Freed Hostage Romi Gonen Released From Hospital
Romi Gonen, who was abducted by Hamas on October 7 and freed in a hostage deal, was released Thursday from Sheba Medical Center after nearly five months of medical and emotional rehabilitation.
Upon her release, Romi shared an emotional Instagram post: “I’ve been in Israel almost six months, nearly five of them in the hospital. Today I’m being discharged and taking another step toward my freedom.”
Upon her release, she reflected on the stark contrast between life in Israel and her time in captivity: “It’s hard to grasp how many experiences—good or bad—we go through here, while in the tunnels, time stands still.” Her words hinted at the reality that while she continues healing, many hostages remain in Gaza.
In recent months, Romi was supported by the Terror Victims Rehabilitation Center and surrounded by her family and thousands of Israelis who embraced her return. At the moment of her discharge, she expressed cautious optimism for the future: “I came out from darkness into light,” she wrote in a post, “and I was too overwhelmed to shout—Dad, I came back alive.”
Since returning, Romi has become a national symbol of resilience and hope. A public initiative known as Tzva Romi (“Romi’s Army”) has grown around her, promoting weekly messages of solidarity for the return of the remaining hostages. Her message—Revii menumeRomi (“LeopardRomi-Print Wednesdays”)—has become a recurring sign of unity.
A Digital Memory Keeper: Haredi Teen Named Among World’s Top Creators
TIME Magazine published this week its list of the 100 most influential digital creators in the world. Among the honorees is Dov Forman, a 21-year-old Haredi Jew from London, recognized for his outstanding Holocaust remembrance initiative together with his great-grandmother, survivor Lily Ebert z”l.
Dov was a teenager when he partnered with Lily to co-author her memoir Lily’s Promise, recounting her journey from Auschwitz to rebuilding her life in Britain. Over time, their shared TikTok account became an educational platform with two million followers, sharing Lily’s story with youth around the world.
In a post, Forman wrote: “What began as a lockdown passion project—sharing my great-grandmother’s Holocaust story on TikTok—turned into something I could never have imagined… Who would have thought she would survive, rebuild, start a family—and that her great-grandson would receive such recognition, 81 years later.”
I’m humbled to be on the inaugural @TIME 100 Creators list, recognising the “most influential people on the internet”.
What began as a lockdown project sharing my great grandma’s holocaust testimony online has become something far beyond what I ever imagined.
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z1eIjSezyr
— Dov Forman (@DovForman) July 9, 2025
Lily Ebert was 20 when she was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau on July 9, 1944. She lost her mother, sister, and brother in the camp but survived and devoted her life to Holocaust education. In 2023, she was awarded the MBE for her educational work. She passed away in October 2024 at the age of 100. Forman, one of her 38 great-grandchildren, continues her legacy—proving that even on social media, there is room for memory, values, and hope.
“See What Is Possible”: Paralympic Medalist Moran Samuel Inspires at Inclusive Swim Meet
This week in Ra’anana, the annual swim meet of Beit Issie Shapiro was held in memory of Jeff Tullman z”l, with over 80 children and adults with disabilities participating in celebration of the 2025 activity year’s end. Guest of honor was TV show Dancing with the Stars contestant Moran Samuel—world champion and Paralympic medalist.
Recently appointed to the board of Beit Issie Shapiro, Samuel launched the event with a message of strength and hope.
“I’m happy and excited to be here today,” Samuel said. “Sport is the language of capability. It’s the place to jump into the water, put the disability aside, and focus on each person’s strength. To focus on what is—and to see ability beyond any limitation.”
Samuel was joined by the center’s founder and Israel Prize laureate, Naomi Stuchiner, who celebrated the moment alongside participants.
Samuel is currently competing on Dancing with the Stars with professional dancer Sean Ziv. Regarding her decision to join the show, she told Maariv’s TMI: “In life, you regret what you don’t do. I couldn’t miss this opportunity—to challenge myself, to be on prime time, and to share important messages. If the producers of Dancing with the Stars believed it was time to put a mixed pair with a wheelchair on stage, I couldn’t say no to that.”
