SUMMARY
During the attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants abducted about 250 men, women and children and took them to Gaza. Since then, 117 have been freed and eight others rescued. For the loved ones of 101 hostages believed to still be alive, including Alon Ohel whose mother NewsHour speaks to in this story, the past year has been a nightmare without end,
The attack sparked an offensive from Israel that has devastated the Gaza Strip, displacing nearly 2 million Palestinians and killing at least 42,000. The war has expanded to increased violence and tension involving Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
You may also want to watch this NewsHour broadcast segment: Israel marks one year since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack as war rages on multiple fronts or read the article As Israel marks a year since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, war rages on multiple fronts.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Alon Ohel? Who is Idit Ohel?
- What does Alon Ohel say about how she thinks of her son and how she encourages other people to think of him?
- When was Alon Ohel taken as a hostage?
- Where was Alon Ohel when he was taken by Hamas militants?
- Why have many hostage families called for a cease-fire with Hamas?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What are some aspects of the story by Alon Ohel that resonate with you? Why? What other discussions and thoughts are you having or hearing about Oct. 7?
Media literacy: What other suggestions do you have for learning more about the anniversary of Oct. 7 and the war in Gaza?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Learn more about the reactions of Israelis and actions taken by families of Israeli hostages by reading one or two of the articles below and discuss with a friend or family member:
- Haaretz' 'It's Been a Year, and We Still Cannot Mourn' | Israelis Gather in Hostage Square on Eve of Oct. 7 to Share Stories of Those Loved and Lost
- Times of Israel's ‘Mr. Death’: Hostage families say Netanyahu has condemned their loved ones to die"
- New York Magazine's A Year After October 7, Israelis Ask, ‘Where Is the State?’: An anniversary of grief and disbelief
- Spectrum News'One year later: Father shares son's story of Oct. 7 in Israel about an Israeli soldier who died protecting Israeli civilians.
If you would like to know more about the history of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict, see Council on Foreign Relations's CFR Education resources.
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