Ex-Husband of Hamas Hostage Doron Asher Breaks Silence, Denies Abandonment Claims

Yoni Asher, the ex-husband of Doron Katz Asher, a former Hamas captive, has publicly challenged allegations surrounding their separation and her financial situation, following a crowdfunding campaign that raised over 3 million shekels ($800,000) in three days. In a detailed Facebook post, Yoni accused Maariv and Channel 12 News of publishing falsehoods, asserting he was forcibly removed from their home due to baseless domestic violence claims by Doron’s lawyer, Lory Glazer. “I didn’t abandon my family; I was expelled from our home, with my morning coffee still warm on the counter,” he wrote, noting a judge swiftly accepted the allegations, barring his return.

Yoni refuted claims that Doron gave birth alone, explaining he was prevented from attending due to a court order and his discomfort with Channel 12 filming the delivery. “Pregnancy and birth are private matters,” he stated. “Doron wasn’t forced to give birth alone; I was blocked from being there.” He added that his mother provided extensive support during Doron’s pregnancy and birth, countering the narrative of abandonment.

Addressing Doron’s alleged financial distress, Yoni detailed her income: 38,110 shekels monthly from victim and captive benefits for her and their daughters, Raz and Aviv, plus 11,000 shekels for disability allowances, totalling over 54,200 shekels. With her 22,000-shekel salary from Efi Properties, despite not working, her monthly income exceeds 70,060 shekels. He claimed Doron holds assets worth over $1 million, stating, “The portrayal of economic survival led to the obvious claim, the father abandoned his family.” Yoni, unrecognized by the state for benefits, funds their daughters’ care independently.

Yoni expressed outrage over the campaign’s use of his daughters’ images, labelled as “needy,” calling it “deeply shocking” and “unacceptable.” He supports aid for captives but urged transparency without defamation. “I hope Doron has abundance all her life,” he wrote, advocating for a campaign reflecting her true needs. The dispute, fuelled by Doron’s Friday Studio interview on N12, shows serious trauma and tension following her time in captivity, with Yoni pursuing legal action against media outlets and being forced to speak out to give his side of the story.