From Captivity to Celebration: Gadi Moses Honored in Georgia

Tbilisi, Georgia — One year ago, on Yom Ha’atzmaut, the Israeli Embassy in Tbilisi marked Israel’s Independence Day under the shadow of tragedy. Gadi Moses, a 79-year-old Israeli agro-expert, had been abducted by Hamas from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre and was still being held captive in Gaza.

His children attended the 2023 event in Georgia, holding on to hope — hope that their father would return. That he would live. That he would celebrate freedom again.

This year, in a moment few dared to imagine, Gadi Moses himself stood among the guests.

He had been freed in a hostage deal in January. And now, at Israel’s 76th Independence Day celebration in Georgia, he was present — not as a victim, but as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and the ongoing pain of families still waiting for their loved ones to come home.

The reception, hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Georgia, was filled with local officials, Jewish community leaders, diplomats, and friends of Israel. But it was Gadi’s quiet presence that spoke the loudest. A survivor, a father, a symbol of both unimaginable suffering and the unbreakable human spirit.

In brief remarks, Israeli Ambassador Hadas Meitzad noted: “Last year, we stood with his children. This year, we stand with Gadi himself. But we do so knowing that others are still in the darkness of captivity. Until they all return, our hearts cannot be fully free.”

Gadi was seen speaking warmly with Georgian friends, including local Jewish community members and civil figures. Despite the weight of his experience, he smiled. He was alive. And for a brief moment, that was enough.