Family of deceased former Hamas hostage Oded Lifshitz fights for others

Oded Lifshitz, a beloved member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was 83 years old when he and his wife Yocheved were taken from their home during Hamas’ attacks against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. While Yocheved miraculously returned to Israel alive, Oded tragically came back in a coffin on Feb. 20, 2025.

The Lifshitz family, including their grandson Daniel, has been grappling with the heartbreak of losing Oded and the agony of knowing that 13 hostages from Nir Oz are still in Gaza, with some not even alive. Despite this pain, Daniel remains hopeful that all the hostages will eventually be brought back to their loved ones.

Describing his late grandfather as a “warrior of peace,” Daniel shared that Oded was not only a veteran of four wars but also a staunch advocate for minority rights. Oded and Yocheved were known for their activism, including helping Palestinian pediatric cancer patients from Gaza receive life-saving treatment in Israel.

At Oded’s funeral, Yocheved spoke about the couple’s dedication to peace and their devastating realization that they were attacked by those they had selflessly assisted. Daniel expressed his grandmother’s sense of betrayal by Palestinian civilians who did not rally for the release of the hostages, a gesture that could potentially bring an end to the conflict.

The return of Oded’s body alongside those of Ariel and Kfir Bibas was a poignant moment that highlighted the international community’s failure to secure the release of all hostages. Shiri Bibas, the boys’ mother, was initially missing from the coffin, but her remains were eventually returned, adding to the family’s grief.

Despite the differences in approach between the Biden and Trump administrations, Daniel praised the latter for their creativity in seeking solutions to the hostage crisis. He emphasized the need for relentless efforts to bring all the hostages home, both alive and deceased, to provide closure for the families.

The Lifshitz family, alongside the entire community of Kibbutz Nir Oz, continues to hold onto hope that their loved ones will be reunited. Daniel’s ultimate wish is for his grandmother to find peace and solace once all the hostages are safely returned to Israel.

As they navigate through this tragedy, the Lifshitz family stands united in their determination to see justice served and their unwavering belief in the power of peace and reconciliation.