Hostage Family Condemns Political Use of Victim's Image

The family of Eden Yerushalmi, who was abducted on October 7 and murdered while held captive by Hamas, issued an anguished statement Sunday condemning the use of her name and photograph for political purposes.

The message, posted on a memorial page dedicated to Yerushalmi's memory, responded to images circulating online that placed her photo next to that of Israeli singer Eden Ben Zaken, with text reading "demanding accountability from Eden Ben Zaken."

The controversial post emerged amid public backlash over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attendance at Ben Zaken's concert, juxtaposing the two Edens with the caption: "We won't forget Eden Yerushalmi, we won't forgive Eden Ben Zaken."

In their statement, the family wrote: "Since October 7, we have been living in hell. On the day Eden was murdered, our world was destroyed. And now, as if the tragedy we endured wasn't enough, people are allowing themselves to use Eden's name, her death, and her story for their political needs."

The family added that those behind the posts have ignored repeated requests to remove them. "Every such post is another assault on her and on us, a disgraceful exploitation of her death and a reopening of the wound that will never heal," the pointed message stated. Under the heading "Eden was someone who united and connected hearts," the family concluded with an unequivocal position: "Eden Yerushalmi is not a slogan and not a tool for political attacks. She is not a headline. Not content and not a tool for anyone's interests!!! Eden was someone who united and connected hearts, and that is how she will always remain."

The controversy surrounding Ben Zaken erupted following Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu's appearance at her performance at Menorah Arena, where the prime minister was greeted with applause and cheers from the audience. Photos from the evening sparked sharp criticism on social media, some directed at the singer herself, with calls to boycott her and remove her from her role as a mentor on the television show "The Voice."

Eden Yerushalmi, 24, from Tel Aviv, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, where she worked as a bartender. Her body was returned to Israel along with the bodies of five other hostages after being located in a tunnel 20 meters deep in Rafah. The Institute of Forensic Medicine determined she was shot to death at close range.