Jonathan Samerano, who was shot and abducted to Gaza, was supposed to celebrate his 23rd birthday today (Thursday). His family released a public message to commemorate the day — a year and eight months since he was kidnapped and wounded during the October 7 attacks.
We’re not giving up
Although Jonathan’s body is still held captive by Hamas, his family chose to dedicate the day to spreading love and hope. “We’re not giving up. We are marking his 23rd birthday the way Jonathan would have wanted — with love, dancing, and shared hope,” the statement read.
They need to be brought back
The family added: “We want Jonathan, wherever he may be, to know that we’re with him and that he has never left our hearts for even a moment.” They called on the public to unite around the higher goal: returning the 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
The family concluded their message with a heartfelt call: “All the hostages must be returned — so that we can all rise, grow stronger, and live again in safety. So we can go back to dancing and rejoicing.”
