From the Liveblog of
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Hostage’s mother worries for fate of captives as focus shifts to Iran war
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Viki Cohen, whose son, Nimrod Cohen, is a soldier who was taken captive on October 7, 2023, says she wrote to Gal Hirsch, the government’s hostage point man, as Israel’s attack on Iran began, asking what this meant for the hostages still held in Gaza.
“It took him time to reply, and when he did, he wrote that they’re always looking for a way to negotiate,” says Cohen. “It was just a very generic statement that didn’t say anything. What can I gather from that?”
Cohen’s husband, Yehuda Cohen, is currently in New York, while her son, Yotam, is in Washington, DC, where they were both meeting with elected officials and community leaders as part of their ongoing efforts to bring Nimrod home. Both are now stuck in the US, as Israel’s airspace is closed due to the Iranian missile barrages.
“I’m here with my daughter,” said Cohen, referring to Nimrod’s twin sister. “We’re running to the safe room in the middle of the night, but it’s nothing compared to the worry I feel for Nimrod, held hostage for the last 618 days.”
Cohen said that it’s frustrating to be unable to go out and protest or rally, the things that are such a vital part of the hostages’ families’ struggle.
“Netanyahu has this achievement with Iran, but it’s time to finish the war in Gaza in order to put all the focus on Iran,” she says. “The war in Gaza isn’t accomplishing anything. If he puts an end to it, it will make the Israeli public more supportive of him. How much longer is he going to extend this nightmare of war and hostages in Gaza?”
The Times of Israel Community.