We did not let go

Opening

Facilitator: As the painful struggle for the return of the hostages comes to an end, we gather the symbols that accompanied us for 843 long days. These symbols helped us remember and remind others of our brothers and sisters who were abducted from their homes, the dance floor, and military outposts.

The pins, bracelets, necklaces, signs, and flags are a moving testament to the strength of Israeli society and the Jewish World. They symbolize our ability to stand together in mutual responsibility, striving for the freedom and comfort of every single one of us.

We shall collect these symbols and place them in a jar, an envelope, or a bag as a memorial keepsake. In the spirit of “And you shall tell your son and daughter,” we invite you to consider when you will retell the painful and wondrous story of our generation’s Israeli society:  At the Passover Seder, as an addition to our people's ancient story of freedom, on October 7th, as a family or community memorial ceremony, or perhaps on a private day that holds personal significance for you.
We suggest placing these symbols where they will stay within reach, so that you will remember to bring them out when the time comes.

From this moment on, we hope that love will bloom between us again, and we will move forward into times of healing, hope, and peace.

A Prayer: 
May it be that we hold in our hearts and instill in our children: that we did not let go and did not give up, that we stood together through the power of mutual responsibility, and that we remained faithful to life.

May it be that we carry in our hearts the families of the hostages who bore the pain both publicly and in silence, who taught us what endless loyalty is—to their own families and to those who shared their fate—and we will continue to stand with the families who lost their loved ones, in action and in spirit.

May it be that we honor those who refused to give up or despair;
those who expressed deep concern, persistent hope, and a shared commitment to their return;
those who raised a voice or a sign;
those who wore symbols of memory on their bodies;
those who prayed to the Rock of Israel and sought mercy and salvation.

May it be that we salute the soldiers of the IDF, in the reserves and in active-duty regular service, who bear the burden of defense and acted out of a friendship sanctified by the sanctity of life. May we remember those who acted in silence and persistence to open gates and return the living to their homes and ensure the fallen their rest.

May it be that mutual responsibility continues to guide us, along with the knowledge that no person stands alone. May we hold fast to both our ancient and our new values: redemption of captives and human dignity, faith in the human ability to mend reality, and the responsibility to do so.

May it be that we may say: We never grew accustomed to loss. We never gave up on our people. We still stand together—and hope stands with us.

English translation: Levi Morrow