Rabbi Elchanan Danino, father of Ori Danino z”l who was murdered in Hamas captivity, gave an emotional speech this evening (Thursday) at the ceremony held at the Hostages’ Square. Ori Danino was taken captive from the Supernova desert rave on October 7th, and brought to burial in Israel in November 2023, after his body was recovered during an IDF operation in a Hamas tunnel. In his heartfelt address, Rabbi Danino made an urgent plea to the country’s leaders, demanding they do everything possible to return the remaining hostages from Gaza.
Beginning of his speech, Rabbi Danino described the feeling which has accompanied every day since his son’s capture: “From the depths of my heart, I cry out the same plea I have cried to our Father in Heaven for 330 nights and days, Sabbaths and holidays, for our hostages and my firstborn son, Ori z”l,” he said. “Together with me, countless members of the House of Israel have cried and continue to cry out: ‘The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground!'”
Rabbi Danino emphasized the sense of mutual responsibility that has always characterized the people of Israel, stating that healing and recovery will not begin until all the hostages and fallen are returned. “Restore the mutual responsibility that has defined us, an extraordinary nation, for generations. We are all children of one man, and all of Israel is responsible for one another,” he urged.
In a direct appeal to the nation’s leadership, Rabbi Danino declared: “Words expressing shock alone are not enough. Rise and do all that is in your power—without any external or malicious considerations. ‘Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor!'”
Rabbi Danino concluded his heartbreaking speech with a heartfelt prayer, quoting the Kohen Gadol’s (High Priest’s) prayer from Yom Kippur: “Bring nations under our rule, lead us upright to our land, and prevent destruction and plague from all Your people, the House of Israel.”
Rabbi Danino’s powerful words resonated deeply, reminding the nation of its shared responsibility and unwavering commitment to bringing every hostage home. His heartfelt plea urged leaders and citizens alike to stand united until all captives are safely returned.
