Fathers of Released Hostages Share Emotional Reunions and Ongoing Hope

The fathers of two recently released hostages, Romi Gonen and Liri Albag, have shared their emotional experiences since being reunited with their daughters. Speaking to Kan Reshet Bet on Monday, Eitan Gonen and Eli Albag conveyed both their joy and their resolve to advocate for the remaining hostages still held by Hamas.

Eli Albag described the profound relief of having Liri home, though he acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Liri is fine, as much as possible. She’s on her feet,” he said, emphasizing the need to give her space and time to recover. Eli also took a moment to thank all those involved in securing her release, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, government officials, and opposition leaders. “We will not be silent until the last of the hostages are released,” he declared.

Eitan Gonen shared similar sentiments, describing the emotional rollercoaster of learning about Romi’s imminent release. “The tears, the crying, the crazy excitement… the screaming in the car,” he said. The reunion was deeply moving, and he referred to Romi as a “mature, amazing woman.” Gonen highlighted the importance of a careful recovery process, likening their experience to childbirth: “We’ve had a baby girl.”

Both fathers expressed gratitude to the media for amplifying their stories, believing it brought strength to their daughters during their captivity. Gonen urged other hostage families to continue sharing their voices, suggesting it played a critical role in keeping the hostages hopeful.

While the path to recovery may be long, the fathers’ stories are a testament to the resilience of families and the power of unity in times of crisis. Their call for continued advocacy underscores the pressing need to bring all remaining hostages home.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to honor their strength and spread awareness of the ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of every captive.