As part of the ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas, Israel has witnessed both emotional reunions and painful separations. Among the most poignant stories are those of Ofer Calderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel, whose families are now grappling with a mixture of relief and heartbreak.
Recently, Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas were handed over to the Red Cross, marking a long-awaited step in their release. However, the process has been far from straightforward. In stark contrast to the chaotic scenes seen when seven hostages were released in Khan Yunis—where a large crowd made it difficult for armed men to navigate—Calderon and Bibas were transferred in a more controlled setting with only armed men present.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the unsettling scenes from earlier handovers, calling them "shocking" and pledging to hold mediators accountable to ensure that such chaos does not happen again. These developments underscore the volatile nature of the hostage release process and the emotional toll it takes on the families involved.
Calderon’s Family: “He Came Back From Hell”
Upon his release, Koki Calderon, Ofer’s mother, expressed mixed emotions after seeing her son. "He was thin and pale, but he seemed fine," she said in an interview with Channel 12. Koki reflected on the emotional weight of the situation, calling Ofer "a good and strong child" and expressing confidence that, with time and support, he would recover.
Calderon’s two children, Sahar and Erez, who were released in an earlier exchange, eagerly await their father's return. Koki added, "They will reconnect and be a family again."
Bibas Family Grapples with Mixed Emotions
Yarden Bibas, 35, was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the initial wave of attacks on October 7, 2023. His wife, Shiri, and their two children, Ariel and Kfir, were also taken, and Hamas later claimed they were killed in an Israeli airstrike. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) could not verify these claims, and the fate of Bibas' family remains a critical concern.
Bibas’s release has brought some relief, but it is tempered by the ongoing uncertainty regarding his family’s whereabouts. His relatives have expressed mixed emotions following his return, with his sister Ofri stating, "Yarden is coming back tomorrow, and we are excited, but Shiri and the children have not returned yet."
The family has urged the public to respect their privacy during this complex time and to remain mindful of the emotional toll it has taken on Yarden.
Ofer Calderon’s Long Journey to Freedom
Ofer Calderon, 54, was kidnapped along with his two children, Sahar (17) and Erez (13), after they fled their home during the initial attacks. They were separated shortly after capture and taken to Gaza, where they were held in Hamas tunnels for weeks. Sahar and Erez were released earlier, but it was only recently that Ofer was returned.
Sahar’s last conversation with her father before her release was emotional, as Ofer appeared to be gravely ill, with a leg injury and severe weight loss. In her book, Hadas, Ofer’s ex-partner, described the anguish of their separation, with Ofer begging Sahar to fight for his return, saying, "I don’t want to die here."
Calderon’s brother, Nissan, recalled his hopes when the first exchange occurred, believing Ofer would be back soon, only to realize that military operations had delayed further releases.
Family Calls for Action for Remaining Hostages
After Ofer Calderon’s release, the family expressed their gratitude to former US President Donald Trump for his support in facilitating the exchange. They also urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli decision-makers to take swift action to ensure the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, are returned as soon as possible. "The return of all the abductees is necessary for their rehabilitation, for the rehabilitation of the families, and for the restoration of the country's resilience," the family statement read.
Keith Siegel’s Family Hopes for a Reunion
Keith Siegel, 65, who was kidnapped from his home alongside his wife, Aviva, has also been a central figure in the ongoing hostage crisis. Aviva was released in an earlier deal, but Keith remains in captivity. During the kidnapping, Keith was injured, suffering broken ribs and a gunshot wound to the hand. His wife, Aviva, was held with him but separated shortly after their initial capture.
The first sign of life from Keith came in April 2024, when Hamas released a video showing him speaking to the camera. Keith’s daughter, Ilan, has clung to hope that her father remains alive, sharing in an interview: "I hope he believes we are doing everything we can to be strong."
Conclusion: A Long Road to Healing and Reconciliation
While the releases of Calderon, Bibas, and Siegel are cause for celebration, the ongoing uncertainty about the fate of the remaining hostages, especially Shiri and the children of Bibas, leaves families in a state of limbo. As Israel and its allies continue efforts to bring all hostages home, the emotional toll on those involved is immense. For families like Calderon’s, the hope is that their loved ones will fully heal and that the process of recovery can begin, not just for the hostages but for their families and the broader Israeli public.
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