UK cousin of Israeli hostage tells of family’s agony

The Standard

The British cousin of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza has described his family’s ongoing anguish ahead of a milestone update on the fate of the remaining captives this weekend.

Adam Ma’anit, who’s from Brighton and is digital communication officer at the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told The Standard podcast they are hoping for news very soon about Tsachi Idan, who is among 94 remaining hostages.

Idan was dragged away from his kibbutz home after his 18-year-old daughter, Maayan, was shot dead by a Hamas gunman in the October 7 terror attacks over 15 months ago.

A phased ceasefire deal has now seen the first three hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, with further releases scheduled.

But it comes amid a spike in antisemitic attacks and shortly before Holocaust Memorial Day.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.