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11 months ago
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An elderly Israeli hostage has told how Hamas terrorists removed her oxygen machine while she was held captive in the tunnels.
Margalit Moses, 77, spoke out at an emotional demonstration to mark the second night of Hannukah for those still missing.
She talked about her 'unbearable' time in captivity as loved ones lit candles at a long table set up with seats for each of those not here for the Jewish holiday.
Loved ones demanded that the Israeli government negotiate with Hamas to free them 'now' at the square in front of Tel Aviv Museum of Art renamed Hostage Square.
Families of those missing were seen crying as they lit candles at the table last night with others joining in chants calling for their release.
Margalit Moses, 77, escorted by a soldier into a hospital in Israel, following her release by Hamas on November 24
Israelis gather to light candles at a vigil marking the second night of Hanukah on December 9
A long table was laid out with an empty seat and plate laid out for each of the hostages taken
Two women hug at the emotional demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday night
Miss Moses led the appeal in a powerful video message where she told of her time underground in captivity after being snatched from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
'At night I have to be attached to an oxygen machine, and I took it with me to Gaza so that I could sleep,' she said.
'One of the terrorists who got mad at me, took the device from me even though I told him it was my oxygen. I spoke to him in Arabic and he understood the meaning but he didn't care.
'For 49 days I did not sleep. It was very difficult. There were mental difficulties, there were physical difficulties and every day that passes it becomes more and more difficult.
'Being held hostage in the tunnels is an unbearable situation. We must return the people as soon as possible.'
Adina Moshe, 72, who was freed after 49 days, told how there are 'very old' friends from her Kibbutz still trapped.
She said: 'They are all very old with serious underlying medical conditions and without proper medications.
'When I was there, the food situation kept deteriorating. We ended up eating only rice.
Adina Moshe, 72, was freed by Hamas after 49 days. She was filmed pushing away the hand of a Hamas fighter during her release (pictured)
A mural calling for the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 to be brought home
'I beg and plead: Please do everything for their release, also so that I can recover. Until they return, my heart is there I will not be able to recover.'
Families and loved ones of those missing shed tears as they lit Shabbat candles at the table for those missing in Hostage Square.
Among them were Debi Paz,64, whose friend's 18-year-old daughter, Liri Albag, is among those still in Gaza.
'I am hoping for a miracle. I come here every day - we don't know what to do. 64 days we are waiting.
'She is only a child - she had been in the army for one month. These people are animals. Worse than animals, they are devils.'
A couple embrace at the emotional vigil which was held in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv
Empty dining table seats were laid out for the vigil, which was modelled on a Hanukah celebration
Yoel Mendelsohn, 35, was seen crying as she hugged her husband, Yoel, also 35, at the demonstration.
Mr Mendelsohn said: 'We are here to support the families of the missing. One of my friends was among those released.
'Being here feels like standing in an open wound.'
Eran Herooti, 48, also came to show his support with wife Ifat, 45. 'It is important to show our support as some people are still in the clutches of the sick and evil Hamas.
'Mrs Herooti added: 'It feels like being part of something that is much bigger than each one of is. It is solidarity.'
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