Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Montgomery County woman hopeful for return of cousin held hostage
PHILADELPHIA - A Montgomery County woman with a relative being held hostage by Hamas is speaking out, expressing hope and skepticism.
Her mother’s cousin, Elkana Bohbot was kidnapped by militants on October 7, 2023 during the Nova Music Festival massacre.
His family says there is an Instagram post showing him bleeding and being driven away in a truck by Hamas.
What we know:
Elkana Bohbot, a 34-year-old father and husband was celebrating with friends at the Nova Music Festival when the attack occurred.
He was seen on video being taken away and has not been heard or seen since.
Friends say he stayed behind to help others.
Wednesday makes 566 days. That is how long Devorah Selber of Wynnewood says Elkana has been missing.
Devorah remembers the phone call from Israel after his family’s desperate search for Elkana.
"I spoke with my cousin and he's the one who told me about Elkana Etan was murdered, but Elkana is definitely kidnapped."
Devorah showed FOX 29 an Instagram post by Elkana's brother pleading for his release and showing pictures of him being taken away in a truck.
"He was bleeding. His face was bleeding, fear in his face was just terrifying. We know he was alive, that he was taken alive," she said.
What they're saying:
Wednesday’s news of a ceasefire deal promised the release of dozens of the hostages being held by the militants has Devorah feeling hopeful but skeptical.
"To tell you the truth, I just can't believe anything until I see them at home. It's just when we know who the enemy is, it's really tough to believe this is people who will do anything in good faith. Hamas is a terrorist organization," she said.
Elkana is a husband and has a little boy who is desperately missing his dad.
With posters of the faces of the hostages hanging from the fireplace of her Wynnewood home, Devorah says she doesn't understand why the hostages are being released in phases.
What's next:
The first phase of hostages being released includes women and children, older adults and wounded civilians.
"The selection of only putting up 33, not the whole group. We don't know who is alive, who is dead."
Devorah is hopeful her cousin is still alive saying, "we don't have any information. They are devastated, the parents, the wife, the child, just devastated."
Elkana's family does not expect him to be among the first group of hostages released. they just hope and pray it goes smoothly and the second phase will happen shortly thereafter and all the hostages will be brought home.
The Source: The information in this story was provided by Devorah Selber the cousin of Elkana Bohbot, 34, who was kidnapped by militants on October 7, 2023.