Mr. Haran, how do you feel about the fact that your brother-in-law Tal Shoham has been held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for almost a year now?
It’s unbelievable. Our world cannot function like this. Tal was abducted from a kibbutz while visiting family with his children. How can it be that a completely innocent father is held captive by a terrorist organization for so long? The news from Gaza is terrible; we constantly hear about the deaths of more people who have been abducted. My basic trust in the world is lost at the moment.
When was the last time you heard from him?
A neighbor saw terrorists drag Tal into a car and drive him towards Gaza on the evening of October 7th. He walked upright and appeared uninjured. That’s the only sign of life we have of him. Otherwise we know absolutely nothing.
Her father was murdered, Tal’s wife, two children and her mother were taken hostage and later released. How are you doing?
I don’t like talking about personal things. Just this much: For us, October 7th continues to this day. We can only heal when Tal is back home with us.
What kind of person is Tal and what do you miss most?
He is a very gentle man and a family man through and through. Tal is also always curious and loves to learn things which he then shares with us. I miss the good conversations with him. But what I miss most is seeing him with his children and family.
How does the family deal with this tragedy?
We are currently fully focused on freeing Tal and all other hostages. It’s terrible that we have to say it, but it’s the reality: we no longer have trust in our government. So we have to do everything we can ourselves. For me, that means shouting Tal’s name to the world and ensuring that the fate of the hostages Hamas still holds in Gaza is not forgotten.
What would you like to share with the world?
That all countries, all governments must put pressure on Hamas and make it clear again and again: It is inhumane to hold civilians hostage. They must be freed!
You say you have lost faith in the world. Do you still have hope?
I – and my whole family – have huge hope! We are often surprised by bad news. But we are sure that Tal is alive and that at some point we will get the call: “He’s free, come hug him!”
Sabine Brandes spoke to the brother-in-law of the hostage Tal Shoham.
