A Birthday Wish from the Depths: A Plea for the Remaining Hostages in Gaza
The weight of captivity, the specter of trauma, and the gnawing ache for those left behind – these are the burdens carried by a former hostage, a survivor of the October 7th attacks, now a fervent advocate for the release of those still languishing in the tunnels of Gaza. This is a story of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of hope, and a desperate plea for action.
For this individual, whose 32nd birthday arrived amidst the despair of a collapsed ceasefire, the joy of freedom is inextricably intertwined with the pain of remembrance. Last year, their 31st birthday was spent in the confines of captivity, a stark reminder of the countless days stolen by violence and terror. This year, the celebration is muted, overshadowed by a singular, fervent wish: the safe return of all remaining hostages.
Two months have passed since their own release, a moment of profound relief and gratitude. But the specter of those still imprisoned casts a long shadow, a constant reminder of the suffering endured within the dark, suffocating tunnels. Over 530 days have elapsed since the initial abduction, a number that represents not just time, but the erosion of hope and the intensification of despair. Only a negotiated agreement, a carefully crafted deal, can break the chains of captivity and bring these individuals back to their families.
The speaker’s roots lie in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a close-knit community where neighborly bonds transcend simple proximity, evolving into familial ties. This sense of community was brutally shattered on October 7th, 2023, when they were forcibly taken from their home, dragged under gunfire into the unknown darkness of Gaza. For 471 agonizing days, their existence was confined to the labyrinthine tunnels, a subterranean nightmare where trauma became a constant companion.
The eventual release, occurring on the eve of President Trump’s inauguration, was a transition from utter darkness into the welcoming embrace of light. The survivor acknowledges that their freedom was not simply a matter of chance, but the result of tireless efforts and, significantly, the commitment of President Trump to prioritizing the return of hostages. This gratitude is profound and enduring.
Recently, an opportunity arose to meet with President Trump, a meeting that provided a platform to share the harrowing experiences of captivity and to underscore the critical urgency of securing the release of all remaining hostages. The stories of Gali and Ziv Berman, neighbors from Kfar Aza who remain imprisoned, were specifically highlighted during this meeting.
Gali lived directly across the way, and Ziv resided just a short distance down the path. They were part of the "young generation" neighborhood, a vibrant enclave of bungalows inhabited by 37 individuals in their twenties and thirties. This neighborhood, once a symbol of youthful energy and community spirit, now serves as a poignant reminder of the devastation wrought on October 7th. Of the 37 residents, 11 were murdered, and seven were kidnapped. Tragically, more than 520 days later, Gali and Ziv, both 27 years old, remain in captivity.
The speaker emphasizes that the close proximity inherent in kibbutz life fosters a unique sense of responsibility for one another. Even without being close friends, neighbors are considered part of an extended family, deserving of care and concern.
Sharing the personal narrative of captivity is an emotionally draining process, as the weight of those 471 days presses down with every word. However, the speaker understands the urgent need to convey the reality of life in captivity, to paint a vivid picture of the suffering endured by Gali, Ziv, and the other 57 hostages still held in Gaza. Each passing hour intensifies their pain and deepens their despair.
The faces and names of those left behind are etched into the survivor’s memory, a constant reminder of their pain and desperation. While now free, the memory of the dark tunnels remains, a haunting reminder of the fear and hopelessness that pervade those subterranean prisons.
The meeting with President Trump was not a solitary endeavor. Accompanied by five other recently released hostages, the group traveled to Washington D.C., leaving behind the families they had longed to reunite with after so many days of forced separation. Despite the emotional toll and the physical challenges of adjusting to freedom, these individuals understood the importance of sharing their stories and advocating for those who remained in captivity.
The message to President Trump is one of heartfelt gratitude and urgent appeal. His past efforts in securing the release of hostages are acknowledged and praised, and he is implored to leverage his influence and power to secure the release of all remaining hostages, both the living, who require extensive rehabilitation, and the deceased, whose bodies deserve a proper burial according to cultural traditions.
The 59 remaining hostages represent 59 families trapped in a perpetual nightmare, their lives suspended in a state of agonizing uncertainty. These individuals were violently taken from their homes, their workplaces, a music festival, or while defending their country. Among them are fathers separated from their children, young adults whose futures have been disrupted, and soldiers who answered the call of duty on October 7th.
The survivor speaks with the authority of someone who has emerged from this hell, bearing witness to its reality. They implore those in positions of power to act decisively. President Trump has demonstrated that progress is possible, and it is now imperative to finish what was started, to bring everyone home, including Gali, Ziv, and all the others.
The speaker has survived, returned home, and now dedicates their life to fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves, for the members of their kibbutz family still held in Gaza, and for all the hostages trapped in those tunnels, enduring starvation and abuse. They vow to continue sharing their story, no matter how painful, and to amplify the voices of those who remain silenced. The day true freedom is achieved will be the day when all 59 remaining hostages return home.
Until that day arrives, the speaker will continue to advocate for their release, carrying their voices and sharing their story with the world. The plea is simple: Mr. President, help us get them out of hell. The call to action is a resounding one. The time to act is now.
