Israeli-Canadian Peace Advocate Vivian Silver Confirmed Killed in Gaza

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Israeli-Canadian Peace Advocate Confirmed Dead After Suspected Hostage Situation in Gaza

TORONTO — Tragic news has emerged regarding Vivian Silver, a renowned Israeli-Canadian peace advocate, who was feared to have been taken hostage in Gaza. Recent developments have confirmed that Silver, 74, who resided near Israel’s border with Gaza in kibbutz Be’eri, was tragically killed during the devastating raid by Hamas on October 7th. The remains found at her residence were formally identified as hers, bringing a grim end to the weeks-long uncertainty surrounding her fate.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed her condolences, acknowledging Silver’s significant contributions to peace. Describing her as a “lifelong advocate for peace”, Joly shared her sympathies via X, formerly known as Twitter.

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Silver was widely recognized as one of Israel’s most prominent voices for peace with the Palestinians. She established the influential movement, Women Wage Peace, with the aim of exerting pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to actively pursue a peace agreement, ultimately resolving the longstanding Arab-Israeli conflict.

Silver’s commitment to her cause continued unabated even after her retirement. According to her son, Yonatan Zeigen, she remained actively engaged in her life’s work as an activist, holding meetings shortly before the Hamas attacks unfolded.

For weeks, Silver’s family believed she had been kidnapped by Hamas and held captive in Gaza. However, during an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Zeigen revealed that while they knew her house had been burned down during the Hamas assault, there was no clear evidence of a struggle or bullet wounds, leading them to suspect a possible kidnapping.

Speaking to the BBC in the aftermath of the attack, Zeigen recounted the final moments he shared with his mother. He revealed that she had contacted him while hiding in a cupboard, as armed individuals roamed through the kibbutz. In a heart-wrenching exchange, she professed her love for him and solemnly stated, “‘they’re inside the house, it’s time to stop joking and say goodbye.'” Zeigen responded with a message of love and support, to which Silver simply replied, “‘I feel you.'” Regrettably, those were the last words they exchanged.

Reflecting on what his mother would have made of the current situation, Zeigen asserted that it was a consequence of ongoing conflict. He emphasized the need for striving towards peace, stating that living in a perpetual state of war was unsustainable and inevitably led to such tragic outcomes.

Gershon Baskin, a close friend of Silver’s, fondly remembered her as a beacon of positivity and optimism. He remarked that she possessed an infectious enthusiasm that brightened any room she entered. Baskin also highlighted Silver’s unwavering moral compass, which influenced and guided many who followed her.

The attack that claimed Silver’s life resulted in the loss of over 100 members from her kibbutz. In light of this devastating event, there have been increasing calls for a humanitarian pause to allow aid into Gaza and facilitate the release of the approximately 240 hostages held by Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has insisted on the unconditional release of all hostages before considering any temporary ceasefire. Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza in response to the surprise attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 11,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the start of the conflict. — BBC.