The White House hosted a deeply moving reunion on Thursday, as former Israeli hostages met with President Donald Trump and their families. Seventeen individuals, recently released after weeks of captivity under Hamas, were honored for their resilience and courage.
“You’re not a hostage anymore, today you’re heroes,” Trump declared, his voice filled with emotion. He personally presented each survivor with a Presidential Challenge Coin, a tangible symbol of the nation’s gratitude and admiration.
The release of the last living hostages held in Gaza occurred in October, a result of diplomatic efforts that included intervention from the Trump administration. The weight of their ordeal, and the ongoing plight of those still missing, hung heavy in the room.
Matan Angrest, an Israel Defense Forces soldier abducted while defending the Nahal Oz outpost, bore the visible scars of his captivity. Trump recounted the harrowing details shared with him, revealing Matan endured “very severe torture” early in his imprisonment, suffering beatings that left him unconscious.
Despite the unimaginable suffering, Trump emphasized Matan’s unwavering spirit. “Matan never broke,” he stated, “and today he’s a living testimony to the toughness, heart, and faith of the Jewish people.” His story became a powerful symbol of strength for all present.
Twins Gali and Ziv Berman, kidnapped from their home in Kfar Aza, presented Trump with a deeply personal gift: the original mezuzah from Gali’s bedroom. It was a poignant reminder of the life stolen from them, and the enduring power of faith.
Through the Hostages Families Forum, the twins expressed their gratitude for the President’s actions, but also underscored the unfinished work. Three hostages remain deceased and still held in Gaza, a stark reminder that the fight for complete liberation continues.
Accompanying the mezuzah was a letter, detailing the object’s survival amidst the devastation of October 7th. It spoke of the mezuzah, and Gali herself, as symbols of protection and faith, offered as a gesture of honor and appreciation for the efforts to secure their release.
The mezuzah, salvaged from the ruins, now stands as a powerful testament to courage, faith, and the enduring bond between nations. It is a symbol of hope, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and a call to action to bring all hostages home.
