Oded Lifshitz, a peace activist who was ripped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife Yocheved during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, was tragically returned to Israel in a coffin on February 20, 2025. Despite the devastating loss, Yocheved has been advocating for the release of other hostages taken during the attack. Of the 13 hostages still held in Gaza, some may not even be alive. Their grandson, Daniel Lifshitz, emphasized that until all hostages are back home, nothing can truly bring light back to Kibbutz Nir Oz.
Described as a “warrior of peace,” Oded Lifshitz, along with his wife Yocheved, showcased their commitment to peace by helping Palestinian pediatric cancer patients from Gaza cross into Israel for chemotherapy treatments. However, the couple experienced a great betrayal when they were attacked by the very people they had spent years helping. Despite this, Yocheved continues to fight for the release of the remaining hostages, feeling let down by the lack of support from Palestinian civilians against Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The Lifshitz family believes that if the hostages are released, it could bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Upon Oded’s return in a coffin alongside two others, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, their bodies symbolized the international community’s failure to bring them home. The coffin meant for the boys’ mother, Shiri Bibas, arrived empty, but her body was returned two days later. The Lifshitz family, including Daniel, grew up with Shiri’s sister, Dana, creating a close bond between the families. Daniel expressed disappointment in the differences between the Trump and Biden administrations’ responses, noting the Trump team’s more creative approach in seeking solutions to the crisis.
Despite the devastating loss and ongoing tragedy, the Lifshitz family refuses to lose hope that the remaining hostages, both alive and deceased, will one day return home to Israel. Daniel also hopes that once his grandmother, Yocheved, sees the safe return of all the hostages, she will finally be able to find some peace and rest. The heartbreaking situation highlights the importance of advocating for peace and solidarity among different communities, even in the face of immense tragedy and loss. The family’s continued efforts to bring their loved ones home serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination that can emerge in the midst of great sorrow.
