To Rachel and Jon: May you find him, always

Dear Rachel and Jon,

For 331 days, we held our collective breaths – for your sweet Hersh, for Eden and Carmel, Alexander, Almog and Ori. You were a beacon of hope and resilience, and collectively, we watched you in stunning awe as you travelled the world sharing stories of your son. Of his spirit, his rapt curiosity, and his incomprehensible capture. You took your advocacy across continents and made masking tape synonymous with the plight to Bring Them Home. I hope today, we can use that same tape to help bind your shattered hearts.

When I think about strength in the face of overwhelming suffering, it’s yours I see. When I think of courage, bravery and the pursuit of freedom, it’s you I see. And when I think of a parent’s love, so powerful it touches the entire globe, it’s yours that comes to mind. Day after day, you were resolute in your hope to bring Hersh and the other hostages home. You touched millions with your passionate pleas, standing strong in the face of horror. We stand with you now, as you grieve in your own profound and tunnelled darkness.

On September 1, we woke up to the crushing news. We wept for you, we prayed for you, and we mourned for you. In the face of impossible horror, still, you showed us humanity. In your eulogies, you did not speak of revenge or retribution. You did not show odium or anger. Instead, you reminded the world of who Hersh was – a son, a brother, a friend and a proud Jewish American Israeli. You may think people know you for something sad, something scary, but it’s your advocacy anchored in action, your purity of heart and your untiring fight for which you are most renowned.

I hope now, you hear Hersh in the quiet whistle of the wind between trees. I hope you see him in the majesty of an iridescent full moon lighting up the galaxy. And every morning, as the rising sun lights the day ahead, I hope you feel your sweet Hersh in its glorious, luminous light. For the rest of your lives may you find him, always and in all ways.

You will never forget the day he was taken. But I hope you remember all of the days – the wonderful, magnificent and magical days – that he lived.