Liri Albag Photo: The Jerusalem Post
After a year and three months in Hamas captivity, 19-year-old Liri Albag has finally returned to her family, reunited with the family members who have been tirelessly fighting for her freedom, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Leary’s family and friends had been waiting for this moment for a long time. At Tal Dinamet’s home in Matan, where her closest friends Elia Diskin, Tal Dinamet, Agam Harpaz and Noam Gabai gathered, an atmosphere of joy and anticipation prevailed. With tears in her eyes, Noam confessed: “We will hug her, tell her everything is fine, and be there to support her through everything.”
Photo: Maya Gadesh/Maariv
The unspeakable pain and struggle of a family
Liri was abducted on 7 October from the Nahal Oz military post while wearing her pyjamas. For her parents, Eli and Shira Albag, it was a tragedy that tore their family apart. Throughout, they led the struggle for her release and the release of other hostages.
Her father, Eli Albag, shared his pain:
“It is indescribable to see my youngest daughter broken spiritually. Her eyes say it all. It has destroyed us.”
Despite this, the family has been steadfast in their efforts: “We will heal her physical injuries and mental wounds. Just bring her home in one piece.”
Joy and plans for the future
Liri’s friends say that her return seems unrealistic:
“We have been friends since childhood, since kindergarten. It’s shocking and incredible at the same time. The main thing is that she is here, next to us.”
Leary, who dreamed of studying interior design and architecture, planned to spend a year in Paris. Her friends are confident that she will recover and be able to pursue her dreams again.
A message of hope
Elie Albag does not forget about the other hostages:
“Our hearts go out to the families of Agam Berger, Arbel Yehuda, Shiri Bibas and all the others. We will fight to the last to bring all the hostages home.”
This story of Liri Albag’s return is a symbol of hope, resilience and the power of human love. Together with her, all those who supported her family believe that no struggle for freedom is in vain.
