Podcast Summary: "The Opinions" Episode – The Israeli Hostage Who Refused to Embrace Revenge
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Opinions
- Host/Author: The New York Times Opinion
- Description: You've heard the news, here's what to make of it.
- Episode: The Israeli Hostage Who Refused to Embrace Revenge
- Release Date: June 10, 2025
Introduction
In this poignant episode of The Opinions, Sarah Wildman engages in a deeply moving conversation with Liyada Tseli, a Holocaust educator, history teacher, and former hostage. The discussion delves into Liyada's harrowing experience of being abducted during the conflict on October 7, 2023, her subsequent release after 54 days of captivity, and her inspiring journey toward peace amidst profound personal loss.
Pre-War Life and Background
Early Life and Family Roots Liyada shares her family's Zionist background, highlighting the ideological motivations that brought her parents to Israel. Her paternal grandparents were members of Hashomeratzair, a Zionist socialist youth movement, who made aliyah in 1947 but returned to the U.S. after the 1948 war. Her mother's involvement in the movement was an act of rebellion, leading both parents to immigrate together.
"Ideology. My paternal grandparents... they were members of Hashomeratzair... it was like there was no question about coming to Israel and coming to live on a kibbutz eventually." [06:30]
Family and Personal Life Liyada introduces her three children: Ofri (24), Neta (22), and Aya (20). She met her late husband, Aviv, through the same movement, and they lived together in Kibbutz Near Oz.
Hostage Experience
Abduction and Initial Captivity On October 7, 2023, Liyada was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Near Oz. Held for 54 days, her captivity was marked by unexpected humanity from her captors. Unlike many other hostages, she experienced moments of kindness and normalcy amidst the trauma.
"I was sitting on the floor and it was all very, very quiet... They said, 'Get up, you're going to come with us now. Get dressed.'" [08:28]
Treatment by Captors Liyada describes her captors as religious individuals who treated her with unexpected kindness, offering her food, helping her search for her glasses, and allowing her to watch television in English. This humane treatment contrasted sharply with the violent nature of the abduction.
"They let me watch television in English... It was really, very, very, in some ways, strange to be treated this way, and definitely reassuring." [10:36]
Environment and Daily Routine Despite the fear and uncertainty, Liyada established a routine to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Meals, showers, and conversations with fellow captives and captors became her anchor during captivity.
"There was nothing to panic about, really. And we did have a routine... waiting for things to happen." [14:08]
Emotional Journey and Grief
Initial Emotional State Upon her return, Liyada grappled with intense grief and the loss of her husband, Aviv, who was murdered during the attacks. She describes grief as a "terribly strange emotion that changes every day."
"I can't predict it and I wonder how you hold it today." [02:18]
Coping Mechanisms Liyada initially chose to suppress her anger, adopting a "fake it till you make it" approach to maintain her composure. Over time, her grief evolved into a path toward healing and reconciliation.
"At first, I really decided and I worked hard to not be angry. And now... I'm not angry that this happened to me." [20:03]
Memorializing Aviv The loss of her husband profoundly affected her, leading her to hold a funeral despite not having his remains. This act provided her and her family with much-needed closure.
"We decided to do that, and I'm very, very glad that we did. I think that it gave us closure." [18:35]
Twisting Toward Peace and Rejecting Revenge
Path to Peace Instead of harboring anger or seeking revenge, Liyada turned toward understanding and peace. Her approach reflects a deep-rooted rejection of revenge, influenced by her Jewish faith and personal experiences.
"I don't believe in revenge... it's God's job." [23:02]
Public Speaking and Advocacy Liyada was invited to speak at a ceremony for fallen soldiers, where she expressed that her ordeal led her to "fall in love with [Aviv] all over again," highlighting her enduring love and commitment to peace.
"One of the things that I wanted to say was that this whole process made me fall in love with him all over again." [06:16]
Interaction with Palestinian Communities
Engagement with Parents Circle Liyada chose to engage with the Parents Circle, a group comprising Palestinians and Israelis who have lost family members to the conflict. Her participation underscores her commitment to dialogue and mutual understanding.
"I felt that I needed to be surrounded by people who relate to all these things in a similar way that I do." [24:11]
Sharing Her Story In these settings, Liyada shares a broader picture of her life, focusing not solely on trauma but also on her personal story and the memory of her husband. This approach fosters empathy and breaks down barriers between conflicting communities.
"I don't like to focus on the trauma. These were 54 days of my life. There's so much more to my life story than those 54 days." [25:52]
Impact of Holocaust Education
Lessons from History Liyada's background as a Holocaust educator provides her with a unique perspective on the current conflict. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging violence and suffering while striving for peace.
"What happened in Israel on October 7th doesn't and can't justify anything." [27:44]
Educational Approach In her teaching, Liyada draws parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, encouraging students to look beyond immediate conflicts and seek understanding and reconciliation.
"I think that a good person can't ignore violence, can't ignore suffering, can't ignore death and those things." [27:44]
Conclusion
Liyada Tseli's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and peace. Her refusal to embrace revenge, despite unimaginable loss, offers a powerful narrative amid ongoing conflict. Through her advocacy and personal journey, Liyada embodies a path toward healing and mutual understanding, inspiring others to seek peace even in the darkest of times.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "I don't believe in revenge... it's God's job." [23:02]
- "I was sitting on the floor and it was all very, very quiet..." [08:28]
- "What happened in Israel on October 7th doesn't and can't justify anything." [27:44]
- "I think that a good person can't ignore violence..." [27:44]
Attributions:
- Sarah Wildman: Host and interviewer from New York Times Opinion.
- Liyada Tseli: Guest, Holocaust educator, history teacher, former hostage, and subject of the documentary "Holding Liat."
This episode provides a profound exploration of personal tragedy intertwined with a hopeful vision for peace, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of individual experiences within broader geopolitical conflicts.