Hostage's brother-in-law: we haven't matured enough as a region to coexist peacefully

Summary

Podcast Summary: Consider This from NPR

Episode: Hostage's Brother-in-Law: We Haven’t Matured Enough as a Region to Coexist Peacefully
Date: October 12, 2025
Host: Andrew Limbong

Overview

This episode of NPR's "Consider This" explores the first phase of a significant peace deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by President Trump, which involves the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The central focus is an interview with Moshe Levi, brother-in-law of hostage Omri Mehran, who shares his family's experience, their hopes and skepticism regarding lasting peace, and the emotional aftermath of captivity. The episode gives voice to those directly impacted by the conflict, offering a deeply personal lens on geopolitical developments.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Peace Deal and Hostage Exchange (00:00–02:11)

• Peace Plan Update: The episode opens with reporter Andrew Limbong announcing the beginning of a 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas, with the first phase—hostage exchanges—underway.
  • “Phase one of a 20 point peace plan between Israel and Hamas brokered by President Trump is underway.” (00:00)
• Regional Response: U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, along with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, are present in Tel Aviv, receiving mixed reactions from crowds (cheers for some, boos for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu).
• On the Ground in Gaza: Anas Baba reports on the speechlessness and resilience among Palestinians returning to devastated homes in Gaza, highlighting both the destruction and the spirit to rebuild.
  • Quote: “Gaza is not only rubble. Gaza is resilient.” – Anas Baba (01:59)

2. Questions Beyond the Ceasefire (02:11–04:14)

• Limbong steps back to consider broader uncertainties:
  • Who will govern Gaza?
  • Will President Trump remain involved?
  • Is this truly the beginning of long-term peace?
• The host frames the peace plan as a “long road”—with only the first phase agreed upon by both sides.
• The profound anticipation and anxiety among families awaiting loved ones is highlighted.

3. Personal Story: Moshe Levi’s Experience (04:14–13:57)

Emotional Reaction to the Ceasefire News (04:46–06:30)

• Moshe Levi recalls being in Washington, D.C. at the moment of the ceasefire announcement, surrounded by other families and U.S. officials. He describes a mix of joy, gratitude, and cautious optimism.
  • Quote: “It was a moment of joy for many of us who were there… We were so grateful for [President Trump] taking the time to speak with us.” – Moshe Levi (05:30)
  • President Trump personally calls the families, expressing commitment to the hostages’ return.

The Long Wait and the Role of Hope (06:57–08:09)

• Hope vs. Realism: Levi never lost hope but stayed realistic about the complexities of negotiating with a terrorist organization and conflicting priorities.
  • Quote: “We can’t operate and advocate without hope leading us. Otherwise, we’ll focus on the despair.” – Moshe Levi (07:10)
• Despite the progress, there is hesitancy to fully believe it until the reunion is physically realized.
  • “Exactly. Yeah. Until Omri hug is Lishai. Until he embraces their two daughters…” (08:13)

Impact on Omri’s Children (08:22–11:55)

• Levi details the trauma and resilience of Mehran’s young daughters, Roni (4) and Alma (2.5):
  • Roni has strong memories and continues rituals with her father in absentia.
  • Alma, kidnapped as a baby, knows her father only from photos; the family is working to prepare her for his return.
  • Quote: “We try to explain to her it’s not only a poster, it’s her father. He’s a living person.” – Moshe Levi (10:40)
• Preparing for Reunion: The family is aware that both Omri and his children will face a long road to healing after years of trauma.
  • “It will be a long process of healing, but I’m confident we’ll be able to master that…” (11:38)

Possibility of Lasting Peace (11:55–13:57)

• When asked about long-term peace prospects, Levi draws parallels with postwar Europe:
  • He expresses hope for eventual peace but is doubtful it can be achieved in his lifetime, citing the lack of “maturity” in the region for peaceful coexistence.
  • Quote: “I don’t believe it’s going to be in my lifetime. Sadly, I think we have not matured enough as a region to coexist peacefully long term.” – Moshe Levi (12:25)
  • Acknowledges President Trump's role in laying groundwork for broader regional cooperation but stresses the problem of underlying conditions that allowed “a terrorist base to grow just beyond the border.”
  • Emphasizes compromise and recognition of rights as necessary, but laments that “I don’t think we’re there.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Gaza is not only rubble. Gaza is resilient.” – Anas Baba (01:59)
• “We can’t operate and advocate without hope leading us. Otherwise, we’ll focus on the despair.” – Moshe Levi (07:10)
• “Until Omri hug is Lishai. Until he embraces their two daughters…” – Moshe Levi (08:13)
• “We try to explain to her it’s not only a poster, it’s her father. He’s a living person.” – Moshe Levi (10:40)
• “I don’t believe it’s going to be in my lifetime. Sadly, I think we have not matured enough as a region to coexist peacefully long term.” – Moshe Levi (12:25)

---

Key Timestamps

• 00:00–02:11: Opening context, announcement of peace plan, situation in Gaza.
• 04:46–06:30: Moshe Levi recounts learning of the ceasefire and family reactions.
• 07:08–08:09: Discussion of hope, realism, and the uncertainties of hostage release.
• 08:28–11:55: Recounting children’s trauma, memories, and preparing for Omri’s return.
• 12:05–13:57: Levi’s views on the future of peace and regional maturity.

---

Tone and Language

The tone throughout the episode is sober, cautious, and deeply personal, with flashes of hope shadowed by the realities of prolonged conflict and trauma. The speakers use vivid, emotional language, emphasizing humanity amid geopolitics.

---

Conclusion

This episode offers a poignant, human-focused look at the pain and hope surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict’s latest ceasefire and hostage exchange. Through Moshe Levi’s reflections, listeners gain insight into the emotional aftermath for families, the doubts about lasting peace, and the persistent optimism required to move forward—even when peace still seems far off.

Transcript

[Andrew Limbong]

Phase one of a 20 point peace plan between Israel and Hamas brokered by President Trump is underway.

[Steve Witkoff]

I dreamed of this night. It's been a long journey.

[Andrew Limbong]

That was Middle east envoy Steve Witkoff. He, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump addressed crowds in Tel Aviv Saturday night ahead of the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Throughout the remarks, the crowd was thanking them and cheered one name specifically.

[Unidentified Hostage Family Member]

And.

[Steve Witkoff]

Booed another to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

[Andrew Limbong]

But even as President Trump travels to the Middle east to celebrate the deal, there's still a lot of uncertainty for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Here's NPR's Anas Baba in Gaza.

[Anas Baba]

I walk through Gaza City now and what was yesterday filled with airstrikes and tanks and everything from the Israelis is now slowly welcoming its own people back. It feels like I'm witnessing a place being born again.

[Andrew Limbong]

Israeli troops have pulled back within Gaza and Palestinians there were told they are free to return to their homes. But in reality, many are returning to rubble. Even still, Gazans remain hopeful. Here's Baba again.

[Anas Baba]

Men return first, searching for what's left. Some mark the dirt now for tents. Others declare the rubble for barely standing homes here just to spend the night inside. They are simply glad that some walls are still standing. On every corner, there is reunion, silent embraces, dust covered faces pressed together. The joy of surviving here doesn't erase the grief, yes, but for a moment, it holds closer. Israel erased and demolished most of the city, to be honest, but there is entire blocks now. Looks like an open graves. Only the priests. But Gazans here, they don't wait for permission to live. They carry hope like oxygen. Gaza is not only rubble. Gaza is resilient.

[Andrew Limbong]

Let's zoom out a bit because there are still questions to answer. Who will govern Gaza? How engaged will President Trump continue to be through the next stages of the peace deal? And here's the big one. Do the people directly affected by the war see this as the beginning of peace? Consider this. The implementation of a 20 point peace plan is a long road and both parties have only agreed on the first phase. It's also the end of an excruciating waiting period for both Israeli and Palestinian families. Will the truce hold up once hostages are safely home? After the break, we'll hear from a family member of one Israeli hostage who's among those expected to return home as part of the negotiations. From npr, I'm Andrew Limbong.

[Scott Carter]

We all wonder about life's big questions. Why are we here? What are we to do? And how to make sense of it all on Ye Gods with Scott Carter. I talk with politicos, priests, actors and atheists on how they wrestle with life's mysteries. Their stories will spark reflection, challenge assumptions, and maybe even bring you some clarity on your own journey. Part of the NPR Network. Wherever you get your podcasts, the federal.

[NPR Politics Podcast Host]

Government has shut down. What are lawmakers arguing about and what does it mean for you? The NPR Politics Podcast is here to make sense of it all, giving you updates and news every day to keep you informed. The NPR Politics Podcast Listen every day.

[Terry Gross]

Hi, it's Terry Gross, host of FRESH AIR. Hey, take a break from the 24 hour news cycle with us and listen to long form interviews with with your favorite authors, actors, filmmakers, comedians and musicians, the people making the art that nourishes us and speaks to our times. So listen to the FRESH AIR podcast from NPR and WHYY.

[Andrew Limbong]

It's consider this from NPR. During the October 7th attacks by Hamas militants in Israel two years ago, over 1200 Israelis were murdered and 251 more were taken hostage into Gaza. Some of those kidnapped were ripped away from families taken in front of their children. People like Omi Mehran, who is one of the 20 living hostages set to head home. We asked Mehran's brother in law, Moshe Levi, about what this moment means and his perspective on the possibility of sustained peace. Thank you so much for joining us.

[Moshe Levi]

Thank you.

[Andrew Limbong]

What was your reaction to hearing the news that a ceasefire deal was made?

[Moshe Levi]

I was in Washington, D.C. last week when the announcement was made. I was there with my sister Omri's wife, Lishai. We were advocating last week with the Trump administration held a vigil for the October 7th attack with members of the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. And then the day after the announcement came, it was a moment of joy for many of us who were there. And of course, those families who were in Israel. We gathered together, we put out a statement immediately. I was asked to speak. And so I was the one who was transmitting the message. And immediately after, the White House tweeted it and shared it widely. And then we went to process it together. And there where we gather in the house of one of the members of the Hostage Missing families forum in D.C. secretary of Commerce Erhard Lutnick joined us with his wife. And at some point he called President Trump, put him on speaker. We were able to hear directly from the president that he reached a deal. We thanked him and congratulated him, reminded him as well of the 48th hostages who will need to be returned as part of the deal. We were so grateful for him taking the time to speak with us. And then the night continued and we rushed back to Israel the following day. And we arrived here on Friday and since then began processing everything and preparing for Marie's arrival. Hopefully tomorrow.

[Andrew Limbong]

You actually, you spoke to my colleague back in September 2024. This was after the bodies of six hostages were recovered from a tunnel in Gaza. I want to play you a bit of what you said. Here's the tape.

[Unidentified Hostage Family Member]

We'll keep holding the international community accountable. We'll keep going to the media and share our story. We have two for them, for the hostages can still be rescued. And I hope this will be. This will change. This terrible news that we receive will change the equation.

[Andrew Limbong]

It's been over a year since you said that, and it appears as if things have substantially changed. The remaining hostages are coming home. I guess my question is, did you think this moment would come?

[Moshe Levi]

I was always hopeful. We can't operate and advocate without hope leading us otherwise we'll focus on the despair. And so I was always hopeful that something will happen, that we will return. But at the same time I was realistic that this is a very complex process, negotiating with a terrorist organization and of course having other priorities within a larger conflict that at times override the priority we have, which is the redemption of our captives, returning them home. And I'm happy we've reached that point. Although it. I've yet to see it, I. I still can't believe it's going to. To happen because it's. It seems so far fetched. If you've asked me two weeks ago, that will happen so quickly. But then again, it is supposed to happen tomorrow morning. And we're excited for it, but trying to be as cautious as possible because we were disappointed so many times before.

[Andrew Limbong]

Is it one of those things? You're not going to believe it until he's like in your arms.

[Moshe Levi]

Exactly. Yeah. Until Omri hug is Lishai. Until he embraces their two daughters running Alma, four years old and two and a half years old.

[Andrew Limbong]

Yeah, I was wondering about his kids. What have you been telling them? How are, how are they doing?

[Moshe Levi]

First off, you know, it has been very difficult for them. They survived October 7th and they were held captive themselves alongside my sister Lishai at gunpoint by Hamas terrorists who barged into their home, grouped them with another family, invaded their kibbutz and they. They've been managing to grow up and become extraordinary. Two girls, very proud of them. And especially roni, who is 4 years old. And so she remembers a lot of what happened that day. The trauma carries with and, and she also remembers Omri very well. We, we shared with them cautiously that we had successful meetings in the U.S. and, and that Omri might be returning soon. We don't know exactly when, but that's the way to transmit, you know, the, the message and hopefully they, they begin processing it and it seems like they're very excited about the possibility of, of meeting their father again and having a father figure in the household.

[Andrew Limbong]

Yeah, it's been two years of waiting. What have you been telling them about Omri? To just sort of keep his memory, keep his life alive in their, in their heads and hearts.

[Moshe Levi]

With Roni, it wasn't an issue, to be honest. She remembers him so well. I'm very impressed by how much memory she's able to store as a four years old. She remembers of being on his bicycle with him. She remembers wishing good night to the stars. Almost every night he would take her out and they will wish good night to the world. And she still insists on that ritual. With my sister Lishai, she remembers specific moments and laughters and his embrace. She speaks to him and all the time dreams of him. With Alma, it's a different story because she was only six months old and so she doesn't remember Omri. She doesn't know who he is. Beyond the poster. As she grew older over the past two years, we try to explain to her it's not only a poster, it's her father. He's a living person. He used to be present in the house that they used to live in in Nahaloz and shared a bit about who he is and what he was for. For Ronnie as a father figure. And she's very excited to meet him because she, she never really is as like she never met him in a way she can remember. So we'll see how that's going to unfold in the next couple of days and weeks. I'm sure it's going to be a process for them to digest having Omri back, hopefully, and will be a process for Omri as well, to be in a place of love and care after enduring so much suffering, torture, abuse, starvation, deprivation of water, sanitary condition, any basic human rights. And it will be a long process of healing, but I'm confident we'll be able to master that after we mastered the last two years and after he managed to survive in captivity of one of the harshest and most brutal terrorist organization in the world.

[Andrew Limbong]

I want to ask you about the bigger picture here. Do you believe, given the development over the past few days, that there can be sustained peace?

[Moshe Levi]

I think in the long term, yes. I also believe that through terrible crises, conflicts, a more lasting peace can be achieved, just like we saw in other cases in Europe, especially a continent that needed two devastating wars so that countries could coexist together, recognize each other after centuries of fighting. I hope that will be eventually the case with our with the Palestinians in the wider region. I don't believe it's going to be in my lifetime. Sadly, I think we have not matured enough as a region to coexist peacefully long term. But I'm sure eventually this conflict will be resolved. I wish those involved in the conflict realized that it's better to resolve it now and avoid unnecessary bloodshed, making compromises, recognize each other's rights and aspirations. But I don't think we're there. I'm afraid what President Trump did lay out a foundation for a wider regional arrangement that is better than the one that existed before October 7th, in my opinion. And the possibility of reducing friction in the wider region, incorporating other countries in the Abraham Accords, and hopefully seeing Gaza rising from the rubble to become a more sustainable place for the Palestinians, also for us Israelis, because between 2005, after the disengagement plan, and until October 7, we allowed a terrorist base to grow just beyond the border. And that was unacceptable. As someone who grew up in Sderot and endured terrorism throughout my life was in an unacceptable condition.

[Andrew Limbong]

That was Moshe Lavi, brother in law of Israeli hostage in Gaza Omri Mehran. Moshe Lavi. Thank you so much for your time.

[Moshe Levi]

Thank you.

[Andrew Limbong]

This episode was produced by Erica Ryan with audio engineering by Hannah Glovna. It was edited by Ahmad Daman and Sarah Robbins. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun. It's consider this from npr. I'm Andrew Limbaugh.

[Life Kit Podcast Host]

When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, all you want to do is help. But where do you start? On the Life Kit podcast, we have tips for you.

[Terry Gross]

Your agenda should be I'm gonna be with you and be totally present to whatever comes up.

[Life Kit Podcast Host]

Listen in the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts for different ways to offer support.

[Pop Culture Happy Hour Host]

Taylor Swift is once again taking over the Internet. Her new album touches on her relationship with fiance, Travis Kelce, as well as a simmering beef with a fellow pop star. We're delving into the life of a showgirl and unpacking all the joyful bangers. Listen to Pop Culture Happy hour on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Life Kit Podcast Host]

Want to hear this podcast without sponsor breaks? Amazon prime members can listen to Consider this sponsor free through Amazon Music. Or you can also support NPR's vital journalism and get consider this [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org.