**Israeli Family Mourns Loss of “Man of Peace”**
An Israeli family is in mourning after the body of 84-year-old Oded Lifschitz was returned from Gaza. He was a well-known peace campaigner and had been held hostage by Hamas for over 500 days.
Lifschitz, who lived in East London, was taken from his home on October 7th by Palestinian gunmen. His wife, Yocheved, was also taken hostage but was released alive. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said he was “murdered in captivity” by the Islamic Jihad terrorist group.
**A Life of Peace and Service**
Lifschitz was a veteran peace campaigner who had helped found Kibbutz NIR OZ. He was known for his love of grandchildren, gardening, and playing the piano. Despite being taken hostage, he continued to advocate for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
His daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, never gave up hope that her father would return home safely. She had campaigned tirelessly for his release, calling on the international community to take action. The BBC reported that she had shed tears of hope and joy when a ceasefire announcement was made last month, but ultimately, it was not enough to save her father’s life.
**A Devastating Return**
The return of Oded Lifschitz’s body has been met with widespread shock and sadness in Israel. The country is still reeling from the loss of 1,200 civilians and the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Sharone Lifschitz said that her family had hoped for a different outcome after “503 agonising” days. She described her father as a “man of peace” who had dedicated his life to helping others. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has condemned the murder, calling it a “cowardly act”.
**A Legacy of Peace**
Oded Lifschitz’s legacy will live on through his family and community. His wife, Yocheved, received a peace prize for her campaign for hostages and was praised for her courage in meeting with Hamas leaders to demand their release.
As the people of Israel mourn the loss of this “man of peace”, they remember his love of life, his dedication to helping others, and his unwavering commitment to peace.
