February 7, 2025

For just a few moments, let’s not think about the number of terrorist prisoners who have been released in exchange for hostages. And let’s take a short break from the news reports of creative solutions for the future of Gaza.  Let’s talk about some wonderful things that have been emerging.

Some hostages are home.  Halleluyah. Baruch Hashem. Thank Gd. Just knowing they’re out of that Hell, well, the feeling of joy can not be sufficiently articulated. The details about their captivity are beyond what any of us can wrap our heads around. And we know there is a long recovery road ahead for each hostage. BUT. . . in the meantime, Israel is stepping up.

This week, the Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan closed its doors to the public so that five of the freed female hostages could have their own shopping day. This was not merely to let them shop, it was to let them shop without being swarmed by well-meaning Israelis wishing to welcome them and express happiness at their freedom. In their time in captivity, each hostage became somewhat of a celebrity, a drastic adjustment for anyone, but especially for someone trying to get used to normal life again. The Ayalon Mall made it possible for the girls to feel like girls again, as they visited stores like Aldo, American Eagle, H&M, Forever 21.  You know – just a normal, regular day at the mall.

Also this week, Hebrew University announced that it would offer full scholarships to all former Gaza hostages. This is huge. I’ve been wondering what exactly the future plans would be, how they would move forward. A chance to study and get a degree at this exceptional university is a complete game changer. The Hebrew U scholarships will cover tuition for a three-year degree in any field of study. Equally important (and this is what gets me!), the scholarship will also cover personalized academic support, psychological assistance, and career counseling. They’re not only giving the education; they are doing all they can to make it achievable, manageable, do-able. More funds will be earmarked for the children of former hostages and for child hostages when they reach college age. Hebrew U has it right.

We continue to pray for the release of the remaining hostages, including the bodies of 37 confirmed dead by the IDF (one of whom is the only Canadian, Judith Weinstein, whose daughter Iris is a friend of The Song Shul). Now, in addition to our prayers, in addition to the rallies we attend, the funds we donate, the packages we send, the hours of volunteering we do, let us also find ways to help these precious individuals return to normal life. Let us be aware that their journey to recovery can begin with one step, even a simple, private, step in a mall. 

Am Yisrael Chai!