Nearly two months have passed since Hamas militants infiltrated southern Israel and initiated a series of unexpected assaults, leaving Judih Weinstein Haggai’s whereabouts a mystery. Around 240 individuals were seized by Hamas during the events on October 7, with fears that Weinstein Haggai, a Canadian national, may be among the captives. Despite ongoing efforts, her family remains uncertain about her status.
Relatives of Weinstein Haggai, like many others, are eagerly waiting for updates as more hostages held by Hamas are being released under a temporary ceasefire. While some have been reunited with their families, there is still no news regarding Weinstein Haggai. The recent lull in hostilities between Israel and Hamas has led to the release of numerous hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. Additional exchanges are anticipated, with reports indicating the freedom of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, including foreign nationals like Thai workers.
Despite the release of hostages from the same community where Weinstein Haggai resides, there has been no sign of her. Details about her well-being are scarce, with the last communication indicating that she and her husband were injured during the initial attacks. Tragically, there are concerns regarding her husband’s fate. The October 7 assaults, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, escalated into a full-fledged conflict involving Israeli airstrikes and a ground incursion into Gaza. The ongoing violence has claimed thousands of lives, as reported by Palestinian health authorities.
Photo caption: Ali Weinstein, niece of Canadian hostage Judih Weinstein Haggai, said her family does not know whether her aunt — who is feared to be among those in Israel who were taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7 — is dead or alive. (Sam Nar/CBC)