A Hanukkah of Hope and Light with the Families of the Hostages

Orit Meir, mother of 21-year-old Almog who was abducted from the Re’im music festival and is still held hostage by Hamas, has been undergoing treatment at Reuth’s pain institute since the beginning of the war. On the 5^th night of Hanukkah, she joined Reuth’s patients and staff to light Hanukkah candles and call for the release of her son.

Unable to hold back tears, Orit spoke about Almog: “Sixty-four days without you. It is impossible to prepare for the turmoil we are experiencing – the worry, the uncertainty, and the unbearable pain. Today, we light five candles for Hanukkah. In these difficult and sad days, we pray that light returns to our home and that all the hostages come back safely. I will pray for a Hanukkah miracle that my son, Almog, comes home.

“Standing beside me is Ilana – a nurse at Reuth’s pain institute and my very good friend. Her son and Almog have been friends since kindergarten and we kept in touch throughout all these years. She encouraged me to come to Reuth to receive treatment. I thank the hospital for enabling me to receive the care I need. I thank Dr. Reuveni – the director of the institute – and all the staff for their sensitivity and professionalism. Thank you for being there for me”.

The director of the hospital, Dr. Orit Stein Reisner, emphasized “In these days, we yearn to spread light amid the darkness. We embrace Orit and all the families of the hostages and pray for their safe return, together with the soldiers who are fighting for us to have a better future”.