Families of Israeli Hostages Continue to Endure Agonizing Wait

Avi Shamriz, whose son is believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas during an attack on Israel, is keeping himself busy during the day. He helps the families in the hotel where he stays by providing them with new clothes and phones, and also keeps the free shop stocked. However, at night when everything is quiet, Avi cannot distract himself from worrying about his son's safety. He wonders if his son has enough food, if he is injured or sick, and if he has proper clothing and facilities in the dark and possibly cold tunnel he may be in. Avi's family hopes that his son is in Gaza and not among the dead. Avi and his family, along with other families with loved ones among the hostages, are living at a hotel near Tel Aviv. Avi sits in his garden chair, unable to sleep, as he waits for news of the release of some of the hostages. He is happy that the process has started but doesn't fully trust Hamas or his own government to continue doing the right thing. He worries about the uncertainty and pain that will continue for families like his, even as the first hostages are returned home. Naama Weinberg, whose cousin is also believed to be among the hostages, watches the exchange on TV and feels a mix of happiness and jealousy. She wants everyone to come back safely, but is particularly anxious for her cousin's return. Some families, including Naama's, face the difficult task of breaking the news to their loved ones that their parents were killed in the attack. By the end of Monday, 50 Israeli hostages and 15 foreign nationals are expected to be released, while 150 Palestinian detainees will be freed by Israel. The release is facilitated by a four-day ceasefire. Israel has prioritized the release of the elderly, mothers, and children, leaving around 150 Israelis still in Gaza. Families like Yamit Ashkenazi's, whose sister is believed to be in Gaza, have come to terms with their loved ones not meeting the release criteria. Yamit has a tattoo in honor of her sister, with the missing rays of the sun symbolizing that they will be added when her sister returns. The families have been enduring sleepless nights and tirelessly campaigning for the release of all the hostages. They fear that the world might perceive the trade-off as sufficient and stop putting pressure to bring back the remaining hostages. Avi is skeptical about the effectiveness of rallies and prefers to work behind the scenes. He has been preparing for his son's return by raising funds to buy him a car. Toyota Israel found out about this and donated a used car for free. Avi is hopeful that his son will come back soon and all will be well.