Welcome Home
50 Days. The Sabbath has ended and we cannot get enough information about those coming home: Adina Moshe, 72, a grandmother from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Aviv Asher, 2; Raz Asher, 5; and their mother Doron Asher; Margalit Moses, 78; Amelia Aloni, 6 along with her mother Danielle Aloni. Ohad Munder, 9 whose video we saw of his sweet reunion with his father on Friday evening along with Ruthie (his grandmother) and Keren Munder (his mother, a special education teacher); Yaffa Adar, 85; Hannah Perry, 79 and Hannah Katzir also from Nir Oz. All have returned to throngs of well-wishers gathered outside of the Children’s Hospital where they were brought Friday evening. In addition, close to a dozen hostages from Thailand and one from the Philippines were released, and out hearts are overjoyed for them as well. Of those returning, some were not aware of the status of their relatives some of whom were killed and many of whom are still being held hostage in Gaza. Adina’s husband Sa’id David Moshe was killed by the Hamas terrorists on October 7th. Efrat Katz, the mother of Adina was also killed that day. She was 69. Margalit’s ex-husband lived down the street from her, and he is still a hostage in Gaza. Danielle’s sister Sharon, her three-year-old twins Emma and Yuli and their father David are also still hostages. Avraham Munder, the family patriarch (78 years old) is still a hostage in Gaza. Hannah Perry’s son was killed on the 7th as was Hannah Katzir’s husband Avraham. Their son Elad Katzir hasn’t been heard from since October 7th and it is unclear as to his whereabouts, but it is believed he is a hostage in Gaza as well. So this is what they come home to. A world in which many of their family members are still being held by terrorists, and all of them return to a village that has been destroyed and so many of their loved ones have been killed.
While I was – and remain – against the hostage “deal,” I cannot help but cry – with joy – at the images and the news of their release. As I write this, we are expecting news of another dozen or so hostages set to be released this evening. We know that many of the families have been notified of the pending release of their loved ones and are gathered at this time. Some have asked why I am against the hostage “deal.” I won’t rehash the mistakes Israel has made in the past releasing hostages that have only gone on to commit further acts of terror against this nation. Yahya Sinwar, a leader of Hamas, is one such example. What I will say is this: The Israeli government’s claim that the Palestinians being released have not “murdered anyone” is only technically accurate. I watched a CNN report tonight that said, “Children and women are being released in exchange for the Israelis.” Let’s look at this more accurately. Many are attempted murderers. Just because a woman stabbed an Israeli and was not successful in killing him or her does not make them an angel. Sure, they may not be a murderer because they were not successful. However, if you stab someone and scream “Allah hu Akbar” (G-d is great), and your intent is to kill them…..you are a murderer whether you were successful or not. If my Cuisinart stops working because the blade is dull, it is still a chopper/food processor. It doesn’t become a flowerpot. If you set out to murder, you are -by definition – a murderer. Let’s make no mistake about this: Those being released from Israeli prisons are not “children” or mothers wondering what their next act of goodwill will be. They are terrorists. Plan and simple. All have a criminal record. All were arrested. Those taken into Gaza are children and individuals with no criminal records that were spending the Sabbath together on October 7th. This idea that there is a comparison between the two is nothing less than insanity, and while I want to see every one of the hostages come home, I am not one that believes in negotiating with terrorists.
I digress. We are happy tonight. We are happy that Ohad now can have a real birthday celebration (he turned 9 in captivity) and solve his Rubik’s Cube. Hannah can travel again and the Asher family is reunited. For these reasons, my heart sings although I recognize that Israel has already lost over 70 soldiers trying to free the hostages and that tears at me.
Yesterday we did our usual Friday run. The day started early picking up duffle’s at Ben Gurion and then had two cars delivering meals and a variety of items to those down south. This time I traveled south with my Rabbi. We have known each other since 1989, and he has been a massive part of my life. Every major decision I have made – whether it was a family dispute or deciding if I should buy a home in Israel – he has been a part of. I would say his judgment is stellar. It is accurate. It is thoughtful. I love him greatly. He is a man of peace, and like myself, he has also lost a son. He understands the pain that comes with such a loss, and he – like myself – has family in Israel and the United States. We talked about G-d and how these events could have transpired on October 7th. His thoughts comfort me, and we discuss our families, our loss and our faith. He said, “I am in awe of what you are doing.” I don’t see it that way. I am following the lessons he taught me when I was younger, the lessons my parent taught me, and the concept of “gemilat chesed” which roughly translated means bestowing kindness. The truth is I’m just coordinating this effort. We have a wonderful group of friends and neighbors that are cooking, driving, packing, delivering, shopping and donating to this effort. You, my dear reader, are a huge part of that. We could not do this without you.
Our efforts do not end tonight. To the contrary. Those returning home will need our support, love and assistance. Meanwhile, we will continue to support displaced families, provide for our men and women in uniform, help keep our most vulnerable communities safe and just do what we can to ensure love and kindness are spread across the holy land. At a time like this, I am not sure if there is a more important calling.
Welcome home Ohad. Welcome home Adina. Welcome home Raz, Aviv and Doron. Welcome home Margalit. Welcome home Danielle and Amelia. Welcome home Ruthie and Keren. Welcome home Yaffa. Welcome home Hannah and Hannah. Our hearts are signing tonight, and we are crying tears of joy. May your days be blessed and your nightmares be few. May love fill your hearts. As you heal, we will heal with you. As you grow, we will grow with you. While we know many of the hostages have been killed, we pray that we will see more come home in the days ahead and that together we can write a new chapter for you and for Israel.
Today’s Pictures:
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At People for Israel, we are helping people across the Holy Land. By providing transportation to those in need, helping to enhance security in our most vulnerable communities, providing food and supplies to those in need – we are trying to do our part. When a donation is received, we utilize these funds generally within 24 – 48 hours and respond to requests we have received from across the country. Please consider giving a donation here: https://secure.cardknox.com/peopleforisrael, or asking us to speak to your church, synagogue or civic group allows us to share what is really going on here. Signing up for our journal at www.peopleforisrael.com or liking our new Facebook page is greatly appreciated: https://www.facebook.com/peopleforisraelorganization/show_switched_toast=0&show_invite_to_follow=0&show_switched_tooltip=0&show_podcast_settings=0&show_community_review_changes=0&show_community_rollback=0&show_follower_visibility_disclosure=0
G-d bless you!
David
David at People for Israel
USA: +1.201.801.6440
Israel: +972.52.705.6300
david@peopleforisrael.com
www.peopleforisrael.com
Since October 7, 2023
