A mix of hope and heartbreak

As Israelis and Jews around the world wake up this Monday, we do so with a mix of hope and heartbreak. We await the long-anticipated return of the final 48 hostages to Israel. At the first glimpse of them, the tears will come, tears of relief, of sorrow, of resilience. The words “Bring them home” will finally give way to “We brought them home.”

The yellow ribbon, a symbol of longing and hope over the last two years will now become a quiet tribute to what was endured. Tragically, of the final group, only about 20 are still alive, many in grave condition. This homecoming will be deeply bittersweet, as Israel also prepares to receive the bodies of 28 who did not survive. In keeping with Jewish tradition, mourning (shiva) begins only after burial. Across the nation, Israelis will line the roads and attend funerals in solemn respect, just as they did when other dead hostages were brought home.

And yet, even in this moment of grief, we look toward a new dawn. As Yuval Rephael, herself a survivor of the October 7 attacks sang while representing Israel at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest:

“New day will rise
Life will go on
Everyone cries
Don’t cry alone
Darkness will fade
All the pain will go by
But we will stay
Even if you say goodbye.”

With the return of the hostages, Israel may finally begin the long and painful journey toward healing.