Ilan Troen, a professor of Israeli Studies, recently shared his harrowing experience with FOX News after his daughter and son-in-law fell victim to Palestinian Hamas militants in an intentional attack on Israeli civilians. Troen, who has taught at prestigious institutions like Brandeis University and the University of Missouri, emphasized the distinction between the ongoing conflict and a traditional “war,” considering the impact on his family and countless others in Israel.

Who are Deborah and Shlomi?

The tragedy struck close to home when Troen’s daughter, Deborah, and her husband, Shlomi, barricaded themselves in their house, located approximately 25 miles from the Gaza border. They took this action after hearing Arabic being shouted outside amid gunfire. Deborah was on the phone with her father when she tragically lost her life, but her son in the house managed to survive.

Also Read: Brendan Malone: Cause of death, Net worth, age, wife, NBA, career, Michael Malone and more

Troen emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that it is not a conflict that can be easily resolved. The forces at play are deep and fanatical, and the attacks were meticulously planned over months. Many had anticipated an attack from the Iran-backed Hamas terror group, well-versed in hostage-taking tactics. Troen pointed to the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, lasting 444 days, as an example of this experience.

Speaking of life in the Negev Desert, Troen described how they had a phone application to alert them of incoming rocket fire. On the day of the attack, Deborah called him early in the morning to inform him of the escalating danger. She reported hearing glass shattering and Arabic being spoken in the neighborhood, along with gunfire, before the communication was tragically cut short.

Troen detailed the grim events that unfolded as his grandson and son-in-law sought refuge in the house’s safe room. They attempted to secure the door with furniture, only to have it blown open by Hamas militants using explosives. This starkly illustrates the militants’ intent to harm civilians rather than engage in conventional warfare. Troen contrasted this with Israel and the United States’ commitment to minimizing civilian casualties in their military actions.

Following the tragic loss of his daughter and son-in-law, Troen remained in contact with his grandson throughout the latter’s captivity, with text messages and phone calls providing guidance on addressing his wounds. The grandson was ultimately released by the Israeli Defense Forces after an arduous ordeal. Troen explained that Deborah and Shlomi’s courageous actions shielded him from the brunt of the attack, leaving him with a single bullet wound to his abdomen.

Also Read: Philadelphia pharmacy looted by armed thieves during night of rampant citywide looting | Watch video

Troen also emphasized that while Hamas’s actions are reprehensible, they do not represent all Muslims or Arabs in the region. He pointed out the peaceful relationships Israel has with neighboring nations like Jordan and Egypt, highlighting the potential for coexistence and diplomacy even amid ongoing conflicts in the region.