Ela Elyakim

Freed November 26, 2023

Ela Elyakim, an 8-year-old girl, and her sister Dafna were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas terror attack on October 7. The attack resulted in a tragic and widespread loss of life, with over 1,200 Israelis killed. Ela and Dafna were among the hostages released during a ceasefire agreement, marking the end of a 51-day captivity that left an indelible mark on their young lives.

The sisters' kidnapping was a moment of sheer terror, captured live on Facebook as their father, Noam Elyakim, was shot. Their mother, Maayan Zin, became a vocal advocate for their release, her pleas for their safe return echoing the desperation and anguish of a parent separated from her children by such violent circumstances.

Throughout their captivity, Ela and Dafna were subjected to a series of moves across Gaza, initially separated from their family and later kept in a civilian's home. They were exposed to the harsh realities of their situation, including the threat of violence and the constant presence of firearms, which particularly distressed Ela.

The sisters were eventually moved to a school, used as a makeshift shelter, where the conditions further exacerbated Ela's fears. The uncertainty of their situation, compounded by the sounds of warfare and the instability of their surroundings, left Ela afraid even to sleep, haunted by the possibility of never waking up.