Oded and Yocheved Lifshitz
Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper during their release, in Hamas footage.
Oded Lifshitz, 83, and his wife Yocheved, 85, were among the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz. They had been married for 67 years. (1)
For decades, they were involved in peace and social-justice activities. Oded was a journalist and longtime peace activist who regularly helped Palestinian patients from Gaza reach hospitals in Israel for medical treatment. Yocheved was a photographer and teacher. (2)
We fought all through the years for social justice, for peace. To my sorrow, we were hit by a terrible blow by those we helped on the other side.
Family Testimony
Rita Lifshitz, daughter-in-law of Oded and Yocheved, telling their story.
October 7
On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorists entered Nir Oz and broke into their home.
The couple hid in their safe room. Oded was shot in the hand and lost consciousness. Yocheved was taken from the house separately. (4)
When Yocheved was taken outside, she saw Oded lying unconscious on the ground. She believed he had been killed.
Instead, he was taken to Gaza alive. (5)
Yocheved's Release
After 17 days in captivity, Yocheved was released on October 23, 2023. (6)
Oded remained in Gaza.
Oded in Captivity
For months, his family did not know whether he was alive. Later, released hostages provided information indicating that Oded had survived the initial abduction and had been held in Gaza. (5)
According to information given to his family, Oded was alive for at least 20 days in captivity. He reportedly helped fellow hostage Hana Katzir while they were being held together. (8)
Sources
- 1.The Times of Israel — We fought for peace. We were attacked by those we helped: Yocheved Lifshitz parts from Oded
- 2.Reuters — Freed Israeli grandmother is peace activist who helped sick Gazans, grandson says
- 3.The Times of Israel — Yocheved Lifshitz at husband's funeral
- 4.Associated Press — Oded Lifshitz
- 5.The Times of Israel — Oded Lifshitz, 83, retired journalist and lifelong peace activist
- 6.Associated Press — Yocheved Lifshitz's account of her abduction and captivity
- 7.The Washington Post — Yocheved Lifshitz's testimony about her captivity
- 8.Israel Hayom — Oded Lifshitz was alive for 20 days in Gaza before he died
- 9.IDF — Return and identification of Oded Lifshitz's body
- Amiram Oren — Courtesy / homepage card photograph