Partnership with the Hostage Families Forum

The Program

Since October 7th, the families of hostages kidnapped in Gaza by Hamas terrorists have been enduring an ordeal of unimaginable intensity. Facing daily waiting, anguish, and uncertainty, some now find themselves in a state of total distress, unable to resume a normal life, or even to meet their most essential needs.
Paralyzed by the obsession of their loved ones’ return, these families can no longer work or envision the future. Isolated, psychologically vulnerable, and often in extreme precariousness, they are in vital need of support.

From the very first weeks, FSJU Israel stood by these grieving families, forging a strong partnership with the Hostage Families Forum – the official body that represents them, supports them, and amplifies their voice with institutions and public opinion, both in Israel and internationally.
Because every hostage counts, and because we will continue to support these families until every hostage regains freedom and returns to their loved ones – or, if applicable, can be honored and buried with dignity alongside their relatives – FSJU Israel has decided to renew its partnership with the Hostage Families Forum for an additional year to support 40% of these families who are facing difficulties.

Objectives

This vital and necessary commitment provides these families with comprehensive and personalized support:

Psychological support, through individual counseling adapted to acute and prolonged distress
Social support to address situations of precariousness, breakdown, or isolation
A constant, attentive, and deeply committed human presence

As part of this partnership, relatives of hostages – and particularly siblings of hostages – were able to participate in a trip to Paris in March 2024. This trip allowed these families to meet representatives of the French Jewish community as well as young people from youth movements, with whom they were able to engage in lengthy discussions, sharing their testimonies and their fight to bring back their loved ones detained in Gaza since October 7th.
Beyond these moving encounters, moments of respite and joy were offered to them, with a day at Disneyland Paris and a tour of the capital by Bateaux-Mouches, allowing these grieving families to experience, if only for a moment, a reprieve from the burden of anguish and pain.

Key Figures

families find themselves in a desperate situation or are going through a difficult situation, and must supplement their income given the tragedy that has struck their lives. This category includes family members who do not have suitable housing and do not receive any regular income. In most cases, the person providing financial support has been abducted.

families cope with the situation independently, or with state aid, without additional external assistance.