Hadassah Outraged Over Hamas Returning A Body That Does Not Match A Hostage

NEW YORK, NY – In response to Hamas returning a body that does not match any of the hostages, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, National President Carol Ann Schwartz and CEO Ellen Finkelstein released the following statement:

“Hadassah is outraged by the depravity and barbarism of Hamas, which continues to inflict grotesque, unimaginable suffering on the hostages and their families and to commit crimes against humanity, for which it must be held accountable.

We are heartbroken that three of the hostages slain in captivity and returned yesterday to Israel in coffins were confirmed to be 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz — a lifelong peace activist who transported ill Palestinian children to Israeli hospitals for treatment — and Kfir and Ariel Bibas, young children who were kidnapped with their mother Shiri from their home on October 7. That Hamas claimed it was releasing Shiri and instead returned a body that did not match any of the hostages is unconscionable. Their cruelty knows no bounds.

We share in the deep sorrow of the Bibas and Lifshitz families and hold tight to our Jewish family in Israel and in the Diaspora. May Ariel’s, Kfir’s and Oded’s memories forever be a blessing.

We will not rest until Shiri and all the hostages are home.”

                                                                                                             ###

About Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America:

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, donors and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to effect change on such critical issues as ensuring Israel’s security, combating antisemitism and promoting women’s health care. Through its Jerusalem-based hospital system, the Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah helps support exemplary care for more than 1 million people every year as well as world-renowned medical research. Hadassah’s hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality and in 2005 earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for building bridges to peace through medicine. Hadassah also supports two youth villages that set at-risk youth in Israel on the path to a successful future. Visit www.hadassah.org or follow Hadassah on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads and X.