In reports from conflict zones, we so often hear numbers: “Seven killed in Ukraine attack” or “Twelve innocent people died” in the London bus bomb – or the number each of us knows only too well: six million. While the numbers are important, we miss the knowledge of the individual involved. Each of the seven, of the twelve innocents, of the six million was a unique individual, a person with their own character, their own dreams and their own hopes for the future. But we seldom get to know that side of the numbers.
I’ve been thinking about the individuals behind the numbers since hearing the devastating news of the execution of six Israeli hostages by Hamas a few weeks ago. What did each of them go through during the approximately 10 months of their captivity? Did they hold out any hope of returning from Gaza? Had they been freed at some point, could they have successfully resumed their lives?
My heart bled for Hersh Goldberg-Polin long before I heard of his murder. News reports earlier on revealed that this young man, who had only recently reached adulthood, was taken into captivity with half his arm blown off by a grenade thrown during the initial attacks on October 7th. Becoming disabled through the loss of a limb must be a particularly horrific experience, one which can best be dealt with through the support of one’s loved ones, of quality medical care, and of a caring environment. No doubt, while in captivity, none of these support systems would have been available. How did Hersh cope emotionally and mentally – never mind physically – during the many months he was trapped in Gaza? The torment must have been incalcuble.
And then I wonder about Eden Yerushalmi, who, it turned out, was being starved by her Hamas captors. After being found in late August, her body was returned to Israel and it was found that she weighed just 79 pounds (35.8kg). She must have known that she was losing weight during her months in captivity. Was she tormented by the fear of dying of starvation? For her, too, could she have found any empathy and support in the months after October 7th?
We should find out whatever we can about each individual held in captivity. Every one of them is a lot more than a number. Let’s remember them for who each of them is.
This month marks the first anniversary of the worst pogrom against the Jewish nation since the Holocaust. We spoke to members of our local community to reflect on our feelings about what happened.
The attacks of October 7th are highlighted in other articles: we report on three visits by activists who have spoken out in different ways: Iris Haim, the mother of a slain hostage; Sheila Nazarian, the American activist raising issues of antisemitism; and antisemitism expert, David Hirsh.
On a happier note, the Chronicle joins in the birthday wishes for two centenarians from Cape Town. We also note the positive sentiment about the prospect of an upswing in South Africa’s economy since the Government of National Unity has been in power.
Wishing you all Chag Sameach and well over the Fast!
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