“Sometimes Dreams Come True”
Among the speakers at the rally was Yarden Gonen, the sister of Romi, a former hostage. She expressed her gratitude to the Israeli government and the United States for supporting the release agreement and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to bring all hostages home. The event featured inspiring speeches and artistic performances that strengthened the sense of solidarity and national unity.
Yarden Gonen began her remarks with the traditional Hebrew blessing “Shehecheyanu” and said:
“Emily, Doron, Liri, Naama, Daniella, Karina, and Romi have returned alive! Sometimes dreams come true.”
Speaking directly to the hostages still in captivity, she said:
“Know that your families are doing everything they can and will never give up on you. Stay strong, survive. We are getting you out of there.”
Gratitude for Leaders of Israel and the World
Romi, who endured 471 days of captivity, wears a daily reminder of her experience: the number of days she was held and a leopard-print freedom pin on her shirt. “You have no idea how meaningful it was for them to see people wearing these symbols,” Yarden explained.
Yarden thanked President Biden for supporting the initial release agreement and former President Trump for helping bring her sister home. She urged them to continue assisting:
“You’ve given our country hope that, with courage, leadership, and determination, we can bring everyone home. Please, help us finish what you started.”
She also expressed her appreciation to the Israeli government for their efforts and called on them to complete all phases of the agreement: “Don’t leave anyone behind. Bring everyone back.”
In her closing remarks, Yarden addressed the Prime Minister directly: “Romi has delivered a clear message: all phases of the agreement must be implemented without delay. Don’t leave anyone behind. An entire nation is watching you now as you lead the most moral action that can and must be done.”
