Dear Aardvark Israel Community,
We write to you with hearts full of joy and excitement on the occasion of the historic event we experienced on the eve of Simchat Torah 5786 – the release of 20 living hostages from the hands of Hamas terrorists. Two years ago, on Simchat Torah 5784, our loved ones were brutally kidnapped, and now, on the eve of the holiday, we are privileged to see them return home.
“וְשָׁבוּ בָנִים לִגְבוּלָם.” (ירמיהו ל”א, יז)
“Your children shall return to their country.” (Jeremiah 31:17)
Today, sons have returned to their parents, fathers have returned to their wives and children, brothers have returned to their loved ones. The joy of their return is immense, and we celebrate the end of their captivity in the hands of murderers and the beginning of their journey of rehabilitation to a full and healthy life. Yet, our hearts still ache for those who have not yet returned, and we continue to pray and hope for the return of all the fallen in the days ahead. At this moment, we pause our pain to celebrate this great miracle and rejoice in the happiness of those who have come back.
The participants of Aardvark Israel took an active part in this historic day. Many of them came to the Hostages Square to celebrate the release, express support, and share in the moments of collective joy. For all our students, being in Israel during this historic time is deeply meaningful – to be here, in the land, and witness moments that shape the story of our people is a great privilege. We are proud of our participants for their commitment, which reflects the spirit of our program – strengthening their connection to Israel, fostering Jewish identity, and growing together as a community as one big nation.
Our students and staff shared the following thoughts about their experiences today:
“It was one of the most special days and I could not be more grateful to be able to spend it in Israel. The absolute joy in every single person could be felt everywhere! The hostage square was overflowing with people singing, cheering and the most beautiful feeling of family and home.” – Gabriella Licht, Eitan Community
“There is no way to put into words all the emotions I feel. Going to bed yesterday and waking up today the excitement I felt was unreal. The amount of love, joy, and happiness is explosive and the community here is beautiful. Being in Israel at this time is amazing and something I will never forget. Thank you to all that made today happen. It is truly like no other place or experience I will ever go through or been to. They are home!” – Michelle Alpern, Eitan Community
“It was overwhelming and full of emotions; happiness, hope, despair.
It was meaningful and I am grateful that I was able to be there and experience this historical moment with so many others.” – Amanda Safrin, Barak Community
“Today I witnessed one of the most important and meaningful days in Israel, and I got to have this experience with my students. After two years of darkness we saw the light. Seeing the people standing together left and right holding each other and waiting for the hostages was one of the most special moments that reminded me again what we are all doing here. This is a day I will never forget!💗” – Naor Shalom, Eitan Community Madricha
“This morning, the students chose to be part of history. Many woke up early to join Am Yisrael at Hostage Square, a place that had been the saddest in Israel for the past two years, but today transformed into a scene of joy and celebration.” – Daniella Shamir, Ofek Community Manager
Just as on Simchat Torah we celebrate the completion of reading the Torah and its new beginning, so too does the release of the hostages symbolize a new beginning for them and for all of us – an opportunity for rehabilitation, growth, and strengthening our shared bonds.
Happy Simchat Torah!
The Aardvark Israel Staff