The past week has brought positive developments for many individuals, particularly for the families of the hostages who were released alive by Hamas as part of a swiftly executed peace agreement.
Among those impacted is Lishay Lavi-Miran. We encountered her last month at a rally in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square.” Her husband, 48-year-old Omri Miran, a father of two young daughters, had been held captive, abducted by Hamas terrorists from their kibbutz residence.
In September, her singular message to us was: “I’m begging for the life of Omri,” she stated, “and all the others. I’m begging for us, for really all the Israeli people.”
By Monday, her fervent pleas had been answered. Amateur video captured her overwhelming joy upon witnessing Omri’s transfer to an IDF helicopter. The former hostage appeared to be in good health, subsequently reuniting cheerfully with his wife in matching T-shirts. He was eventually seen playing with his two daughters, with reports indicating that the six-month-old had learned the Hebrew word for “Daddy.”
Liron Berman was another individual we met at the rally last month. He is the older brother of 28-year-old twins Ziv and Gali Berman. Last month, he expressed confidence in their survival.
“They will survive,” he told us, “they will be here.” When asked about his certainty, he replied, “I’m confident,” reiterating, “I am confident.”
His optimism proved justified. Remarkably, the two were separated after their abduction and were only reunited upon their release on Monday. The twins embraced jubilantly, their personalities seemingly intact, with Ziv noted for his charm and Gali for her appreciation of a vibrant lifestyle.
They then flew by helicopter to greet their families, sporting T-shirts of their favorite local football team and observing the passing scene.
The ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement was expedited by President Trump and his team. This outcome served as a vindication for Keith Siegel, another individual we spoke with on that September day.
Siegel himself had been a hostage for 484 days. He became a very vocal advocate for the release of the remaining captives and a supporter of President Trump.
“Thanks to President Trump, I am here today, I am alive, I am released,” he conveyed to us. He then continued, “I call upon President Trump to continue his efforts.”
The President subsequently acted upon this.
Nonetheless, there is a collective understanding that this week marks merely the initial phase. Only some of the remains of the 28 deceased hostages have been repatriated by Hamas thus far. The Gaza Strip continues to be a perilous disaster area, and the majority of the peace plan’s 20 provisions still await implementation.
Yet, for the time being, for numerous individuals, it offers an opportunity to decompress and find solace. Peace is a welcome development.