Tiferet Lapidot was celebrating at the Re'im's rave on Saturday when Hamas launched its devastating attacks on the innocent public enjoying their Simchat Torah. At 9:30, Tifferet spoke to her mother and told her that she was hiding from the terrorists in a bush. Since then, Tiferet hasn't been heard from.
Her family was able to track her phone, finding that it is located in Gaza. So they now believe that she is among the many Israelis who were abducted.
"We don't know if she is alive or dead or where she is," said Tifferet's aunt Galit. "We're living a nightmare."
The government sent an officer to speak with the family, and she is their contact, but she has been unable to give them any information. As the family is Canadian, they have also reached out to the Canadian Parliament and asked for help. The Canadian Parliament responded that they would do their best.
Hope for finding a family's sunshine
Galit used the song "You Are My Sunshine" to describe Tiferet.
"She's always cheerful, and she has such a good heart," Galit said. "She always has cuddles for everyone, and she's such a good listener. Tiferet lights up a room, wherever she goes."
Tiferet, who is 23 years old, spent two years in Sherut Leumi (national service) helping at risk youth. When she finished there, she flew to South Africa to volunteer with kids there whom she played with, and taught English.
After leaving South Africa, Tiferet continued to travel before returning to Israel to celebrate the High Holy Days.
Galit said the family has come to know how many hearts Tiferet has touched after people from throughout her life called them to let them know how Tiferet affected their lives. The family's home has been full over the last few days with people supporting the family.
"Every now and then we hear laughing because someone is telling a funny story about Tiferet or looking at funny photos of her," said Galit.
Galit also had a message for Tiferet.
"We're not giving up," she said. "We're here, and we're thinking about you. We're sending you strength and support. We will do everything to bring you home and be with you, hug you, and heal you."
Despite the events of the last week, Galit said the family still has faith in the human race.
"We still want to believe that people are good at heart," she said. "We can feel the good hearts of the people who want to help us. The community in Harish is enveloping us."
Tiferet's family believes that she's strong and resilient, they just want her home safe and sound.