The terrorist organization Hamas released today (Saturday) a proof of life of hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Chaim Ohana. The two have been held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 582 days. This is the second proof of life video featuring both Elkana and Yosef Chaim together, following a video released by Hamas at the end of March.
“Do not publish the video or parts of it”
The Families Headquarters for the Return of the Hostages issued a statement emphasizing that in any case where a video related to one of the hostages is published by terrorist organizations, “the video or any part of it, including images, should not be published without the family’s approval.”
“I see you in my dreams”
In a heart-wrenching video released by Hamas about three weeks ago, Elkana, 34, from Mevaseret Zion, appears visibly emotional as he addresses his wife and young son, tears streaming down his face. Holding a phone, he speaks to his wife, Rivka: “My amazing wife, how are you? I want you to know that I think of you every single day, every hour. I see you in my dreams and in my waking thoughts. You and our little Raam David—I see you constantly.”
He ends his message with a heartfelt plea: “Keep doing everything for me. Don’t stop.
Background on the Hostages
Elkana was involved in organizing the festival in Kibbutz Reim and was kidnapped from the party. On October 7th, he sent his wife Rivka a message about gunfire and helping to evacuate people. At eight in the morning, he spoke with his parents and said, “Everything is okay.” Elkana, married and a father of a young child, worked in event production, building sets for large parties at the “Oman 17” nightclub and was employed by a production company. During the war, Hamas released four videos of him.
Yosef was kidnapped from the party at Kibbutz Reim as well. Relatives said that he and his friends helped the wounded and transferred them to medics and ambulances. “They tried to escape to the main road, but then saw RPG fire aimed at him and his friend.” Yosef worked as a bartender at the “Aria” restaurant in Tel Aviv.
