The unsettling mystery of an Irish-Israeli woman’s disappearance has left her family forlorn and desperate for answers. Kim Damti, a sprightly 22-year-old, was last spotted at the Supernova music festival in Re’im, an idyllic southern region of Israel. This buoyant gathering turned fatally calamitous following a series of attacks by the Hamas militant group last Saturday.
Kim’s family, a mix of Irish and Israeli identities, hinge their hopes on her safe return, their hearts shattered yet bolstered by faith. Kim’s vibrant spirit is a beacon for them, evident even in the heart-wrenching anguish of her mother, Jennifer Damti. Last recorded communication with Kim was on the fateful day of the attacks, amidst the scares and confusion, as her daughter inquired, “Mummy, what should I do?”
The attacks, characterized by their heinous disregard for human life, were executed with a dastardly prerogative that has seen hundreds of lives snuffed out at the festival alone. Despite these grim facts, the Damti family clings staunchly to the hope that Kim will return to them.
In the aftermath, Ireland’s sovereign entities have extended their condolences and support in these dire times. The Irish President, Michael D Higgins, sent his deepest condolences to all of the victims’ families, particularly expressing his thoughts towards the Damti family. He called for an immediate end to the killings and violent atrocities.
Similarly, Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach, or Prime Minister, denounced the attack by Hamas, terming it “appalling.” He echoed the call for an end to hostilities and assured assistance, through the Irish Embassy, to any Irish citizens caught in the onslaught.
The sharp escalation of Israeli-Palestinian conflicts has resulted in numerous casualties, with a staggering death toll in Israel since Saturday’s attacks. Consequently, on Tuesday, Israel declared that it had regained control of its border with Gaza.
On this sobering note, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed communication with the Damti family, accrediting their priority as the family’s welfare but did not comment specifically on the case. Amidst the painful uncertainty, the Damti family’s plight stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of such violent confrontations.
