, was captured by Palestinian gunmen on October 7 and held captive for 503 days. Despite his efforts for peace and humanitarian work, Oded's life was tragically cut short. The Israeli government confirmed that he was murdered by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization during his captivity. Sharone Lifschitz spoke candidly to BBC News at a memorial event at the JW3 Community Centre in London about the significance of this moment for her family.
The ordeal began on October 7 when both Oded Lifshitz and his wife, Yocheved, were taken hostage. Yocheved was released in late October 2023, but Oded's fate was grim. Throughout this period, Sharone Lifschitz campaigned tirelessly for their release, highlighting her parents' lifelong dedication to peace and humanitarian aid. Oded Lifshitz was known not only as a journalist but also as a veteran campaigner who helped transport sick Palestinians to Israeli hospitals for treatment.
Sharone expressed her relief and sorrow over the return of her father's remains.
"Receiving my father's remains back, and being able to say goodbye to him has really been incredibly meaningful to me, more than I could ever imagine, to bring him back to us, away from such horrific events that he was part of in his last days," Sharone said.
She emphasized the difficulty of coming to terms with the betrayal by those whom her father had helped and supported.
"He spent his life in the peace movement and he fought for the possibility of both nations [Israelis and Palestinians] living side by side," Sharone added.
During his captivity, Oded Lifshitz was reportedly held alive but injured. Despite the dire circumstances, Sharone shared that her father maintained his humanity throughout.
"But it's a relief to know that he is not suffering," she reflected.
Yocheved Lifshitz echoed her daughter's sentiments, expressing the pain of betrayal.
"He had very good relations with Palestinians and the thing that hurt the most is that they betrayed him," Yocheved remarked.
The return of Oded's body allows his family a chance to honor his legacy and find closure amid their grief. Sharone spoke on the profound impact of his burial.
"Bringing back my dad and being able to bury him was one of the most profound things," Sharone stated.
As a filmmaker and academic, Sharone Lifschitz continues to advocate for peace and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. She challenges the cycle of hate with a poignant question.
"Is the road hazardous? Yes. What's the alternative? More hate? Did hate ever solve hate? Does more hate help? I don't see it," she questioned.
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