The return of the remaining 20 living hostages after two years of terror captivity in Gaza, under unthinkable conditions – now back home with their families in Israel – was a source of tremendous joy and relief to their families and friends, to all of Israel and all of us around the world concerned with their welfare and hoping for their safe return. There’s obviously still a lot ahead for these hostages healing and much that still needs to be addressed etc – but this is a tremendous milestone and cause for great happiness.
The actual date of their return was on Hoshana Rabba, the last day of Sukkot, a day of extended prayer and supplication, some consider it an extension of Yom Kippur. And it was one day prior to the Hebrew anniversary of Shemini Atzeret (Simchat Torah in Israel) two years to date of their tragic capture during the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7th. Much has been told, much more will be told. This has been a huge prolonged saga. May their continued return to light and life be one of happiness and blessings and success.
As they were reunited with their families, many videos surfaced and were shared online. One striking aspect for me was the prevalence of spirituality and Jewish tradition captured in these long-awaited emotional reunions.
A biblical scene played out, recalling the reunification of Jacob with his long-lost but never-forgotten son Joseph – when Mr. Ohana was reunited with his son hostage Yosef Chaim Ohana. As he greeted his son with tremendous emotion, he called out the verse of “Shema Yisrael” just as Jacob did when he saw Joseph. A biblical Midrash coming to life in 2025! And being the last day of Sukkot, one of the very first things the newly freed hostage Ohana asked for was a Lulav and Etrog to make the blessing and perform the mitzvah! Just imagine….
Matan Zanguaker described a discovery of a worn book of Psalms he came across in Gaza. How he treasured that find, and how he prayed from it daily and how it gave him encouragement.
Rom Braslavski was a hostage whose emaciated videos were released as Hamas propaganda and psychological torture during his long ordeal. The video of his release has him struggling with the light, and amazed to see the sky. His family described how prayer steadied him, how to reinforced him even when limited food and deprived sleep could not. It was a lifeline he clutched in his darkest times. He spoke of how they pressured him to convert to Islam for better treatment and how he resisted and drew strength from his Jewish identity – even under such circumstances!
When Segev Kalfon’s relatives first saw him, they responded to his embrace with the traditional blessing of “Shehechiyanu” said at milestone Jewish moments like holidays and rare mitzvot.
And many more…
Of course, the point is not just to tell these stories about them – but also as an inspiration and lesson for all of us. We can all learn and personally apply a great deal from witnessing this…