SAN DIEGO – I had the privilege of attending a deeply moving event held in the stunning home of Laurie Black. Walking into Laurie’s home felt like stepping into the pages of a high-end design magazine—every detail curated with care and warmth. The food spread was equally impressive, ranging from multiple charcuterie boards to crackers with caviar, savory dishes, and an array of baked goods. If you could think of it, it was there.
The room was filled with an accomplished and inspiring group of individuals. It was one of those nights where you feel lucky just to be in the presence of such people. And then came the moment that brought us all together: author and speaker Liz Hirsh Naftali stood to share her story.
Liz, the great-aunt of Abigail, Michael, and Amalia, had released a book titled Saving Abigail, which recounts the harrowing and miraculous story of her family’s experience on October 7, 2023—the day of the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.
Liz had arrived in Israel on October 6th, coincidentally on the same flight as Senator Cory Booker. Because of a familial connection, Senator Booker invited Liz to Jerusalem to celebrate Simchat Torah before she continued on to visit family. The following day, October 7th, the sirens began. Each time they sounded, Liz took shelter in the stairwell of her building. As the hours passed, it became clear that something more than routine rocket fire was unfolding. Word eventually came that there had been an infiltration near the Gaza border, in the kibbutz of Kfar Aza—home to her relatives.
Kfar Aza, with a population of around 650 people, was attacked by approximately 300 terrorists. Liz’s relatives weren’t answering their phones. It was assumed they had been killed.
Smadar, mother to Abigail (3), Michael (9), and Amalia (6), was murdered while trying to secure her children in their safe room. The children managed to escape and ran into their father, Roee, who tried to lead them to safety. He was shot, and his body fell on top of Abigail. Believing their sister was dead, Michael and Amalia ran back to their home and hid inside a cupboard for 14 hours. Remarkably, a woman named Tamar stayed on the phone with them for 12 of those hours, keeping them calm and alive.
Unbeknownst to them, Abigail had managed to crawl out from beneath her father’s body. She knocked on one neighbor’s door but received no answer. She eventually came across another neighbor, who was on his way to defend the kibbutz. He quickly took her in and left her with his wife, Hagar, and their three children before heading out to fight. He was injured in the battle and never returned.
As the Israeli army began accounting for the bodies, it was discovered that Abigail’s was not among them. It was then assumed she had been taken hostage. Tragically, she had been—along with Hagar and her three children. Abigail spent 51 days in captivity before she was released as part of the first group of hostages.
During this nightmare, Liz, who has years of experience in the political world, sprang into action. But her message was not political—it was deeply human. She stressed that this wasn’t about right or left; it was about doing what’s right. She commended the work of both the Biden and Trump administrations, emphasizing that the successful effort to bring Abigail home was only possible because both administrations did their part. Her call for greater inclusion of women in diplomatic efforts was the only nod to political progress—otherwise, her focus remained firmly on humanity.
After her powerful talk, I had the chance to speak with Liz directly. I asked her what she felt people most needed to know. Her answer was clear: “The priority should be releasing the hostages—first and foremost. Nothing else matters.” She also asked for awareness of Edan Alexander, an American citizen who remains a hostage.
Saving Abigail is available on Amazon. All proceeds go to support her family in Israel.
As for Abigail, Michael, and Amalia—they now live with a family that has three children of their own. Despite the unimaginable trauma they’ve endured, these children are resilient. Their story, as told by Liz, is not just one of tragedy, but of courage, love, and survival.
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Miriam Gershenson and Albert Kreimerman are wife and husband, respectively freelance writer and freelance photographer.
Such a profoundly traumatic event with heartbreaking events dealt to so many brave children, women, and men who model the true definition of resilience and strength.
I’m grateful to hear that this gathering last weekend was impactful in a setting which truly is warm, welcoming, and serene.