Today marks two years since October 7th, 2023 — one of the darkest days in recent Jewish history and the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. On this day we remember the lives stolen, families torn apart, and communities forever changed. May the memories of all the victims be for a blessing (zichronam livracha).
Today also marks 730 days of captivity for the 48 remaining hostages. We are heartbroken that, two years later, we are still calling for the return of those who remain in captivity. To the families of the hostages, we send our love, strength, and unwavering solidarity as you continue to endure the unimaginable.
Many members of Habonim Dror were personally impacted that day. Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose family is part of HDNA, was taken hostage two years ago today and murdered in captivity. Vivian Silver, a Habonim bogeret, chalutza, and lifelong peace and coexistence activist, was murdered in her home that same day. And Ofir Libstein, chairperson of Habonim Dror Olami and visionary leader devoted to a better future for Gazans and Israelis based on cooperation and shared humanity, was killed defending his family and community that morning.
We hold closely Ofri and the Brodutch family, who endured the terror of abduction and captivity, as well as the Shdaimah family, whose beloved mother and grandmother Ditza Heiman was kidnapped and held hostage until her eventual release. We also hold in our hearts Iair and Eitan Horn, Habonim graduates who were taken hostage — Iair has since been released, while Eitan remains in captivity to this day.
May the memories of all those we lost be not only a blessing but also a revolution — a call to action toward a more just, peaceful, compassionate world.
As we grieve these open wounds, we renew our clear call for an immediate end to this devastating and seemingly endless war and the senseless loss of innocent lives on both sides. We call for the release of all remaining hostages and a lasting solution that brings security, dignity, human rights, and peace to both peoples. May we build a future worthy of all we have lost.