Reflection – First Medical Team to See the Hostages

When we first saw the Israeli hostages, the moment was overwhelming — a mix of relief, pain, and deep responsibility. Their faces told a story before any words were spoken: exhaustion, fear, and unimaginable suffering. As medical professionals, we are trained to focus on vital signs, immediate care, and stabilization. But in that moment, it was impossible to separate the clinical from the human.

We moved quickly to assess their physical conditions: dehydration, malnutrition, injuries, and signs of prolonged psychological trauma. But equally important was the gentle tone of our voices, the way we approached them — slowly, carefully — to remind them they were safe now. Every touch had to communicate trust.

Many of us felt tears welling up but stayed composed, knowing they needed our calm more than our grief. Behind every bandage and IV line, there was a silent promise: you are not alone anymore.

Later, after the adrenaline faded, we allowed ourselves to process what we had witnessed. We carried both pride in being there for them at their most fragile moment — and sorrow for all they had endured. This experience will stay with us for the rest of our lives, shaping not only how we practice medicine, but how we see humanity.

I am writing to you as a friend of .

We are very worried about him, and every day without him is very hard for all of us. I hope you can help in any way to make sure he comes back safely.

He is not just a friend; he is like a brother to me, and it is very painful to think of him in danger. Please understand how much we care and how much we want him safe.

Thank you for listening.

Sincerely,

Willy Epstein

We all take them into israel, welcoming them back with concern and growing solace, as this is a sentimental day for all of us.

(Gay Fridman)

Former Hostage: It still feels unreal. I thought I’d never see this place again.

Israeli Resident: We prayed for you every day. You were never forgotten.

Former Hostage: That means more than words can say. I just want peace… no more fear, no more war.

Israeli Resident: Amen to that. Welcome home.

Eliyahu Trilisser

There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think about you. Every moment, every breath, was accompanied by one question – where are you, and what are you going through there.

I tried to imagine you strong, as you always were – the one who laughs even when it’s hard, who lifts everyone around you.

My heart refused to believe that you had suddenly disappeared from me like that, without an ending, without a last word.

I wrote you this letter a long time ago, when we didn’t know anything yet. I wanted you to know how much you were missed, how much we were waiting for you.

I didn’t know then if you would even read it, but I hoped that somehow the words would reach you – through the spirit, through prayer, through the heart.

And today… you are here.

You are back.

The earth trembled with joy.

An entire nation stopped and finally breathed a sigh of relief, as if we had all returned with you.

I wanted you to read this letter now, because it was written from the most genuine place there is – not of fear, but of love.

Welcome home, brother.

We haven't forgotten you for a moment, and we won't forget anyone who hasn't returned yet.

I can’t believe this is actually happening. Reports just came in — several hostages are finally being released after months of uncertainty. Families are gathering, tears everywhere, people holding signs saying “Welcome Home” and “We never gave up.” 🙏💔

No one knows the full number yet, but early updates say around 20 people have been freed, with more expected tonight. The air here feels electric — a mix of relief, anger, and hope.

Please, keep sharing and praying for the ones still held. Every voice matters. Let’s make sure the world doesn’t stop watching. 💙🕊️

#HostagesReturn #Freedom #NeverForget #HopeLives

Placed on his wrist as usual.

A smile, a scent of freedom.

Then – sirens, rockets, screams, running, darkness.

Day 60

He whispers names from home,

brushing fingers over me as if reaching them.

I cling to his wrist, reminding him he’s not alone.

Day 240

Cold bites, hunger burns.

He wraps me in his blanket,

like I’m alive, keeping hope alive.

Day 700

Rumors of a release deal.

He hesitates, but his hand sweats,

eyes sparkling faintly.

Day 738

The terrorist tells him, “You’re free today.”

He is fed more than usual.

Later, he boards a vehicle,

driving straight to Israel.

Met by the army, reunited with family,

and then taken to the hospital.

738 days of darkness…

and finally, light, warmth, and life.

Let this moment remind us of the power of unity, the strength of a nation that refuses to give up, and the love that never stopped burning.

Welcome home. 🕊️💙

#BringThemHome #Israel #HopeReturns #AmYisraelChai

After long months, some of our hostages finally came home

Seeing the videos and photos of them with their families brought back a little hope after two long years

We are so thankful for those who returned, but our hearts are still broken for those who are still there and for those who will never get the chance to see their loved ones again

We will always remember our brave soldiers who made all of this possible🤍

Through the long days I felt his heartbeat, the trembling hand that refused to give up. Sometimes he gripped me tight, as if I reminded him he was still here. I was his small sign of hope.

And then, on the day of the release, light again. They called his name, and he lifted his head. I saw a smile, a tear, life returning.

Maybe he’ll replace me, maybe he’ll cut me off but I’ll stay in his heart, a single red thread that came home with him.

I’m so glad you finally back! We all waited so long for you to return.

From what I see, you should rest. Eat small meals, don’t rush. Healing takes time. Try to relax and rest every time you can. Talk, but only when you’re ready! Take your time, don’t rush, no one is gonna push you to. If you feel dizzy take take slow steady breaths, drink a little water. I do suggest you go see a therapist, and calm down. You are safe. We will protect you, it’s over. Wrap a blanket around yourself.

In one morning, everything changed — what we thought we knew about safety, pain, and strength.

Israel shook, but the spirit of our people stood unbroken.

Since that day, each of us carries a scar — and a flame.

A flame of hope, love, and faith that we will overcome.

We remember the fallen, pray for the return of the hostages, and hold each other close.

Because October 7th is not just a date.

It’s a reminder that the people of Israel never fall — we rise.

Always. 🇮🇱

#October7 #WeWillNeverForget #AmIsraelChai #IsraelStrong #StandWithIsrael

Eitan Horn: thank you so much i excited to back Toto terner and to love and to watch Hapoel beer sheva.

Hapoel beer sheva’s fan: in the 2 years that you have been in the captivity Hapoel beer sheva was so close to win the championship and was the best team in Israel most of the season and Won the State Cup in the 2024/2025 season, in this season we are won the Champions League Trophy against macabi tel aviv and we in the first place on the table and championship candidate and hope that we will take the championship for you and for all the hostages that killed or come back and for all the soldiers that killed or fight right now for all of us that Hapoel Beer Sheva fans.

Eitan Horn: thank you so much i hoping Hapoel beer sheva will win the championship and the

Champions League Trophy and take a double in this season and praying for the healing of all the kidnapped