Toronto, Canada – Families of American hostages who were killed in Gaza are pleading for the return of their loved ones’ bodies. Iris Weinstein Haggai received the heartbreaking news that her parents, Gadi and Judi Haggai, were killed by Hamas during attacks. Their bodies are still being held by Hamas, leaving their family in anguish as they struggle to find closure.
The Weinstein Haggai family, with roots in Toronto, gathered to mourn the loss of Gadi and Judi, but their children chose not to participate due to the absence of their parents’ bodies. Iris Weinstein Haggai expressed the difficulty of not being able to properly grieve or hold a traditional Jewish shiva without the opportunity to bury her parents.
The families of the deceased hostages are facing a difficult reality as they try to honor their loved ones’ memories without being able to bury their bodies. Three American hostages, including Judi Weinstein Haggai and Gadi Haggai, both dual Israel-American citizens, are among the confirmed dead. The families stress that there can be no peace of mind until the bodies are returned.
Weinstein Haggai emphasized the importance of giving her parents a dignified burial to find closure and peace. The recovery of the bodies remains a critical part of the ongoing negotiations for the release of the hostages, according to a White House official. The families continue to advocate for the return of the bodies so they can finally lay their loved ones to rest.
The families’ plea for the return of the bodies highlights the emotional toll and frustration they have endured since learning about the tragic fate of their loved ones. Despite the challenges they face, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and closure. The ongoing negotiations for the return of the bodies underscore the complexities and sensitivities involved in such a delicate situation. The families remain hopeful that their loved ones will be returned to them, allowing them to finally grieve and find peace.