Beyond the Headlines: Odelia’s thank you list - opinion

In a moving display of resilience and perspective, Odelia Eliav, mother of Adiel, a paratrooper moderately wounded in Lebanon, has captivated thousands with her unique hospital updates. From Rambam Medical Center, where her son is recovering, Eliav began sharing not just medical progress, but a profound list of daily thank-yous. These messages, shared widely, focus on gratitude for conversations with staff, family visits, Adiel's ability to eat and sit up, gifts from friends, and even the simple convenience of a nearby bathroom.

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Thank you for the conversation with Ayala, the social worker, a remarkable woman. Thank you that the children came from Jerusalem to visit. Thank you that Adiel was able to drink. Thank you that Adiel was able to sit up. Thank you for the flowers and food sent by Ehud’s workplace. Thank you for the room they gave us here at Chabad House. Thank you for the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization. Thank you that I am learning to accept help. Thank you that Adiel is not connected to machines.

Eliav's practice of gratitude journaling, inspired by her own mother, has resonated deeply, shifting perspectives for many who encountered her words. She emphasizes the power of language and conscious choice in shaping one's narrative, stating, "The way we speak is sacred. I begin every morning with a list of thank-yous, because we determine what story we are telling ourselves." This approach transforms a difficult personal experience into a source of inspiration, reminding readers that "there is always so much to be grateful for."

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Thank you for a shower that brought me back to myself. Thank you for the friends who are sending love and encouragement. Thank you that our neighbor Smadar sent the children plenty of delicious food. Thank you that I am here and not at Mount Herzl cemetery. Thank you that the bathroom is so close and convenient. Thank you that Adiel was able to eat some of Tehila’s pancake.

The article thoughtfully links Eliav's personal story to broader national sentiment, referencing Israel's consistently high ranking in the World Happiness Report. Despite being a nation often facing conflict, Israel ranked 8th globally in 2026, notably higher than countries like Ukraine. The piece suggests that attitudes like Eliav's – finding profound gratitude even amidst hardship – might contribute to this national resilience and happiness. Eliav's message, particularly poignant between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Memorial Day, serves as a powerful reminder of choosing how to frame not just personal struggles, but the collective national narrative.

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The way we speak is sacred. I begin every morning with a list of thank-yous, because we determine what story we are telling ourselves. There is always so much to be grateful for.