Believing that it can be done. Agreeing that bringing them home is a human and Jewish value, and a duty, rooted in our core as a nation and in the moral contract of Israeli society.
The State of Israel was created by dreamers and builders who had the audacity to hope beyond reason, and the will to continue planting, building, defending, mourning, and regrowing from the pain and wars our history has, unfortunately, entailed. For so long now, we have waited for the return of them all, so that families may find peace and be able to grieve, and so that we, as a people, can begin our healing process. And now that day is here.
In my work over the past two years with children and families uprooted by this terrible war, I have learned that resilience, coping, and even joy are within reach even for those who lost so much—and can be brought back to life within us—when the right conditions are created.
In the week of Tu B’Shevat, as we rekindle our relationship with the land of Israel through the planting of trees, I allow myself to hope that this moment marks the beginning of a post-traumatic growth era, allowing us to face our challenges bravely, overcome core differences, and show up the way our people around the world showed up and stood by Israel in its darkest hour.
That from ashes and pain, from sacrifice and solidarity, we will grow more united, more compassionate, and stronger together. If you will it, it is no dream.