Reflection on a Day of Hope in Israel

Dear NCJW Leaders,

For two years, the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, partners and children of the 251 hostages stolen from us on that cursed day have been the faces of Israel. Faces of anguish, despair, fury. Sallowed eyes that knew no sleep for 731 desperate nights. Voices hoarse from endless speeches, interviews, screams into megaphones. Cheeks stained with tears that had begun to seem permanent. For two years, these family members of people held hostage have felt like our own relatives. We despaired with them, we prayed with them, we fought with them. They became our leaders — from them we drew the strength to keep returning to the squares and junctions, to keep demanding that our country fulfil its most basic obligation to not abandon its citizens. From these battered, exhausted, traumatized faces we drew the faintest glimmers of hope. Hope that positive human intention — kavanah — would drive light to conquer darkness, good to win over evil.

Over the past 24 hours, we have seen these faces cracked open with joy. Smiles that we had never seen. Light that we did not know could return to those eyes. Joy bursting through exhaustion; life returned.

Over the coming weekend we face nail-biting drama, and many questions. In what condition will the living people still held hostage return, after two years of torture, starvation, inhumane conditions? Will the remains of all deceased hostages be located so that they can be brought to a dignified burial and provide release for their loved ones? Will the details of the deal hold? What will come next for innocent people of Gaza who have suffered so immeasurably?

We are a country torn apart, exhausted. And yet we do not have the luxury of resting. Elections in Israel will take place within a year. We cannot move forward as a nation without a deep, national reckoning with the abandonment of our communities that took place on October 7, and since. Two days ago, the families and communities most impacted by October 7 led the nation in a National Memorial Ceremony held in HaYarkon Park in Tel Aviv. The organizer, Yonatan Shimriz — whose brother Alon was tragically accidentally killed by the IDF while he was held hostage by Hamas — said to the audience of 30,000 in the park and millions more around the country and the world:

“Our generation — which inherited a country bleeding, isolated, fractured, and in pain — will be the one to fix it. It will be the best version of Israel, one that sanctifies the lives of its residents, that is built on truth, accountability and mutual responsibility… We will bring back life. We will bring back hope. We have risen. The people of Israel have risen.”

Our work is not over. But for today, we will treasure this moment — the moment when hope won and smiles returned.

B’shalom, in peace,
Kalela Lancaster (she/her)
Israel Director