Hamas Hostage Video Evokes Holocaust Memory on Tisha BeAv Fast

As the Jewish people observe Tisha BeAv, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, a new video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David digging what appears to be his own grave has sent fresh shockwaves through Israel and the Jewish world. Released by Hamas late last Friday, the footage casts a shadow over a day already steeped in national mourning and historical trauma.

Tisha BeAv, a 25-hour fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, is traditionally observed with prayer, self-denial, and reflection on Jewish suffering throughout history. But this year, the grief feels particularly visceral.

The footage shows David in a severely emaciated state, evoking painful Holocaust-era imagery. He resembles a muselman (a term used in Nazi concentration camps to describe prisoners on the brink of death due to starvation and despair). The parallel has not gone unnoticed.

“Evyatar’s frail body and hollow eyes resemble the haunting images of Jews in Nazi concentration camps,” Alex Witkoff wrote in a post on X. “Bring THEM home NOW.”

The release of the video comes nearly two years after the October 7 Hamas attacks, and as an estimated 50 Israeli hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, the information on how many of them are still alive is unknown. Among those believed to be surviving against all odds are Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, and their presence in the video offering a rare and painful glimpse into their continued ordeal.

Hostages Evyatar David (left) and Guy Gilboa-Dalal speak in a Hamas propaganda video filmed at the site and time of the release ceremony in Gaza for three other captives, February 22, 2025 (Photo: (Screenshot: Telegram))

Never Again was supposed to mean Never Again, but in 2025, we’re facing hell all over again.

For many, the day’s spiritual weight has been overwhelmed by raw grief and helplessness. Former hostage Liri Albag, who was released in a previous deal, shared her anguish online:

“I’m sitting here and I can’t stop crying… Seeing the signs of life from Rom and Evyatar, right before Friday dinner, knowing I have food on the table, knowing I got out of there, and knowing it’s been half a year since I was lucky enough to return, and remembering where my brothers are, realizing they’re still there — it crushes me.”

Last year, Tisha BeAv was marked by cautious hope that many hostages would soon return. This year, the atmosphere is far heavier. The prayers for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple have merged with desperate pleas for the safe return of the captives.

Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski (Photo: X released images)

Evyatar's brother said that he cannot bring himself to watch the cruel video released by Hamas showing his brother in captivity. “My parents are falling apart before my eyes, I need to support them, I can’t collapse too.”

Thursday and Friday’s release of new footage reopened wounds that have not had a chance to heal. The spiritual reflection of 9 BeAv has been eclipsed by what many are calling a living nightmare.

Today may be Tisha BeAv, a day of mourning over ancient destruction, but for many, it still feels like October 7.

Beloved British popstar Jessie J, with a massive audience of 1.4 million followers, took to Instagram to share her heartbreak over the shocking photos of an emaciated Evyatar, digging his own grave in a Gaza tunnel.

According to Belaaz, "Sources in the Republican Party told NPR radio earlier: "President Trump shed tears following the latest video Hamas released about the captive Evitar David. He was furious at Hamas and sent a message to Israel to immediately start carrying out a hostage deal and then take revenge." The sources also noted: "After the deal, the US will act to completely destroy Hamas – also outside the Gaza Strip, including senior Hamas members abroad.""