On October 7, Israel was fundamentally altered. The nation mourned the loss of 1,200 citizens who fell in border areas near the Gaza Strip due to a coordinated attack by Hamas and allied militants. Families remain traumatized, and 239 households have not found rest since that Saturday. Avigdori runs a screenwriting career in Hod Hasharon, close to Tel Aviv, and he has nine relatives detained in Gaza. They were all taken from Kibbutz Beeri. Perhaps his 16-year-old son Omer saved his life by choosing at the last moment to attend a family gathering with his mother, Sharon, 52, and his 12-year-old sister Noam. He spent 43 days in Gaza with seven other relatives, ranging from 3 to 67 years old.
How did life change on October 7?
It turned upside down. The writer’s work centers on comedy and satire for Israeli television, and disasters of this scale have always shifted his course. He has been on duty since October 7 with a mission to bring his daughters, his wife, and all hostages home. The people held are civilians who deserve safety, and this is understood as a humanitarian issue rather than a purely Jewish or Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Hamas is not like others; ideologically and operationally it resembles a Nazi-like force. The framework for addressing them has to be different, every action governed by this stark reality.
His wife and daughter were missing for two weeks after October 7, with no confirmation that they had been kidnapped in Gaza.
Not knowing whether loved ones were alive or dead was an ordeal. Only two people remained from the immediate family for Avigdori and his teenage son. With two of four people present in the home, they refer to themselves as a wounded family. For two weeks there was no news about their fate, and the confirmation of abduction brought relief, though the fear persisted.
Families of the kidnapped have been highly active in Israeli society since October 7. How have they organized themselves?
They have spoken out, given interviews, and shared their stories with Israelis and international audiences who can influence outcomes. The nation is at war, and there is a sense of urgency to bring captives home. Large demonstrations occurred, including a march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and a meeting with a negotiator from Qatar. Efforts continue to secure their return, especially since time matters for babies, the elderly, and children in Gaza. Debates rage over how to respond, yet the prevailing stance is to demand the release of all captives at any cost.
Is the idea of exchanging Palestinian prisoners for Israeli detainees part of the discussion?
Yes. The expected deal would carry a high price, acknowledged by the government and the public alike. Broad support exists for bringing captives home, even if it means paying a significant price. The country was attacked on October 7, and people are willing to bear the consequences to ensure safe returns.
Does the government appear to be doing enough?
The assessment is that more is needed. Four captives have been released and one person was rescued by the Army, leaving five still missing. The 43-day window is viewed as insufficient, and the fact remains that 239 civilians remain in Gaza. This reality fuels the belief that action from both sides must intensify to secure the hostages’ release.
Are there fears the ongoing conflict and military actions could threaten the remaining family members?
There are clear concerns. Multiple senior leaders have been asked to reassure families that deaths occurred due to terrorists and not military operations. The inability to provide such assurances raises worry about the impact of the ground campaign on hostages. The writer emphasizes that comedy often carries a different perspective and hopes to be heard as someone who questions conventional views and imagines alternatives.
Do you trust the army?
There is a belief that the army pursues information about hostages while striving to minimize civilian harm. The claim is that the armed forces aim to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian crisis, even as the war continues. Blame is placed on Hamas for using hospitals, schools, and nurseries as strategic sites, putting people at risk. The impression shared is that Hamas and its leadership show little concern for their own people, choosing concealment and danger instead.
What might the long-term impact be on Israel after October 7 and the ongoing crisis, especially regarding the hostage issue?
Hope remains a guiding force. The writer has found support across different segments of Israeli society, including younger and older generations, diverse political views, and various religious communities. The shared aspiration is to emerge from this period with a stronger, more unified society that values life, peace, and resilience. The goal is to secure safe releases and, once that is achieved, to pursue a renewed commitment to a future where all communities can live with security and dignity.
How are you, personally?
There is a mix of hope, anger, and sadness. The personal ordeal mirrors the broader state of the nation, which is enduring loss and striving to protect its people. The country faced a harsh reality on the first day of the assault and continues to wrestle with the responsibility to safeguard its citizens. The resolve is clear: rescue every hostage, defeat Hamas, and do so in a way that honors life as the central value of every action.