All morning I watched the clock.

What time would they be released? Who would be released? What would be their physical and mental states? How, in heaven’s name, would they experience re-entry and deal with the knowledge of what actually happened on that fateful day?

Along with me, an entire nation held its breath, waiting for the return of hostages. A few of its children, mothers, and grandmothers — held in captivity for almost 50 days by maniacal barbarians — were coming home.

And what would this homecoming be like? Would they be hit with survivors’ guilt? How would they cope with learning that many of their friends and loved ones were killed on October 7th, while others remain in captivity in Gaza? The road ahead will be long, difficult, and painful.

As a result of being in Hamas tunnels, we now know the released hostages went through preliminary physical exams once they were in safe hands. They were given fresh water and clean clothes. Tonight they will be embraced with love, compassion, and tears.

And yet, what of the others? They say 50 will be released during this “truce.” That leaves 200 more. What will happen to them? How many more convicted, imprisoned terrorists and villains (bad guys!!) will we have to free and use as bargaining chips for the return of our innocent civilians?

Once upon a time, I prayed from peace. I believed it could happen if there were true interests in making it so. But no more. I now know it won’t happen in my lifetime. You simply cannot negotiate with people who hate you and want you dead.

We must stay the course and do what we must do to protect our own. We must find ways to cope. Then, we must find our path back to optimism and joy.

#BringThemAllHome #ShabbatShalom