Why I flew to Israel for the hostage release

I found strength in being surrounded by people who had never stopped believing that life must be protected, and that peace and coexistence are still worth striving for. Through their strength, they kept the promise that defines us—the Jewish people—to leave no one behind, to stand together, and to keep believing in the sanctity of life, even when the world conspires to undo us. I found courage among people who have never given up on each other, in their children, and in humanity. I found it in those who maintained hope and advocacy since October 8, who, upon hearing news of the deal, sang in unison for peace. I was reminded of something that’s been largely lost in Canada: the idea that even through the darkest of times, hope and togetherness can get us through. As we read in the Talmud, “A prisoner cannot release himself from prison.” This is fundamental to the Jewish world: abandoning no one. Yet in Canada, our people have never felt so alone. I found hope in the faces of the hostages who had been released. Avinatan Or, held in solitary confinement for his 738 days in captivity, often chained and forced to sleep in a small cage, tortured and starved, somehow emerged with his soul unbroken. The first words he held up as he was flown to the hospital read: “Our strength is our unity. Through love, we will win.” Matan Angrest, who suffered intense physical and psychological torture in captivity, stood a mere 48 hours after his release to eulogize his military commander, and vowed to return to Gaza to retrieve the bodies of hostages still being held in Hamas captivity. Evyatar David, starved in captivity and filmed by Hamas digging his own grave, played guitar mere days after his release, singing songs of light and peace. These are just a few of the stories of heroes whose humanity triumphed over all else. They showed the world that even after unspeakable cruelty, love, kindness, hope, and meaning can prevail.As the shofar sounded across Hostage Square, the ancient call Jews have carried for millennia, it felt like the voice of an entire people was making the vow of “Never Again,” while renewing our promise to preserve our hope and our humanity, even in the face of darkness. These are the reasons I went to Hostage Square—and I’m so glad I did.