Father of Israeli Hostage Speaks Out: “There Are Things I Cannot Say for the Hostages’ Safety”
In emotional interview, Avishai David reacts to harrowing footage of his son, Evyatar, held captive in Gaza: “It turned my stomach. I’ve never felt anything like it”
Over the weekend, the family of Israeli hostage Evyatar David released deeply disturbing footage showing him in visibly deteriorated condition during captivity in Gaza. In the video, filmed by Hamas operatives, David is seen weak and emaciated, saying: “I feel like I’m digging my own grave. I might die here.”
On Monday morning, his father, Avishai David, spoke to journalist Almog Boker on Channel 12’s News of the Morning about the difficult decision to release the video, his faith in the Israeli government’s efforts to bring the hostages home, and the profound emotional toll the footage has taken on him.
“It turned my stomach. I’ve seen horrifying things in my life, but nothing prepared me for watching my son like that: beaten, pale, humiliated, without food or water,” David said. “I advised my family not to watch it. It’s a trauma I’ll never forget.”
The footage, which sparked nationwide attention, shows a stark contrast between the captor’s full arm and Evyatar’s frail, sunken frame. "It’s killing me to see him like that," said David. “Evyatar is a strong, broad-shouldered guy, full of confidence. It’s unimaginable that in this day and age, world leaders still allow something like this to happen.”
Trust in the Leadership, Despite the Pain
David also revealed that he had recently spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, he said, expressed unwavering determination to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of the hostages.
“I believe the leadership. There’s excellent coordination, and they’re working seriously to bring them back. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a temporary ceasefire soon,” he said. “There are things I can’t discuss publicly for the hostages’ safety, but the intention is clear. Claims that Netanyahu wants the hostages dead are evil lies.”
He defended the Prime Minister, saying, “He barely sleeps, works endlessly, and achieves more than others could even dream of. Despite being dragged through the mud by the judicial system and global detractors, he’s doing everything possible.”
Reaction to Anti-War Petition by Artists
David also harshly criticized a recent petition signed by Israeli artists and media figures titled “Stop the Horror in Gaza,” which accused Israel of war crimes and deliberate starvation in the Strip.
“It breaks my heart. What are they trying to achieve? That the world turns against us? These criminal statements are incomprehensible,” he said. “Wait until the hostages are released, then make your political moves. This is not the time.”
In closing, David expressed frustration over the international silence and complicity:
“This is the most moral army in the world. And still, people accuse us of creating a humanitarian disaster. Sometimes I wonder which side these people are really on when they speak with such hatred.”
As the video of his son continues to reverberate across Israel, David’s message is clear: trust in the efforts underway, and never forget the urgency of bringing every hostage home.