Ilan Dalal Grateful for Son’s Imminent Release from Gaza with Thanks Extending Beyond Trump
Anticipation is building for the release of hostages from Gaza, including Guy Gilboa-Dalal. His father, Ilan Dalal, expressed deep gratitude ahead of the planned handover, acknowledging numerous contributions that made this moment possible.
Ilan Dalal’s Gratitude and Concerns
Ilan Dalal is eagerly awaiting a reunion with his son, who has been held captive by Hamas for over two years. Despite his hopes and expectations, Dalal harbors concerns about the psychological impact of the ordeal on his son. He vividly remembered a video showing a distressed Guy, aware of the physical and emotional abuse endured.
Family and Government Support
Dalal expressed appreciation for the efforts of various parties in organizing the release. While he had hoped it could have happened sooner, he acknowledged the complexities involved. He maintains faith in the Israeli government’s prioritization of national security during the negotiation process.
Experiences of Former Hostage Tal Shoham
Tal Shoham, who had been held alongside Guy, shared his harrowing experiences. He highlighted the extreme hardships they faced, including intentional starvation, designed to pressure Israeli society. Shoham recounted receiving only 200 to 300 calories a day and talked about the captors’ sadistic methods.
Conditions in Captivity
- Shoham was kidnapped from Kibbutz Beeri on October 7 alongside his family.
- Hostages faced malnutrition until February when conditions improved slightly.
- There were rare moments of humanity from captors, but cruelty was prevalent.
Such conditions, Shoham shared, forced him to turn inward, drawing strength from news of his family’s earlier release. His faith and gratitude for life were profoundly deepened through this ordeal.
Humanity and Cruelty Among Captors
Shoham provided insights into the mindset of his captors, noting that not all were driven by religious motives. Some, while engaged in acts of terrorism, were civilians in normal lives—not professional soldiers, but ordinary people turned perpetrators.
Survivor’s Hope and Acknowledgments
Shoham expressed his gratefulness for support received post-release, including psychological help and financial aid. Both Shoham and Dalal emphasized the vital role of maintaining hope, underscoring their belief in eventual justice and peace.
The ordeal for these families is a testament to resilience amidst adversity, waiting for a reunion filled with hope for healing and recovery.
