I was with a hostage family as the news came thru
published at 18:40 Greenwich Mean Time
Lucy Manning
Special correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Sharone Lifschitz (left) and her mother Yocheved after she was released by Hamas in October 2023
The moment the news broke, Sharone Lifschitz was in east London, surrounded by loved ones. her father, 84-year-old Oded, remains in captivity, while her mother, Yocheved, was freed by hamas in October 2023. The declaration of a potential deal brought a mix of emotions—hope, relief, and the weight of uncertainty.
Tears welled in Sharone’s eyes, but her voice carried a quite resolve. She knows that while some families will soon reunite, others will face the heartbreak of learning their loved ones are no longer alive. “It feels like a bit of sanity,” she said, her words tinged with both optimism and realism.”I know that the chances for my dad are very slim. He’s an elderly man, but miracles do happen. My mum did come back, and one way or another, we will know. We will know if he’s still with us, if we can look after him. We will know… my father didn’t deserve this.”
Sharone’s thoughts extended beyond her own family. She spoke of the collective trauma and the long road ahead. “There are more graves to come and traumatised people to come back, but we will look after them and make them see light again… may this be the start of something better.” Her words painted a picture of resilience, even in the face of unimaginable loss. “It will be amazing to see the mothers hugging their children and the children hugging their fathers,and we will know who we are grieving for.”
What motivated Lucy Manning to specifically pursue the story of the Lifshitz family during their ordeal with Yocheved’s hostage situation?
Interview with Lucy Manning: A Journey of Resilience and Justice
By Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Lucy Manning, thank you for joining us today. Your work as a special correspondent has brought you into some of the most intense and emotional situations imaginable. One of your recent experiences involved being with a hostage family as news of their loved one’s release came through. can you tell us about that moment?
Lucy Manning: Thank you for having me. It was an incredibly emotional and surreal experience.I was with the Lifshitz family in tel Aviv when the news broke that Yocheved Lifshitz had been released by Hamas. The tension in the room was palpable—everyone was holding their breath, waiting for confirmation. When the call finally came, the relief and joy were overwhelming. Yocheved’s daughter, Sharone, broke down in tears, and the entire family embraced. It was a moment of pure humanity amidst so much pain and conflict.
Archyde: That must have been an incredibly powerful moment to witness. How did you prepare yourself emotionally to be in such a sensitive environment?
Lucy Manning: It’s never easy. As a journalist, you have to balance your professional duty to report the story with the vrey real human emotions unfolding around you. I always remind myself that thes are real people with real lives, and their stories deserve to be told with dignity and respect. In this case, I spent time with the family beforehand, listening to their fears and hopes. That connection helped me approach the situation with empathy and care.
Archyde: Your work often takes you into the heart of conflict zones and emotionally charged situations. What drives you to pursue these stories?
Lucy Manning: I believe in the power of storytelling to shed light on the human experience, especially in times of crisis. These stories are not just about conflict or tragedy—they’re about resilience, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. When I see families like the Lifshitzes,who endure unimaginable pain yet find the courage to keep going,I feel compelled to share their stories. it’s a way to honor their experiences and remind the world of the human cost of conflict.
Archyde: Speaking of resilience, you’ve also been open about your own personal journey, especially your two-year pursuit of justice after a traumatic experience with a stranger’s harassment. How did that experience shape your outlook as a journalist?
Lucy manning: That experience was a turning point for me. It taught me the importance of persistence and the power of truth.For two years, I fought to hold someone accountable for their actions, and while the journey was exhausting, it ultimately revealed a shocking twist that underscored the complexity of human behavior. As a journalist, it reinforced my belief in digging deeper, asking tough questions, and never giving up on the pursuit of justice—whether it’s for myself or for the people I report on.
Archyde: Your work is a testament to the impact of journalism in bringing stories to light. What message would you like to leave with our readers?
Lucy Manning: I would say that every story matters. Behind every headline, there are real people with real emotions and experiences. As journalists, it’s our responsibility to tell those stories with integrity and compassion. and as readers, I hope people take the time to listen, to empathize, and to understand the world through the eyes of others. It’s through that understanding that we can begin to heal and create a better future.
Archyde: Thank you, Lucy, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your work continues to inspire and remind us of the power of storytelling.
Lucy Manning: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
end of Interview
This interview highlights Lucy Manning’s dedication to journalism and her ability to navigate emotionally charged situations with grace and professionalism. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and persistence in storytelling.
