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I, like many of us, woke up to the horrifying news that the ceasefire had collapsed on Tuesday. The same ceasefire that allowed me to return it. Yesterday was my 32nd birthday – my 31 year old was spent in captivity. I have only one birthday wish. All my siblings will return home from captivity. I was lucky enough to be released two months ago, but the other hostages are still there, suffering and tortured. 530 days have passed, but that’s too much. Only the deal can bring them all into the house – we need a contract now.
I was born in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a small community where everyone knows each other. It’s a place where your neighbors become family. On October 7th, 2023, when I was lured under a gunshot from under my bed and dragged into Gaza, the family was crushed. For 471 days I was present in underground tunnels and endured serious trauma to fully remind or express myself.
When I was finally released, a day before President Trump’s inauguration, I emerged from the darkness into the light. I live today for the tireless efforts of many people. For this I am forever grateful.
Recently, I had a deep and meaningful opportunity to meet President Trump. He listened enthusiastically as I shared my story and emphasized the importance of bringing all the remaining hostages home. During our meeting I especially talked to him about Gali and Jib Berman. Gali and Ziv Berman are the last two hostages of Kfar Aza.
Hamas’ Father Hostage: Let Trump Close the Century Deal
Doron Steinbrecher will be seen in an emotional reunion between his father and his family after being released by Hama Stellarists on January 19, 2025. (Government Press Office)
Galli lived across the street from me and ZIV was just below. We lived in what was called the “young generation” district of Kibbutz. It is a small garden with bungalows that lived in 37 people in their 20s.
Kfar Aza’s younger generation of neighbourhood tells the devastating story of October 7th. Of the 37 residents, 11 were murdered and seven were invited that day. Today, more than 520 days later, the 27-year-old twin twins Gari and ZIV are the only two still prisoners. In kibbutz, proximity breeds a special kind of bond. You don’t have to be someone’s closest friend to feel responsible for them. They are part of your community and part of your extended family.
It’s very difficult when I share my story. These 470 days of weights push against me with every word. Still, I’ll talk. Because they understand the urgent need to communicate what life is like in captivity. I know first hand that Gali, ZIV and the other 57 hostages in Gaza endure everyday moments. Expand the suffering every hour.
I can’t forget what I left behind. I carry my constant knowledge of their faces, their names, and their pain. While I walk freely now, they stay in the tunnels where I have been restrained – a place of darkness, fear and despair that most people cannot begin to understand.
When I met President Trump, I was not alone – I was with five other recently released hostages. Together we flew to DC and after several days of forced separation, we left the family we longed for. Although some of us were only a week from the Hamas Tunnel, we understood the importance of telling our stories and the stories of those left behind.
President Donald Trump met seven hostages who were released from Hamas prisoners. Doron Steinbrecher stands on the right side of the president. (Photo provided by the Hostage Family Forum)
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To President Trump, who touched me deeply with the kindness of our meetings. We are grateful to hear, understand, and still be there for our commitment to us and all other hostages. Your administration has already shown determination to bring many of us home. I beg you to use your considerable influence and power to ensure the release of all the remaining hostages. And the deceased, in accordance with our tradition, must return the body to the family for proper burial.
The remaining 59 hostages represent 59 wounded families who cannot heal until their loved ones return, and 59 families trapped in 59 families. These are people who were taken violently while protecting their homes, at work, music festivals, or their country. Among them are fathers who are worried that their young children will see them again, young men whose future is placed in an indefinite hold, and soldiers who answered their duties on October 7th.
Steinbrecher Doron seeks to release her friends Gali, Left, Ziv Berman and all hostages. (Noah Roubeny)
As someone who came out of that hell, I beg those who have the power to witness that reality and act. President Trump has shown that progress is possible. Now we need to finish what started with my release and bring Gali, Ziv and everyone else home.
I survived. I went home. Now I fight for those who cannot fight for myself. My Kibbutz family members were still in Gaza. You cannot rest until all hostages return home. The day I truly regain my freedom will be the day all 59 remaining hostages have returned to us.
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Until then, no matter how painful it may be, I will continue to share my stories and carry their voices with me. President, help us get them out of hell.
