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Over these past Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur days of reflection, thoughts of the hostages continue to filter through our minds. Their suffering, and the unimaginable weight of their captivity, pierce our hearts. Nearly two long years have passed since they were so brutally abducted, and that grim day of October 7th hangs over us like a heavy, dark shadow. Two years is just around the corner, and they are still not home.
The anguish these families have endured, the endless waiting, the not-knowing, the aching hope, and the emotional rollercoaster of deals and not-deals defy words and emotions.
We have all traveled to that dark place, imagining what it would be like if one of those hostages were our daughter, son, or parent. What if that was our loved one, starving, terrified, and hidden away in darkness? How would we go on? Where would we find the strength to keep fighting? Even as we contemplate something impossible to truly understand, there are no words or emotions strong enough to encompass the pain of these past two years. October 7th changed the Jewish community, changed Israel, and changed us all.
And as if their suffering weren't enough, these men, women, and children have been turned into more than just hostages. They have become pawns in a harsh, relentless geopolitical battle. The attack that tore them from their peaceful lives and the subsequent war have ignited a wave of antisemitism worldwide. Even the country they call home, which has been trying to free them, has been vilified and condemned.
As these long days of waiting for their release and peace continue to tick by, the world has grown quiet. Only our voices can still be heard. We must find our strength from their strength and continue to keep their voices alive. We must scream their names and continue our demands that leaders here and abroad keep pressing for their return. Those families who wake up every morning with a hole in their hearts still summon the courage to fight. That is our fight as well.
We must stand together as a community, in defiance of despair, void of political differences, and forces united. For the sake of humanity, justice, and for those 48 brave individuals, we must continue to use our voices and power to BRING THEM HOME.
As that solemn Tuesday approaches, may the memory of all those who perished on October 7th, in the tunnels, and in the Gaza war defending the State of Israel be for a blessing.
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