What it’s about
In a beautiful gesture of solidarity and support, five recently freed IDF surveillance soldiers attended a concert held in their honor at Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva. The captives, after spending 15 difficult months in Gaza, were brought back home, receiving medical attention and much-needed emotional relief at the hospital.
Why it matters
The heartening event offered a much-needed moment of joy and healing for these courageous soldiers – Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Agam Berger, and Liri Albag. Such gestures underscore the resilience and unified spirit of Israel amidst ongoing challenges and threats. It also highlights the nation’s commitment to the well-being and recovery of those who serve and protect it.
The concert and support for the soldiers
Organized by the dedicated volunteer mental health group Lu Yihi, this concert featured a touching selection from Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” to a special “Happy Birthday” tribute to Liri Albag, who coincidentally turned 20 on the day. The compassionate involvement of the organization and community represents an act of collective support for those recovering from trauma endured due to the conflict.
Return to normalcy
The freed soldiers, Marciano their friend among them who tragically died in captivity, chose to embrace a degree of normalcy by returning to their homes rather than remaining at a convalescence hotel. This significant move reflects their desire to reestablish ties with their origins and loved ones, reinforcing the personal courage and fortitude of IDF soldiers as they recover from harrowing experiences.
IDF hostages: The broader context
This release is part of a prominent wave of hostages’ freeing and returning up to 18 additional captured Israelis in the following weeks. Although 76 hostages remain, and numerous faced fatal outcomes during captivity, relentless negotiations hold the promise of returning these citizens home. Tragically, several still await such joyous returns to Israel, reminding us of the ongoing efforts to ultimately reunite all Israeli families.
Final thoughts
This gathering at Beilinson Hospital serves as a poignant reminder of the warmth, resilience, and unwavering determination prevalent across Israeli society. In moments of great repercussion, thus emerge symbols of collective support that reorse us all that every individual serves an enormous importance in the national tapestry, meriting comprehensive healing.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.