Her address came amidst the Israeli government’s approval of a deal to release 33 hostages in an initial phase as part of a ceasefire agreement. Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to securing the return of all hostages, stating, “I promise you – we will achieve all the goals of this war. We will bring everyone home.”
“Your Support Gave Us Strength”
In her speech, Soussana emphasized the significance of the agreement that led to her release and expressed hope for the return of all captives: “This is finally happening! They’re coming back to us! Your support gave the families the strength to keep fighting,” she said. Soussanna urged the nation to build on this momentum, stressing the need to ensure the release of all hostages: “We cannot afford to miss this opportunity, one that might not come again. We will never forgive ourselves if it does.”
“Life Triumphs Over Everything”
Reflecting on her time in captivity, Soussana shared the personal anguish of watching hostage releases on television in Gaza, unsure when her own freedom would come: “When I was released, I left behind people I love. I couldn’t stop thinking about the moment they realized the fighting resumed, and their hope of coming home vanished,” she said. While acknowledging the high cost of the deal, she underscored the ultimate value of life:
Unity for the Hostages and Their Families
Soussana called for national unity in support of the hostages and their families, delivering an encouraging message to those awaiting their loved ones’ return: “We must not let them come back to a fractured and divided society. They need to feel the embrace of all of us, of the entire nation of Israel.” She concluded with a heartfelt appeal: “The knowledge that you wouldn’t give up on me gave me the strength to endure. Please, don’t give up on them.”
