A Mother's Courage: Putting Community Before Her Child

The day after Efrat and Tzvi Moore learned about the kidnapping of their eldest son, Ethan, they found themselves at their first grandchild's redemption ceremony, an event they had eagerly anticipated and planned for a long time. "This ceremony deeply moved me as a daughter of Levi," Efrat recalls. Yet, the celebration felt incomplete without Ethan, who had saved lives and was now in captivity. "Ethan longed to become an uncle, and was even at the hospital when his nephew was born," she shares.

Ethan, 23, was a security guard at a party in Nova along with his friend Eliakim Lieberman. When chaos erupted, both could have fled, but they stayed, determined to save lives and bodies from abduction and desecration. Tragically, they were kidnapped by terrorists.

How did you first hear about Ethan's situation?

"We had no idea Ethan was in the south. We thought he was at his apartment in Nachlaot with a roommate. He called us right before the holiday to talk about what he was cooking for Shabbat. The next morning, while women at the synagogue were anxiously reading *Tehillim*, I never imagined it related to me. Later, Gissi's brother called, prompting us to realize the seriousness of the situation."

"We refuse to trade terrorists for our son."

While many families call for their loved ones' release at any cost, the Moores take a firm stand against negotiating with terrorists. "As hard as it is, our responsibility extends to all of Israel," Efrat explains, recounting how Ethan once said he wouldn't want to be released in exchange for terrorists, knowing it raises future risks. "This weakens us as a nation," she adds.

How do you handle the backlash from other families?

"For me, it's easier to stay home with my young daughters, remaining less visible. However, my husband, as our public face, receives the brunt of criticism. Despite this, we've felt immense support from Israel and its diaspora," Efrat notes.

"Ethan is no longer just ours; he's Israel's son," said a rabbi, which resonates deeply with Efrat.

What gives you hope amidst this ordeal?

"Faith in Hashem and the bravery Ethan demonstrated alongside Eliakim. Their courageous efforts to protect others are a source of strength," she states. "Our family's support and the community's love also sustain us."