Sydney man Zack Shacharprays for hostage cousin Naama Levy, snatched by Hamas

Naama Levy was captured by Hamas near the Gaza–Israel barrier during Hamas' terrorist attack on October 7. Her family hopes a ceasefire — and hostage deal — are close.

As Hamas accepts a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, the anxious family of Naama Levy, who was abducted from the IDF surveillance base at Nahal Oz near the Gaza–Israel barrier during the October 7 atrocities, are praying hard.

“We are counting down the hours that the hostage deal is made official,” said her Sydney cousin Zack Shachar, 48.

“She’s a million miles away from us here in Australia but not a day has gone by where he haven’t thought of her and prayed for her release.

“We want Naama back, we don’t care what state she is in, we’ll deal with that once she is released, if she is released.

“We believe the deal will happen, it’s the closest we’ve come to reaching an agreement.

“We want her – and the other 33 hostages – out of there.

Zack Shachar, 48, is praying for the release of Naama Levy, 20, who was abducted from the IDF surveillance base at Nahal Oz near the Gaza-Israel barrier on October 7. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I believe she is still alive, we have been sent signs, she was taken hostage in the attack on October 7 and was seen alive covered in blood in a video Hamas militants released that day showing her in the Gaza Strip with her hands shackled behind her, being dragged by armed militants from the trunk of a Jeep and forced inside the car.

The footage that went viral showed her with knotted hair and in bloodstained jogging bottoms prompting speculation she had been sexually abused.

In March the IDF said there was “a sign if life” that Naama Levy was still alive and being kept hostage by Hamas

In March the IDF said there was “a sign if life” that Naama was still alive and being kept hostage.

With Hamas expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire agreement being finalised by negotiators in Doha, Ms Levy’s family hopes she will finally be among those returned to her parents, in Israel.

Mr Shachar has campaigned exhaustively for the release of his relative, 20, who was snatched on the day Hamas launched its attack on Israel.

Zack Shachar, 48, says his family still hopes Naama Levy, 20, is being kept live by Hamas and is praying the ceasefire deal goes through, and the release of 33 hostages. Picture: Richard Dobson

“When the first set of hostages were released, the IDF said Naama had told them she had spent 50 days in isolation,” said Mr Shachar.

“We still believe she’s alive, it’s been 466 days since she was taken (since Wednesday),” Mr Shachar said.

“Her life will be different after her experiences with Hamas but her family, we are already to help and give her as much support.

“We’ve spoken to her parents in Israel and everyone is waiting for it to happen. We’re just waiting and praying and checking the news every hour.

“All we can do is wait and pray. It’s an emotional time.”

Naama Levy, 20 (left), pictured with her mother doctor Ayelet Levy Shachar, was captured on October 7 during Hamas' terrorist attack in Southern Israel. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Sydney man Zack Shacharprays for hostage cousin Naama Levy, snatched by Hamas