JERUSALEM – Doron Katz, a former Hamas hostage who endured 49 harrowing days in captivity, published a heartfelt plea for financial assistance on Wednesday as she struggles to rebuild her life. Her message touched a nerve across the country—and quickly reached Knesset Member Benny Gantz, who issued a public call for immediate government action.
I Was Ashamed—as a Public Servant, as an Israeli, as a Jew
In a sharply worded statement, Gantz said he was shaken by Katz’s testimony: “It is unacceptable that Doron—abducted in the worst disaster Israel has ever known—should now have to turn to the public to raise funds.” He announced that on Sunday, the Ministerial Committee for Legislation would vote on a bill originally submitted by MK Pnina Tamano-Shata. The proposed legislation would grant ₪4 million ($1 million USD) to each returning hostage or to the families of those who were murdered in captivity.
“It’s not too late to fix this injustice. We must look Doron and every heroic survivor in the eye and say: We’re with you, every step of the way.”
This Defines Who We Are as a Nation
Gantz urged the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, and Knesset members from across the political spectrum to pass the bill without delay: “This is not a coalition or opposition issue—this is about the character of the State of Israel. This is not charity. It is the bare minimum we owe to those whose world collapsed on October 7.”
He added that the mission of bringing all hostages home remains paramount—but emphasized that the responsibility doesn’t end there: “We must not let these survivors face life alone. They should not have to rely on private donations. Their healing must come with full state support.”
Doron Katz’s Post: “I Choose Not to Be Ashamed”
In her viral post, Doron Katz described her trauma, strength, and current struggles: “I was kidnapped. I was wounded. I didn’t know if I would survive. My children were also taken. And when I came back… my family was no longer whole. My mother and my heroic brother were murdered.”
Since returning, she has endured more heartbreak—parting from her partner, facing single motherhood, and coping with emotional and financial uncertainty.
