Abigail Mor Edan, age four, lost her parents in the Hamas invasion on October 7 and had to endure weeks of captivity as a hostage of the terrorist organization. Image Credit: BNN Network
Innocence Lost
I can imagine that a great many of us SOFREP readers are parents. Can you imagine your young child, at the age of three, being held captive by terrorists? The thought is infuriating and speaks volumes about the kind of people who have started the current war in Israel.
And as a child, can you imagine your loving parents being murdered in front of you by your captors and having to spend your fourth birthday as their hostage? Your siblings managed to escape the initial carnage, but you have no idea whether they are alive or dead. This should not be something anyone has to endure at any age.
In a significant development, four-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, an Israeli-American child, was recently liberated after being held captive by Hamas. This release is part of a more extensive negotiation process involving multiple hostages.
Abigail’s parents tragically lost their lives in a Hamas-led assault in Israel on October 7. During this raid, Abigail, along with approximately 240 others, was abducted and taken to Gaza, and this traumatic seven-week period included her fourth birthday, which she spent in captivity.
Abigail is shown here on November 27th with her aunt and uncle after being reunited at the Schneider Hospital. Image Credit: Times of Israel
Part of a Complex Deal
The possibility of her release was first mentioned by the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on “Face the Nation.” However, the situation remained uncertain due to its complex nature.
The release of hostages, including Abigail, followed earlier releases as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. This deal stipulated the liberation of at least 50 women and children from Gaza and around 150 Palestinian women and teenagers from Israeli prisons. A temporary ceasefire, allowing humanitarian aid and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza, was also part of the agreement.
The ceasefire was initially set for four days, and Israel indicated a willingness to extend it if more hostages were released. On Sunday, 17 hostages were freed, including Abigail. Among these, 14 were Israeli citizens, and three were foreign nationals, though their specific nationalities were not immediately disclosed.
President Biden, in a televised address, confirmed Abigail’s release and detailed the harrowing events she endured, including witnessing the killing of her parents.
Abigail’s great-aunt, Liz Hirsh Naftali, and her cousin, Noa Naftali, expressed immense relief and gratitude for her return, acknowledging the efforts of President Biden and the Qatari government. They remain hopeful for the return of all hostages.
Abigail’s Aunt Thanks the Public for Their Support
Innocence Lost
I can imagine that a great many of us SOFREP readers are parents. Can you imagine your young child, at the age of three, being held captive by terrorists? The thought is infuriating and speaks volumes about the kind of people who have started the current war in Israel.
And as a child, can you imagine your loving parents being murdered in front of you by your captors and having to spend your fourth birthday as their hostage? Your siblings managed to escape the initial carnage, but you have no idea whether they are alive or dead. This should not be something anyone has to endure at any age.
In a significant development, four-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, an Israeli-American child, was recently liberated after being held captive by Hamas. This release is part of a more extensive negotiation process involving multiple hostages.
Abigail’s parents tragically lost their lives in a Hamas-led assault in Israel on October 7. During this raid, Abigail, along with approximately 240 others, was abducted and taken to Gaza, and this traumatic seven-week period included her fourth birthday, which she spent in captivity.
Abigail is shown here on November 27th with her aunt and uncle after being reunited at the Schneider Hospital. Image Credit: Times of Israel
Part of a Complex Deal
The possibility of her release was first mentioned by the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on “Face the Nation.” However, the situation remained uncertain due to its complex nature.
The release of hostages, including Abigail, followed earlier releases as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. This deal stipulated the liberation of at least 50 women and children from Gaza and around 150 Palestinian women and teenagers from Israeli prisons. A temporary ceasefire, allowing humanitarian aid and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza, was also part of the agreement.
The ceasefire was initially set for four days, and Israel indicated a willingness to extend it if more hostages were released. On Sunday, 17 hostages were freed, including Abigail. Among these, 14 were Israeli citizens, and three were foreign nationals, though their specific nationalities were not immediately disclosed.
President Biden, in a televised address, confirmed Abigail’s release and detailed the harrowing events she endured, including witnessing the killing of her parents.
Abigail’s great-aunt, Liz Hirsh Naftali, and her cousin, Noa Naftali, expressed immense relief and gratitude for her return, acknowledging the efforts of President Biden and the Qatari government. They remain hopeful for the return of all hostages.
Abigail’s Aunt Thanks the Public for Their Support
Abigail was captured along with a neighbor’s family from the Kfar Aza kibbutz, where she lived. Her two older siblings, aged 6 and 10, survived the attack by hiding. The family plans for Abigail to live with her aunt, uncle, and grandparents, joining her siblings to provide them with the necessary support and love after their parents’ loss.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
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