In a poignant speech during the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle at Beit Halochem in Tel Aviv, in the presence of wounded veterans, Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued an urgent appeal for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
“I never imagined that the year after the last Hanukkah, a hundred of our brothers and sisters would still be in the hands of Hamas murderers,” Herzog said, before warning of the urgency of the situation. Citing a recent medical conference held at the presidential residence, where former hostages and medical experts testified, Herzog said: “The hostages are in clear and immediate mortal danger. Each day that passes increases the threat to their lives. “
Faced with “a cruel enemy who is trying by all means to harm us and hinder the return of the hostages”, the president called on leaders to act with the greatest determination. “I call on our leadership to use every means at our disposal to reach a deal. It is your duty. It is your responsibility. You have my full support to reach a deal that will bring them home!”
Herzog concluded with a moving reference to the Talmud: “The blood of our brothers and sisters cries out to us from the earth, reminding us that 'whoever saves one life, saves the entire universe'.”
