Be’eri residents gather for slated release of neighbors taken hostage by Hamas

Be’eri residents gather in the lounge of the David Hotel by the Dead Sea where they have been evacuated, to watch a live broadcast of the release of hostages from the kibbutz who were kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 atrocities.

Racheli Benacot, whose sister was murdered during the onslaught and whose brother was killed fighting Hamas terrorists who invaded the kibbutz, says she and the Be’eri community are “incredibly happy” that some of the hostages are being released tonight.

But she says that happiness is marred by sadness “for those who are no longer, and for those still in Gaza” who they are still waiting, hoping and expecting to come home.

“This is a deal with Satan,” she says of the hostage release agreement with Hamas.

“None of the southern towns could go back, it would mean giving up on our home, our roots, our history, giving up on part of the country, it would be to give up on Zionism.”