In brief
The Lifschitz family is in mourning as they face the heartbreaking reality of losing Oded, an 84-year-old peace advocate and journalist, whose body was returned from Gaza after over 500 days in captivity. His daughter, Sharone, held onto hope until the devastating news arrived, marking the end of a painful uncertainty that enveloped their family.
Sharone Lifschitz, living in East London, clung to hope for the return of her father, Oded, who had been taken by Hamas on October 7th, 2022. An esteemed campaigner for peace and Palestinian rights, Oded's fate remained unknown for more than a year, leaving his family in emotional turmoil. Sadly, the news of his death in captivity arrived just as his wife, Yocheved, had been released.After identifying his body, Israeli officials confirmed he was killed in captivity. Sharone had previously been filled with cautious optimism when a ceasefire was announced, believing that perhaps a miracle could bring Oded home. Oded's legacy includes his tireless advocacy and compassion for others, an example of his commitment to peace evident in his work driving sick Palestinians to Israeli hospitals. He was known in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he lived, for his love of growing cacti and making music for his grandchildren.Now, with the loss weighing heavy upon them, the Lifschitz family is left to grieve the man they described as "a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather" while recognizing the broader tragedy facing many families with loved ones still held by Hamas.
