Former Gaza hostages visit wounded soldiers before Independence Day

As Israel approaches its 78th Independence Day, a deeply moving event unfolded at the Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus. Former Gaza hostages Avinatan Or, Alon Ohel, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who themselves received care at the facility after their harrowing ordeal, returned not as patients, but as visitors. Their mission: to offer solace and solidarity to soldiers wounded in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

This visit, occurring just days before the national commemoration, carries profound significance. It represents a powerful moment of connection between those who endured captivity and those who fight on the front lines. The hostages, having experienced the depths of Hamas's cruelty, now stand with the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect our nation. Their presence offers a unique form of comfort, a testament to resilience and the shared experience of sacrifice.

One particularly poignant exchange highlighted the emotional weight of this encounter. Soldiers from the elite Yahalom unit, whose dangerous missions in Gaza included the critical task of searching for hostages in the tunnels, shared their feelings with the former captives. "For two years, when we were reservists in Gaza, our main mission was to locate you in the tunnels," one soldier recounted. "Sitting here with you now is the real victory." This sentiment underscores the profound sense of purpose and the ultimate triumph of rescue that resonates deeply within our society. It is a reminder of what truly matters – the safety and return of our people, and the unwavering courage of our soldiers.

“

For two years, when we were reservists in Gaza, our main mission was to locate you in the tunnels. Sitting here with you now is the real victory.