Videos and More Inside: Rescued Hostage Luis Har Shares His Story with Upper Schoolers

Upper Schoolers felt privileged and moved to receive a visit from former hostage Luis Har, who was rescued after 129 days in a daring mission by the IDF. He told students about Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak before and after October 7, including how Hamas slaughtered its civilian guard force and infiltrated his family's house. The terrorists kidnapped everyone in the house: the 70-year-old Luis; his 62-year-old partner, Clara; Clara’s 60-year-old brother, Fernando; her 59-year-old sister, Gabriela; Gabriela’s 17-year-old daughter, Mia; and their family dog. He described their being forced for hours to run, climb, and crawl deep into the terror tunnels. Finally, they were held under guard in a house, subjected to psychological torture and starvation. After 59 days, the women and dog were freed in a hostage deal.

Fernando and Luis were often only given one pita per day, which they needed to share between the two of them, and which would then be stolen by their guards if they did not keep it hidden. Luis told students that he would fantasize that the IDF would come rescue them—and then would pray that they would not heed those wishes, because it would be too dangerous for the soldiers to come. After 129 days, he and Fernando woke in the middle of the night to loud noises. In fear, Luis rolled toward the stairs, which would be the sturdiest structure in case the house was bombed. However, this put him closer to the terrorists. He felt a hand on his head to stop him, and a soldier said into his ear, “It’s the IDF. We’ve come to take you home.” He described their escape, including the miraculous fact that no soldiers were killed in the operation. To watch an incredible video about his story, which he showed the assembly, please click here. To see pictures and to watch recordings of the full assembly, please click here.

Inspired by Luis’s artwork, a necklace with the word תקווה (hope) is being sold, the proceeds of which go toward Luis and his family’s recovery. To purchase the necklace, please click here.