Raaya Rotem

Freed November 28, 2023

Raaya Rotem's ordeal began with the harrowing Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, which not only devastated the community but also led to her and her daughter Hila's abduction. The last communication from Raaya, a message to her brother at 12:05 p.m. on the day of the attack, marked the beginning of a deeply distressing period for their family, filled with uncertainty and fear for their well-being.

For weeks, the fate of Raaya and Hila remained unknown, casting a shadow of despair over their loved ones. It was not until October 29 that the family received official confirmation that Raaya and Hila were being held in Gaza, a revelation that, while distressing, at least provided some clarity on their situation.

The terms of the ceasefire agreement, which included the stipulation that mothers and children should not be separated, were violated when Hila was released without Raaya. The mother and daughter had been together throughout their captivity until just two days before Hila's release, directly contradicting Hamas' claims of ignorance about Raaya's whereabouts.