Goldin family frustrated over coordinator's resignation
The family of fallen soldier Hadar Goldin expresses their frustration over government foot-dragging and apathy following the resignation of POWs and MIAs coordinator Colonel (res.) Lior Lotan.
The family of Lt. Hadar Goldin, whose body was abducted by Hamas terrorists in Operation Protective Edge in 2014 after he was killed, reacted with great disappointment on Thursday to the resignation of POWs and MIAs coordinator Colonel (res.) Lior Lotan.
"We would like to thank Lior Lotan for the intensive work he has done voluntarily over the last three years," said the Goldin family Thursday night, adding that "following his resignation, we feel that we have been abandoned by the government."
"Lotan's resignation is not surprising given recent events," the family stated. "Behind the words 'The government is doing everything to bring back Hadar and Oron (Shaul)' exits a sad reality in which nothing is done to bring our boys back home.
"We demand that (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and (Defense Minister Avigdor) Lieberman urgently appoint a replacement, implement the cabinet decisions passed in January, and pressure Hamas in every possible and effective way to bring our boys back to Israel."
During his resignation, Lotan explained to Netanyahu that the position of POWs and MIAs coordinator is a very demanding one, both professionally and emotionally, and that in his opinion it would be correct to replace the coordinator every few years.
"My deep acquaintance with the families of the POWs and MIAs and the right to serve their fateful mission—bringing their sons back home—has left me with a deep impression and commitment to them," Lotan wrote in his resignation letter, noting that he was also "exposed to the cruelty and cynicism with which Hamas operates on the issue of POWs and MIAs."
He ended the letter by thanking Netanyahu for his trust in him and being given the chance to serve his country and people.
The prime minister thanked Lotan and assured him that he will keep the return of POWs and MIAs home a priority. Netanyahu then instructed his military secretary, Brigadier General Eliezer Toledano, to coordinate his resignation and replacement.
