After 52 days mystery solved: Dog taken by Hamas, returned with hostage
Mia Leimberg and her mother Gabriela (57), who reside in Jerusalem, were part of the 10 kidnapped individuals released Tuesday on the fifth day of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Operation Swords of Iron.
Mia and Gabriela had arrived in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak that weekend for the Simchat Torah celebrations, staying at their aunt Clara Marman's home. Marman, like them, was also kidnapped, along with another relative, Fernando Marman.
When the attack began, several family members sought shelter in a protected space, but the terrorists broke in, vandalized and destroyed the house, and kidnapped them to Gaza. Since that day, Moshe Leimberg has been waiting for his wife and daughter: Gabriel and Mia. But he also hoped he could find their dog, Bella, so that he could give Mia her beloved pet when she returned.
On Tuesday, its fate was finally revealed, when Mia was released holding her beloved animal.
Eitan, a friend of Mia's, spoke about her warm-hearted nature: "I arrived at school in 7th grade, a new kid in a challenging period in my life, and she took care of me. She's the best friend I have." Another friend of Mia added: "No matter how horrible things she's going through now, she should know that there are many people waiting for her and thinking about her. That she is not alone." On the day of the abduction, Mia's dog, Bella, who was with her on the kibbutz, disappeared. Since then, Moshe the father has been searching for her – so that she can be reunited with Mia. Among other things, he tried to see if she was given up for adoption by volunteers.