Mother of Ex-Hostage Avinatan Or Says Biblical Story of Joseph Gave Family Hope

While imprisoned underground, Avinatan’s captors repeatedly spoke about Joseph, referring to him as “the righteous one” – faithful and unwavering despite suffering.

By Shula Rosen

Speaking publicly after Avinatan Or’s release from two years of captivity in Gaza, his mother, Ditza Or, said the biblical story of Joseph sustained her during the nearly two years her son was held in Hamas captivity without any proof of life.

“For two long years, we received no photo, no video, not even a sign of life,” she said at a JNS event, adding that she nevertheless believed he was alive. She later learned that while imprisoned underground, her son’s captors repeatedly spoke about Joseph, referring to him as “the righteous one,” faithful and unwavering despite suffering.

Avinatan was abducted from the Nova music festival alongside his girlfriend, Noah Agamani. His mother said he was held in complete isolation from the first day, confined deep inside terror tunnels with no other hostages.

She said he was starved and tortured but spent months secretly planning an escape. According to her account, he nearly reached the surface, with most of his body already inside a building in Gaza, before being discovered and dragged back underground, where he endured severe punishment.

She described the psychological toll of hearing her son’s account after his return, saying the images continued to haunt her sleep. “Hollywood action films fade in comparison,” she said.

Despite his physical condition when freed, she said Avinatan returned mentally strong and emotionally intact. She described him as sharp, focused, joyful, and deeply connected to life. “Our dream has come true,” she said.

Avinatan, the second of seven children, grew up in Shilo. His mother said the family home overlooks the site of the biblical tabernacle, which she described as a source of spiritual strength for her son. His name, Avinatan Or, she noted, means “our father in heaven has given us light.”

She said the hostage crisis became a unifying force in Israeli society, transcending political and social divisions. She praised Israel Defense Forces soldiers for risking their lives to bring captives home and said most Israelis responded with solidarity and compassion.

She argued that the hostages’ captivity shaped the broader war and framed the conflict as part of a global struggle against terror. With her son home, she said, her family’s personal dream has been fulfilled, while Israel now faces a moment to pursue a larger national destiny.