‘Today my cup is overflowing’

I am back in Israel for the fourth time in two years.

The first was in May 2023 when Sandra and I spent a month which included walking the Yam l’Yam trail (Mediterranean to Kinneret) and attending the Biennial World Union of Progressive Judaism Conference. Israel was in the midst of the judicial reform controversy. We joined the many Israelis on Kaplan Street, protesting what we saw as the excesses of a mischievous government.

The second trip was perhaps the most significant, but also the most difficult. I arrived in Israel soon after October 7, intent on volunteering in any way possible that would help the state. It was early. The country was in shock, and grieving for the many lost. The army had yet to enter Gaza, and rockets were a constant, forcing us into bomb shelters two or three times a day. I volunteered on an army base with Sar-El, with a small group of 23 others from all over the world. The work we did was urgent, as the army prepared to enter Gaza. We often worked late into the night packing medical supplies or placing ceramic pieces in flak jackets.

It was an emotional experience. I was with Avichai Brodetz whose wife and three children were kidnapped to Gaza, when he began his protest outside the Kirya which developed into the weekly protests for the release of the hostages. I visited the survivors from Kfar Aza and attended the funerals of those that had been murdered. It was the worst of times, spent in the company of some of the best people. A time I will never forget.

The third time was to bring a group of 15 brave Progressive Jews for the first ever solidarity mission of the Union for Progressive Judaism. Together we explored Israel, travelling south on the now requisite “Memorial Trail”; hearing from geopolitical experts and volunteering. It was a difficult time: Israel was still grieving, the war was ongoing, and there was much despair.

And now I am back again, for the WUPJ Biennial Conference, and to take another mission to Israel, this time with 23 participants.

The contrast to my previous visits could not be greater. The victories in Lebanon and Iran; the neutralising of Syria, and the ceasefire and return of the hostages have re-energised the country. Everywhere we go, we see the relief on peoples faces and hear their optimism. I read that after two long years, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism has held 103 Havdalah services in Hostages Square, some of which I attended. This week, with the return of the hostages, they announced an end to the ritual.

As they state: “Now we stand at the threshold of a new chapter … The future remains uncertain, but for a moment we can breathe, and honour the path we’ve walked together.”

Today, while visiting a good friend in Yavne, south of Tel Aviv, we had the opportunity to experience some of the joy of the return of the hostages.

Freed hostage David Cunio, whose brother Ariel was also kidnapped and survived, arrived at his family’s temporary home in Yavne. We were there with many others to welcome him home.

David and his brother Ariel were abducted on October 7 from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz.

“Hello to all our wonderful nation, we were released from darkness to light,” said the brothers, “We know how much you worked for our release, and we want to thank each of you. You went out in all types of weather. In the hardest moments there, we felt you were fighting for us.”

As David Cunio was driven from the hospital to his family’s home, the streets of central Yavne were filled with friends and neighbours waving flags and singing. We stood amongst this joyous throng.

The car carrying David and his wife Sharon, was led by a van bedecked in posters, flags and symbols of the hostages. The anthem of return, “HaBayita” blared from speakers. Sandra, my wife, and our friend had tears in their eyes. We thronged the car trying to reach out to David, who had his hand covering his mouth, surprised at the celebration and astonished, likely at both his celebrity and the depth of joy on display. The press followed the car like paparazzi chasing a famous movie star.

I followed them to the family house. The crowd press and the media frenzy were reaching new levels of ecstasy. They managed, with effort, to reach the sanctuary of their home. The press and supporters respecting the boundaries between the public and the private. I could see them hugging their family. My heat was overflowing with joy.

It was an unexpected but welcome experience. It felt cathartic to be present to see such an outpouring of emotion. For those present, it was a chance, if only for a moment, to put the pain and loss behind them. To celebrate, to cry, to be grateful, to fill our hearts and souls with elation. Their return is a triumph of hope and faith. Personally, I feel a circle closing, from my first trip to Israel and the challenges post-October 7 to be here again to see the return of the hostages.

As I speak, Hamas has broken the ceasefire and Israel is again bombing Gaza. In the Middle East, moments of joy can be fleeting. You take what you can. Today my cup is overflowing.

Danny Hochberg is co-president of the Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ).