They were standing in light, surrounded by love.
The first released hostages, sobbing.
All the released hostages, crying.
The families and friends of the released hostages, weeping.
All of Israel—sobbing.
The Jews of the world—crying.
The compassionate in this world—weeping.
And these innocents were rejoicing with all of us
At the miracle of their homecoming.
After so much suffering that can hardly be imagined.
That we don’t want to imagine.
And with the memory of all the innocents who were callously slaughtered by evil.
And the sure knowledge that the road to healing will be rough and fraught with pain, though surrounded by love.
Yet—it was a day for joy, for hope, for peace, for gratitude and blessings.
Welcome home, innocent ones.
Welcome home, you who suffered.
Welcome home, as we all rejoice!
Barukh atah Adonai, matir asurim. Blessed are you, Adonai, who frees the captive.
