20 Tevet 5785 / Monday, January 20, 2025
For the last three months or so, we as a community have been counting the days that our people have been held hostage in Gaza. We erected a sign on our lawn as a way of reminding the world that innocent Israeli men, women and children were kidnapped on October 7. We wanted everyone who drives on Dickinson Street to see the number of days our people have been stuck in Gaza. And of course, each time any of us drove to the Temple, we were reminded. Either Mark or I have changed the number most nights (thank you Debbie Peskin and Ellen Grey for filling in when we were traveling). For me, changing the numbers has become a bit of a religious experience. Each time that I do, I pause and I hold the story of one hostage in my heart, wondering how they endured the past 24 hours, trying to imagine just how our brothers and sisters are surviving.
Of course I am thrilled that some of our hostages will be released. But if I am honest, I feel very ambivalent in this moment in time. I have two major concerns (in no particular order). First, I worry about the hostages who are left in Gaza. Will there be a second and third phase to bring everyone home? Second, I am mindful that the prisoners who Israel is releasing are terrorists who have Jewish blood on their hands. How will these released prisoners seek revenge on Israel (reminder – Sinwar was in an Israeli jail and was released when Gilad Shalit was redeemed)?
One thing I do know is that Mark was right when he suggested the slogan for freeing hostages should be “Let My People Go!” not “Bring Them Home, Now!”
There are countless posts and blogs regarding the hoped-for ceasefire and hostage negotiation. This article by Eve Barlow, entitled Sophie’s Choice, summarizes how I feel about this moment.
To be clear, I realize that the innocent people of Gaza have suffered terribly and my heart aches for them. While I am sure the Israeli army has made its fair share of mistakes, ultimately I blame Hamas for the suffering in Gaza, particularly when it comes to the duration of the war and the lack of access to food.
There are more questions than answers in this moment, and it is with bated breath that we approach these coming hours and days. I feel as though I am experiencing a cocktail of emotions: fear, joy, hope, and I will admit it, rage that 30 innocent hostages are being exchanged for about 1000 prisoners who have blood on their hands.
But there is nothing that we can do but wait and pray that … and maybe we there will be a good ending, as Yoni Bloch, a popular Israeli singer-songwriter recently wrote in a song he composed recently. This article and the song, “Happy Ending” brought me to tears – one of many times this week.
Sha’alu shlom Yerushalayim – שאלו שלום ירושלים – may there be peace for Jerusalem (Psalm 122) and for all who dwell within the sacred land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, what our people call the Land of Israel.
A prayer for the hostages’ return – May It Be.
Rabbi Amy Wallk