Karnit Goldwasser: I know Ehud may not come home
Wife of kidnapped Israeli soldier urges Jewish communities abroad to pressure UN, Red Cross to secure information regarding fate of two servicemen held by Hizbullah
"I have to prepare myself for two scenarios: One where Udi (Ehud) comes home alive and well, and the alternative, the opposite," with those heartfelt words Karnit Goldwasser tried to illustrate what life has been like since her husband Ehud was kidnapped by Hizbullah 18 months ago.
Speaking with representatives of Jewish communities in the Far East and the United Kingdom during a videoconference on Tuesday, Goldwasser said that in the meantime she must adjust to returning to their shared home alone.
"But what keeps me going and gives me strength is the struggle, the fight to bring him home," she said.
Benny Regev, whose brother Eldad was kidnapped in the same cross-border raid in July 2006, also took part in the broadcast, which was organized by the Jewish Agency.
Goldwasser and Regev conversed with representatives from Singapore, Hong Kong and London and discussed recent efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.
"The UN is negotiating with Hizbullah," said Goldwasser, "but the fact that it has been a year and a half since the kidnapping and we still do not even have an answer to the most fundamental question – are they even alive?"
No comment on Winograd
Regev shared the memory of his last meeting with his brother, at a memorial service for their mother.
When asked how Jewish communities abroad could help the efforts, both said the pressure on international organizations such as the UN and the Red Cross must be maintained.
"Letters, emails and petitions; we must not stop sending them to anyone who is in touch with the Lebanese and is able to help," said Goldwasser. She also urged the representatives to raise awareness of the situation outside the Jewish communities.
Goldwasser said she had no intentions of commenting on the findings of the Winograd Commission at present time, adding that she would first read the report to determine whether it adequately addressed the
kidnapping and the related issues pertaining to it.
She also said that the families were continuing their rigorous efforts to bring about the release of their sons, "but not all activities should be exposed to the media. On the contrary. There are many efforts that would best be done quietly."
