Following the release of five Thai nationals on Jan. 30 after more than 15 months of Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip and in advance of their return home, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) presented Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnau with a monetary grant to support their recovery and rehabilitation into civilian life.
The grants came in the form of a 4,000 shekel (38,000 baht or $1,120) debit card that can be used anywhere in the world. They were presented to the five men at the Asaf Harofeh Hospital before their release.
Thai officials accompanying the released hostages expressed their appreciation, saying the monetary support, along with a bag of warm winter clothing presented by IFCJ, is critical for them and their families since most of their personal belongings had been destroyed or stolen as a result of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The grants are part of IFCJ’s continuous support and similar grants for all of the hostages and their families since that Black Shabbat.
Yael Eckstein, president of IFCJ, was on hand to distribute the grants to the released hostages from Thailand.
She said, “IFCJ Distributes Grants To Released Thai HostagesThe moment you arrived in Israel and set foot on this land, you tied your fate to the fate of the Jewish people. I am here on behalf of millions of Jews and Christians who prayed for your release and that of all the hostages, and I am excited to see you free. It is a privilege for us, at IFCJ, to help you, and all the hostages who have returned to Israel.”
