The spirit of the hostages is an inspiration to us all

As the days of captivity turned into weeks, then months and then passed a year, it was natural to despair about the fate of the hostages held in Gaza. No one could doubt the cruel depravity of the terrorists who had kidnapped them, and the testimony of those released in November 2023 confirmed  the harsh conditions that they were held in.

When six hostages were murdered by their Hamas guard in August, those fears became all the more acute. The six had been kept in grim tunnels, and starved. How could anyone survive that with their spirit undiminished?

When the current deal was forged, the Jewish world collectively prepared to receive victims who had been utterly broken. We should have known better. For despite the ordeal they have suffered, the released hostages have shown extraordinary resilience, courage and defiance.

Emily Damari is reported to have offered to stay in captivity if 65-year old Keith Siegel could be freed. Liri Albag, at just 19, was credited with saving the life of another hostage, intervening to explain that she wasn’t in the IDF. Albag became the leader of her group, offering to stay behind until Agam Berger was freed. Berger kept Shabbat in captivity, and refused to eat non kosher food. Just days after her release she attended her sister’s military graduation.
Siegel himself kept other hostages focsed on the positive, asking them to share something they were grateful for every day. And Gadi Mozes - 80 years old - imprisoned in a tiny room alone, survived by setting himself maths puzzles and pacing his cell to keep fit. On being freed, emerging into a terrifying crowd, he vowed to rebuild his own kibbutz and offered to help Gaza rebuild too.
These stories – and more - are shining examples for all of us. The Jewish people have survived centuries of persecution through staying strong and resilient, and loving each other. Now we have some more heroes who demonstrate those qualities in desperate circumstances.