IDF Personnel Directorate head recounts former hostage's story of abuse in Gaza at memorial event
Bar Kalifa, who fought in the Gaza Strip as commander of the 36th Division following the October 7 attacks, addressed the soldiers at the Southern Command event.
IDF Personnel Directorate Chief Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa recounted the harrowing testimony of former hostage Avinatan Or during a memorial event in the Negev on Tuesday. Bar Kalifa, who fought in the Gaza Strip, detailed how a three-year-old boy was instructed to spit on him by a Hamas terrorist during Or's captivity. Speaking to soldiers, commanders, and their families, Bar Kalifa emphasized the importance of not forgetting the events of October 7 and the resilience of the Israeli people.
He introduced fellow speakers, including Or, who returned from Hamas captivity after 700 days, and Roy Benjamin Roko, a hero who raced into a burning building to save others. Bar Kalifa shared that Or's story taught him that the difference between those who attacked on October 7 and the IDF lies in the upbringing and indoctrination that begins in kindergarten.
He recounted Or's harrowing account of his capture, including being beaten and forced to watch his girlfriend's abduction. Or feared being lynched and pleaded with a terrorist to spare his life. The terrorist then brought a three-year-old boy to Or's level and demanded he spit on him, to which the child obeyed, receiving applause from the captors.
Bar Kalifa concluded that the people they fought against were educated to become murderers, and they will not return until all such individuals are destroyed.
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