As six hostages returned to Israel today (Saturday), including Tal Shoham, who was abducted to Gaza on October 7, his father, Gilad Korngold, addressed the central rally at Hostage Square.
Opening his remarks, Korngold recited the traditional Jewish blessing of gratitude, Shehecheyanu, and said: “Today, we have been blessed to welcome our Tal back after 505 long days in which he breathed the air of hell.”
The father expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Israeli government, President Donald Trump, the Austrian Chancellor, and the people of Israel for their unwavering support in bringing his son home.
“Looking Into His Eyes After 505 Days”
“I can only say that looking into his eyes, after imagining this moment so many times, was worth every second of our struggle—your struggle and ours—that has gone on for far too long,” Korngold told the crowd.
He emphasized that this is the last Sabbath, for now, that we will merit to see more and more pictures of our hostages hugging their families. “We must ensure that all hostages are released in a continuous effort, shortening the timelines. Each one of them is an entire world, and we need all of you with us to make sure no one—absolutely no one—obstructs the mission to bring back every hostage still suffering in Gaza. They must all return home: the living for rehabilitation and the fallen for a dignified burial.”
