Vivian Silver, a Canadian-born Israeli activist dedicated to pursuing peace with the Palestinians, was tragically confirmed as a casualty during Hamas’ incursion into southern Israel on October 7. Despite initial beliefs that she was among the hostages in the Gaza Strip, her death was officially communicated to her family after a slow process of identifying badly burned remains.
Silver, a prominent figure in groups advocating for Israeli-Palestinian peace and a notable Israeli human rights organization, had relocated to Israel in the 1970s and made her home in Kibbutz Be’eri. Additionally, she volunteered with a group that transported Gaza cancer patients to Israeli hospitals for medical treatment.
Describing his mother, Yonatan Zeigen said she possessed a combination of fragility and assertiveness, with strong core beliefs about the world. He shared that he exchanged texts with her during the attack, starting off lighthearted, but the tone shifted dramatically when she realized the gravity of the situation.
Reflecting on the tragic events, Zeigen expressed how his mother’s lifelong efforts for peace seemed to have backfired. Vivian Silver had actively worked towards steering away from conflict, emphasizing the need for diplomatic agreements. Her son, now feeling like he’s in a relay race, has taken on her mantle, determined to continue her pursuit for a new direction aligned with her vision.
