Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, at Tel Aviv Conference

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, delivered a powerful and emotional address at the Tel Aviv Conference – The Future of Israel, describing her deep sense of personal and national betrayal.

"I used to believe there was a contract between the state and its citizens," she said, "but that illusion was shattered on October 7."

Zangauker recounted how she pleaded with her son to keep quiet when terrorists surrounded his home in kibbutz Nir Oz, and how she later realized that the government's leadership was shirking its responsibility and actively undermining hostage negotiations. "Parents don’t put a price on their children’s lives — and neither should the country," she stated.

The audience applauded Zangauker’s impactful speech, some holding posters of hostages.

She criticized not only the government but also those in positions of influence who do not speak up: “As long as you are silent in the face of a war that serves only one man, you are complicit.” Despite her heartbreak, she expressed profound gratitude to the Israeli public for rising to support the families and stand in unity. “You are Matan’s hope, and mine,” she concluded.