Hila Rotem Shoshani

Freed November 25, 2023

Hila Rotem Shoshani, a 13-year-old girl, was abducted by Hamas terrorists from her home in Kibbutz Be’eri during the October 7 attack. This violent incursion resulted in significant loss of life within the community and led to Hila, her mother Raaya, 54, and Emily Hand, a 9-year-old friend having a sleepover with Hila, being taken captive. The attack on the kibbutz was part of a broader offensive by Hamas that morning across southern Israel.

The last communication from Raaya to her family was a message sent at 12:05 p.m. on the day of the attack to her brother. This was the onset of a deeply distressing period for their family, with no further word on their condition or whereabouts for weeks. It wasn't until October 29 that the family received official confirmation that Hila and Raaya were being held as hostages in Gaza; they and Emily were presumed dead until that point.

Hila was released without Raaya, a violation of the ceasefire agreement terms which stipulated that mothers and children should not be separated. Hila's uncle, Yair Rotem, emphasized this breach, advocating for Raaya's immediate return as per the agreement. He shared that Hila and Raaya were together throughout their captivity until just two days before Hila's release, refuting Hamas's claims of ignorance about Raaya's whereabouts. Raaya has since been freed.