Pope Francis received a group of Israelis at the Vatican. Many were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. And, although they managed to be released, they still have family members who are being held hostage.
This is the case of Yelena. Her son is still being held hostage. He has even appeared in two videos released by the Islamic Jihad. The last one was published last November 13.
YELENA TROUFANOV
Kidnapped by Hamas
I am afraid because I saw my son after a year changed. I see that he is not healthy. I see that it is not only physical health, but also mental health.
Among those who came to see the Pope was also Louis, of Argentine origin. He was held hostage for 128 days. He was released in a special operation by the Israeli armed forces. He recalled the moment in tears.
In his life, he never expected to be able to meet the Pope one day. Among the gifts he brought him was this medal. He said it is a sign of hope, too, for the return of the hostages who are still being held captive.
LOUIS HAR
Kidnapped by Hamas
I felt your sincerity, that you are really interested in our stories. I felt that we had not come in vain. I felt that he listened to our message and maybe our message will reach everybody because he can talk to everybody. Maybe this will also help a little bit to bring the hostages home.
This is not the first time that a group of Israelis have come to meet with the Pope. A year ago, two groups of hostages' relatives visited the Vatican, one from Israel and the other from Palestine.
TR: JD
