In a horrifying incident that occurred four weeks ago, Hamas abducted around 240 people into Gaza, including an 84-year-old woman named Ditza Heiman. For Neta Heiman Mina, one of Ditza’s daughters, the nightmare began when she called her mother on 7 October, only to hear Hamas militants answer the phone. The shock and fear that gripped Neta can only be imagined as her sister hung up in terror. The anguish and uncertainty that followed were unimaginable, as Ditza Heiman remains captive in Gaza, taken from her home at Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel. With memories of the attack that claimed 1,400 lives and took over 240 hostages still vivid, Neta recalls her last conversation with her mother, who was unaware of the unfolding tragedy outside her safe room. The message from her mother, received just minutes before 10:00 AM local time that day, was the last communication Neta had with her mother. The distraught daughter later learned from a neighbor that Ditza had called for help, but before assistance could arrive, Hamas gunmen took her away. The neighbor was lucky to escape with his life after witnessing the horrifying events. Neta’s hopes soared when she and her sister stumbled upon a video on a Hamas Facebook page, confirming the survival of their mother.
Ditza Heiman’s presence in Kibbutz Nir Oz had spanned her entire adult life. A former social worker who retired only a few years ago, her existence was filled with love and care for her 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous other children who considered her their family. Despite her independent lifestyle, cooking for herself and walking around, her mobility was limited. Comparing her mother’s situation to that of Yocheved Lifschitz, an 85-year-old who was recently freed and spoke about having to walk through tunnels, Neta expressed her concerns. The ongoing ground offensive in Gaza heightened those worries, as she feared for the safety of the hostages and the young soldiers engaged in the conflict.
Neta believes that direct dialogue between the Israeli government and Hamas is crucial to resolving the crisis. As a passionate advocate for peace and a dedicated Women Wage Peace activist, she has long campaigned for an agreement-based resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She holds Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government responsible for exacerbating the situation by escalating tensions in the West Bank over the past nine months. Neta states that Hamas carefully chose its timing, launching the attack when Israeli troops were concentrated in the West Bank, supposedly to protect Sukkahs, the temporary shelters erected during a Jewish festival. Heartbreakingly, this protection failed, leaving Neta’s mother and other hostages in the clutches of the terrorists. Neta fervently calls for every possible effort to be made to bring the hostages back home safely.
The impact of this news is far-reaching, affecting individuals emotionally and exposing the vulnerability of innocent people caught in the crossfire of political conflicts. It highlights the tragic consequences of violence and the urgency for peaceful resolutions. The ordeal faced by Ditza Heiman and her family serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the importance of international cooperation, dialogue, and compassion to prevent similar incidents in the future.
