Ilan Mengistu, the brother of released hostage, Avera Mengistu, says that “finally, finally, the long terrible journey has reached its end.”
“Avera, whose name means life, is home, Avera lives!,” he says, speaking at the hospital where his brother is recuperating, after being held in Gaza for 10 years and finally freed yesterday with five other hostages.
Mengistu says his brother, who crossed into Gaza in 2014 of his own volition and was held captive there for more than a decade, has a long path of recuperation ahead of him.
“We’re here for you and pray for your full recovery,” says his brother, adding that while the photos of the reunions of the released hostages are emotional and joyful, there are many other issues to be dealt with upon a hostage’s return home.
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