Biden Speaks With Relatives of Four Year Old Avigail Edan

(VINnews) — President Biden spoke on the phone with the family of 4-year-old Israeli-American, Avigail Edan, whose tragic yet courageous plight has captured the hearts of many people.

Avigail was released from Hamas captivity Sunday night, along with 13 other Israelis and three Thai nationals

On Shemini Atzeres, Hamas terrorists slaughtered her parents as they rampaged through Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Unspeakably, Avigail saw her mother Smadar killed in front of her and then ran to her father Roee who shielded her with his body as terrorists shot him dead. After hiding under her father’s body, she somehow managed to run to a neighbor’s home, where she was kidnapped with the others inside, and reportedly was able to remain with the family friend throughout her captivity.

“The story of Avigail in many ways was a microcosm of the horror Hamas unleashed on October 7,” the administration official said.

“We are thrilled that Avigail is now home and back in the loving arms of her extended family. She will receive the care and attention she needs through the Israelis and we are also ready to provide all appropriate support,” the official added.

Biden brought up Avigail’s horrific ordeal in nearly every phone call with Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian counterparts, according to the senior official.

Her brothers, Michael, 9, and Amalya, 6, were with her when their mother was killed and the two hid in a closet for 14 hours, speaking to a Magen David Adom dispatcher until their rescue.

Avigail turned 4 while in Hamas captivity, and was among the youngest of the hostages to be captured by Gazan terrorists.

Speaking to the media after Avigail’s return, her grandfather Carmel thanked Biden for his support and assistance.

“We love him very much for all the help he is giving us, to Israel. Keep going. Keep going. We don’t admire you. We love you,” he said.

Biden welcomed the 4-year-old’s return in a press conference in Nantucket, Massachusetts, saying that he, his wife, and “so many Americans” are praying that she will be all right.

“What she endured is unthinkable,” Biden said, observing that he had personally pressed for her release in a recent call with the emir of Qatar.

“Today she’s free, and Jill and I together with so many Americans are praying for the fact that she is going to alright,” Biden said.

Biden said the little girl is currently in Israel and that “she’s been through a terrible trauma.”

“I wish I were there to hold her,” Biden said