Raz Asher
Gender: Female
Age when taken: 4
Citizenships: Israel, Germany
Hostage status: Redeemed alive on November 24th, 2023, during the 7 Day Ceasefire
More about Raz:
Her mother, Doron, taught her to write Hebrew in captivity, with her first word being “aba” which means “dad”
While in captivity, Raz, her sister, and mother made a deck of cards, drawing the foods that they badly missed to pass the time
Dreamt that she came home before being released from captivity
Loves to perform with the song "Unicorn," by Israeli artist Noa Kirel
Loves nature and open-air spaces
Loves to draw
Described by their father along with her sister as tiny balls of energy
Enjoyed pretending to cook with Aviv for their father, Yoni
Was visiting her grandmother, Efrat, who was murdered on October 7th
Turned 5 on January 24th, 2024
Has a cousin from Austin, Texas
Related Hostages: Aviv Asher, sister (Redeemed/Alive), Doron Katz Asher, mother (Redeemed/Alive), Ravid Katz, uncle (Captive/Confirmed Deceased) and Gadi Moses, extended family (Captive/Presumed Alive)
Primary Sources:
The Sun, Emotional reunion: Four-year-old hostage hugs dad after Hamas captivity, Nov 25, 2023
Times of Israel, Released hostage says she survived captivity for sake of her daughters held with her, Dec 17, 2023
CNN News, Freed Israeli mother asked what she feared most in captivity. Hear her reply, Jan 05, 2024
BBC, Israel Gaza: Children must be off limits, says father of abducted kids, Nov 02, 2023
CBC, Hostage release brings new meaning to Thanksgiving, says family member, Nov 25, 2023
Foodish, Doron, Raz and Aviv Katz's Lemon Cream Cheesecake - Recipe, Feb 12, 2024
Jewish National Fund, Yoni Asher Addressing the JNF, Oct 16, 2023
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Return of hostages, December 01, 2023
Secondary Sources:
Date Last Updated: April 8th, 2024