Former hostage Karina Ariev delivered a heartfelt message to the people of Israel on Thursday evening, just days ahead of Passover. Her remarks come amid growing concern among former hostages and the families of those still held captive that the plight of the hostages is fading from the national spotlight
“Until they return, none of us can truly be free”
“I’m speaking to you now, just days before Passover—the holiday of Freedom—and I’m thinking of all our brothers and sisters who haven’t yet come home,” Karina said. “I think of them, and I think of us. Because until they return, none of us can truly be free.”
Ariev also referenced a well-known line from the Passover Haggadah: In every generation, we are commanded to see ourselves as if we had personally been freed from Egypt. “That meaning changes,” she said, “after experiencing captivity.
“This holiday, leave an empty chair for the hostages—and don’t forget them”
“I may be here, but my heart is still there. There are still 59 hostages waiting for their own holiday of freedom, waiting to come home. I’m asking you—this holiday, leave an empty chair for the hostages, and don’t forget them.”
Karina was held in captivity for 477 days, spending last Passover night in Hamas tunnels. This year, she will celebrate the Seder at the holiday table with her parents, Albert and Ira, and her older sister, Sasha.
