The images from Saturday are reminiscent of the Holocaust; we have gone back 80 years. Alon's great-grandfather was in Auschwitz and emerged weighing 66 pounds. It is unfathomable that his great-grandson finds himself in a comparable situation.
I knew that in these release phases, people would not emerge as we had seen them before, and this infuriates me most. They have implemented a cruel reversal, releasing the healthier and more able-bodied first, while leaving the most severe cases for the end of the list. This is a shocking selection process that reminds me of the Holocaust, not the state of Israel.
If any decision-maker is willing to wait so long to bring living citizens back from captivity, for reasons unknown to me, they are mistaken. A Jew should not do this to another Jew. As a Jewish people, we have already forgotten – perhaps we need to be taken back 80 years.
If the prime minister in particular, and the government in general, are still willing to discuss other matters, such as settling the Gaza border region or turning Gaza into a riviera or any other idea – something here is not morally sound, even if the world thinks and acts this way.
We must bring them out now, today! Not tomorrow and not the day after. Is it not humanitarian? The men and young people must return today. They are in very difficult conditions, and that is humanitarian. No selection process and no phases – everyone at once, immediately. I expect the prime minister to ensure their return as quickly as possible.
My Alon, you must survive
Yesterday, after 492 days of uncertainty, we received our first sign of life – our Alon is alive. He is wounded and not receiving treatment, but we know he is strong and we pray every day. And despite his strength and survival, look at those who have returned – they can barely stand. They need support just to walk. It is inhuman. They are suffering and not receiving food. This is completely different from anything we have known, and the world needs to wake up immediately.
Today is Alon's birthday. I miss him so much – his smile, his optimism, his daily presence, his being in the house. He brings light, joy, and music that plays.
My Alon, if you can hear – you must survive. You are loved by many people who think of you and want you back. We are here for you, doing everything to bring you home. Stay strong.
