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Day 478 Of The War: The Protests Work

The "Protest of the Spotters", in Hostage Square holding signs with the photos of Agam Berger. My photo
Last week, after the return of the three hostages—Romi, Emily, and Doron—I allowed myself to feel a moment of pure joy. On Monday, a day after the three women returned, I volunteered in the dining room of the Families’ Headquarters during the evening shift. Throughout the evening and into the night, I felt as though I were living in Biblical times, when the Israelites brought their Minchas (gifts and offerings) as a show of gratitude. People from all walks of life came with cakes, salads, fruits, and quiches, dropping them off in our dining room. I heard that there were even more offerings at Hostage Square, where families with children arrived bearing gifts. I felt privileged to be present on such a meaningful and historic day.
Yesterday was another hopeful day with the return of four IDF spotters—Liri, Karina, Daniela, and Naama—who were abducted by Hamas and taken to Gaza on October 7. However, alongside the joy, there was immense pain for the loss of the 15 spotters who were murdered by Hamas on that same day. Additionally, feelings of frustration and worry lingered over the absence of Agam Berger, the fifth spotter who remains in Gaza, and Arbel Yehud, a civilian who was supposed to be released but wasn’t. Moreover, the ongoing grief over the disappearance of Shiri Bibes and her two young children, along with the concern for the remaining hostages in Gaza, allows only the shortest moments of happiness.
Last night, I was once again at Hostage Square, standing alongside my friends—the volunteers from the Families’ Headquarters—and thousands of others. We held signs bearing the names of the hostages and listened to family members urging the crowd to keep up the pressure. I believe it is not too early to say that the protests have made a difference. Family members shared again yesterday that the protests have given them strength and support. They also brought comfort to the hostages themselves, who knew that the entire nation was fighting for them.
Recently, I heard people debating whether one could be a good Jewish person and still object to the Hostage Deal. There should not be a distinction between being a good human being and a good Jewish person. Bringing the hostages back alive is the only humane thing to do. Thus, my answer is no—you cannot be a good Jewish person and object to the Hostage Deal.
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