Activist Eyal Yakoby Highlights Yagil Yaakov's October 7th Abduction in "Never Forget" Plea

Activist Eyal Yakoby has issued a poignant call to action, urging the public to "never forget" the brutal details of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, specifically referencing the abduction of 12-year-old Yagil Yaakov. In a recent social media post, Yakoby questioned the public's awareness of the atrocities, stating, > "How is this not getting more attention? What happened to never forget?" He underscored the severity of the incident by noting that Yagil Yaakov "was forced to strip as Hamas terrorists dragged him into Gaza on October 7th."

Yagil Yaakov, then 12, was forcibly taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the widespread assault by Hamas on southern Israel. He was abducted along with his 16-year-old brother, Or, and their father, Yair. The family's harrowing experience quickly became a symbol of the hundreds of individuals kidnapped during the surprise attack, with their mother, Renana Gome Yaakov, tirelessly advocating for their release.

After 52 days in captivity, Yagil, his brother Or, and their father Yair were released in late November 2023 as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement. During his time as a hostage, a video released by Hamas on November 9 depicted Yagil appealing for his freedom, alongside fellow captive Eitan Yahalomi. The specific detail of Yagil being forced to strip, as highlighted by Yakoby, emphasizes the dehumanizing nature of the abduction.

Yakoby, an incoming student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is recognized for his outspoken activism against antisemitism and his efforts to ensure the October 7th attacks are not forgotten or downplayed. He has previously condemned events perceived as glorifying the attacks and launched initiatives such as "Flags Everywhere" at the University of Pennsylvania to counter anti-Israel demonstrations. His consistent message stresses the importance of remembering the profound human cost and the specific brutalities of the initial assault.