Hadar is home

Together with all of Israel, I am relieved, grieved and filled with muted joy that Hadar Goldin הי”ד has been retrieved from the clutches of Hamas and can now receive a proper burial. His family can finally have closure and a place they can mourn his death and celebrate his all too short, though inspiring, life.

I didn’t know Hadar, but I do know his parents, especially his father, Simcha, whom I am proud to count both as a friend and very esteemed colleague. Simcha and Leah are two of the finest, most principled people I’ve ever encountered. That quality was what struck me most about Simcha, and what drew me to him, when we met many years ago, long before Hadar fell and their 11-year nightmare began. Everything he ever did, personally and professionally, is an expression of his core principles and values. Leah’s exemplification of the same has shone forth to anyone who followed her during their efforts to secure Hadar’s release.

Throughout these long agonizing years, the Goldins and their children and friends protested, lobbied and fought for the release of Hadar’s body. However, at the same time, they insisted that this not be achieved by the release of live terrorists who would endanger other Israelis. They insisted that the bodies of dead Hamas terrorists be the coin that would redeem their son. They demanded that Hadar’s return be viewed as a simple humanitarian gesture to be paid for by withholding or making humanitarian gestures to Gaza. They never, ever let their own pain and yearning get in the way of their devotion to and sense of responsibility as part of the larger Israeli people. For their efforts, they were met with obtuse platitudes, viewed as an annoyance, encountered governmental betrayal and even abuse from certain political circles.

And yet, for over a decade, they soldiered on. While passionate about their goal, they always, incredibly, maintained their dignity and the dignity of their sacred cause. We can all only imagine what emotions churned inside them, but outwardly they projected determination, conviction and devotion not only to Hadar but to all of the other hostages held by Hamas, both those from before and after October 7.

Now, thank God, their ordeal is over, and I pray that they will begin to heal. Those who hurt them are now called on to search their souls and ask forgiveness. Those who prayed and strove with them can derive satisfaction that their efforts and support bore fruit.

And finally, everyone should take a hard and long look at Simcha and Leah Goldin, thank them for being an inspiration and determine to model themselves on them and their example.