Let’s talk about the hostages.
This child is a hostage of hamas terrorists.
Today is day 111 of the war. The fates of the remaining 136 hostages remain uncertain.
There are many versions of – the expression “two Jews, three opinions.” I find it has a kernel of truth about how we look at most things. But in Israel regarding the hostages, there seems to be only one opinion, all the hostages must return home.
To end the war without total release of all hostages would be an insult to every victim of terror and to every fallen soldier and in turn all families of these people. It is too painful to bear.
I have heard many people admit to questioning if the medications the hostages need will ever reach them. Many question how many hostages can actually still be alive.
Yet they know there has to be hope because hope is essential to function.
The empty table in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv
You may recall my comments about seeing the posters displaying hostage images upon arrival at the airport. After 2 weeks, I skipped taking the motorized walkway. I walked purposefully, and faced each image. I looked in the eyes of each person and dwelled on how precious and unique each person is. Over these weeks I became connected to these people because I visited their communities and I spoke with some of their families I learned their stories, I saw their burned out cars. I walked the field they had danced in. This is what it means to bear witness. Bearing witness is a transformational experience. I am just beginning to understand. To be able to appreciate each person as human and unique and not a number in a tally of horror. I can image their lives on a granular level. Although I headed to the departure gates. I told each one that I am not leaving or forgetting them. I will wear my dog tag calling for all hostages to be returned every day. I will still look at their images that are frozen in time and I will hope for each person to return intact from this terrible time.
My mission partner Theresa, from the Czech Republic, bearing witness at the Nova Music Festival massacre site
This morning I listened to Idan Amedi, the artist, actor, singer, who is recovering from life threatening shrapnel wounds and burns. He exemplifies not having capacity to dwell in the darkness. There is too much to be done.
I think he explains why the hostages must be released in great sincerity.
Today we in America as in Israel have no time to despair and spiral into darkness. When I start to consider the long term goals of Hamas and all the Iranian proxies I see a total clash of world views. When I stop to consider what it means to be surrounded by enemies the outlook seems bleak. But like most Israelis I back away from those thoughts because this is not the time to be discouraged.
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