Israeli boy, 9, among hundreds held hostage in Gaza

Ohad Munder-Zichri was captured along with his mother and grandparents during a visit to a kibbutz near the Gaza border.

In the heart of Kfar Saba, Israel, a birthday was marked with tears and prayers rather than joyous celebrations. Ohad Munder-Zichri turned nine on October 24th but instead of being surrounded by family and friends in his hometown, he spent it as one among more than 200 hostages held captive by Hamas since their devastating incursion on October 7.

Ohad is a fourth-grader from the central Israeli city of Kfar Saba who was abducted along with his mother and grandparents during a holiday visit to his grandparents' kibbutz Nir Oz situated along the Gaza border. The attack not only led to their disappearance but also claimed the life of Ohad's beloved uncle. The only piece of information about them came from a cellphone signal traced back to Gaza.

The Agony Of Uncertainty

For Avi Zichri, Ohad’s father, this uncertainty has been agonising — not knowing if his son is alive or wounded or alone. "I keep imagining what he is going through," said Zichri while chain-smoking cigarettes nervously on his front porch. "Did they take away his glasses? Can he see anything?" This nightmare has haunted him for 17 days now.

A Family In Distress

Zichri shares Ohad with partner Keren Munder, who's a special education teacher and volleyball coach for children with disabilities. They are all that remains of an otherwise loving family after Avraham and Ruti Munder (both aged 78) disappeared with them from Nir Oz where nearly a quarter of its residents were taken hostage.

Raising Awareness For His Plight

Ohad's birthday presented an opportunity to raise awareness about his plight. The Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, launched a social media campaign urging people to send virtual birthday cards for Ohad. Prominent Israeli athletes and members of his favourite soccer team also recorded birthday greetings and wishes for his safe return.

The Anguish Continues

Despite these efforts, Zichri's days are filled with anxiety and worry. "I wish I could celebrate with him today," he said in despair. His last communication with Munder was on October 7 when she messaged about hiding in a safe room as terrorists had infiltrated their village.

Holding Onto Hope

Zichri shudders at every report of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, fearing for the safety of his loved ones. In this endless wait for information, he is supported by a small group of friends while holding onto hope that one day he will reunite with his son and partner.

In conclusion, this heart-wrenching story underscores the devastating human cost of conflict zones where innocent lives are caught up in the crossfire between warring factions. As we share Avi Zichri’s pain and pray for Ohad's safe return along with all hostages held captive in Gaza, it serves as a stark reminder that peace must be pursued relentlessly to prevent such tragedies from recurring.