President Isaac Herzog had an emotional phone conversation this evening with Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, a resident of Rahat who was abducted on October 7th and successfully rescued today by security forces from captivity in Gaza. Farhan is currently receiving medical treatment at Soroka University Medical Center.
Expressing his deep relief and joy, President Herzog warmly greeted Farhan, saying, “Dear Farhan, how moving it is to hear your voice! Our brother has come home. Our brother has returned!”
In response, Farhan expressed profound gratitude to the President and the State of Israel, particularly praising the efforts of the Israeli army. “I am grateful to the State of Israel, to the army, who came. People are suffering there. Do everything you can to bring people home. Work 24 hours, don’t sleep until they return. People are really suffering, you can’t imagine,” Farhan urged, recounting his disbelief upon hearing Hebrew spoken by his rescuers. “Suddenly, I heard someone speaking Hebrew outside the door, I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t believe it. I thank you very much. This is thanks to our army, they are doing a sacred duty, risking their lives.”
President Herzog responded with empathy and resolve, acknowledging the harrowing ordeal Farhan endured. “You went through hell there, I understand, it’s hard. The most important thing is to bring everyone back. Thank God you’ve returned, and now you can see your entire big family,” Herzog said. He also praised the bravery of the Israeli army, the Shin Bet, and all the forces involved in the rescue operation. “We are very, very proud of the army, the Shin Bet, and all the forces that took part in this amazing operation. There are still so many brothers and sisters there, and we want them all home, the entire nation of Israel is with us. The entire country, the entire state. Welcome back, dear brother, and good health.”
The conversation underscored the nation’s commitment to bringing home all citizens still held captive, with Herzog reflecting the collective hope and determination of the Israeli people.–News Desk