As Israel marks the somber nine-month milestone since Oct. 7, an innovative project is leveraging AI-edited video clips to shed light on the hostages' harrowing experiences. The series debut showcases 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, released from captivity in November. Dubbed "Remember," the project aims to offer a visual testament to the hostages' suffering, according to its creators.
Yahalomi's video recounts his abduction in vivid detail: the forced journey to Gaza, the brutal mob assault he endured, being compelled to watch graphic footage of violence and terror, the psychological torment inflicted by his captors, and his desperate longing to reunite with his father, who remains in Hamas captivity.
The Yahalomi family's ordeal began in Kibbutz Nir Oz when they sought refuge in their home's safe room as rockets rained down on their kibbutz. Parents Ohad and Batsheva, Eitan, his 10-year-old sister Yael, and their infant sister huddled there for approximately two hours. Ohad, the father, eventually decided to venture out, armed with a pistol, to protect his family. Around 10:00 a.m., terrorists stormed the house, engaging in a firefight with Ohad.
In the ensuing chaos, Ohad was shot, and the entire family was forcibly taken to Gaza on two motorcycles. During the journey, the mother managed a daring escape with her two daughters. Eitan was eventually freed in a negotiated release after 52 days in captivity, while his father Ohad remains held by Hamas.
Ella Elyakim's abduction
The project also features a reconstruction of 8-year-old Ella Elyakim's abduction. Ella was kidnapped on Oct. 7 from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, along with her 15-year-old sister Dafna and their father, Noam Elyakim. Tragically, Noam's body was discovered days later.
