Turning 38 in captivity is not how Avera Mengitsu, an Ethiopian-Israeli citizen, envisioned spending his birthday. Held by Hamas in Gaza for almost a decade, Mengitsu’s family is desperate for his return. Mengitsu, who reportedly struggled with mental health issues, crossed into Gaza on September 7, 2014, and has been detained ever since.
His brother, Ilan Mengitsu, expressed frustration towards the government’s lack of action in bringing Avera back home. He believes that with more attention to the humanitarian aspect of the situation, Avera could have been rescued long ago.
Prior to Avera Mengitsu, the only known hostages of Hamas were Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengitsu. Despite the challenges, their families hold onto hope that they are still alive. Tragically, the bodies of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, also held in Gaza, have yet to be returned to their loved ones.
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