Hope for a Resolution: Advocating for Hostages Held by Hamas

Two years ago, my life, along with millions of Israelis, changed forever. I was at home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz with my husband, Omri, and our two young daughters, Roni and Alma, when terrorists from Hamas invaded our community and others across southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

They captured us inside our home and, later, with other members of the kibbutz. They broadcasted their brutality live on social media, revealing the terror and violence inflicted upon us. We endured hours of gunfire, explosions, and screams from neighbors until rescue came.

We survived, but Omri was taken hostage. For the past two years, our daughters have gone to sleep without hearing their father’s voice, and I wake up every day uncertain of his whereabouts or his suffering as a hostage.

The events of that day—doors breaking, gunfire, fear—are etched in my mind. The silence that followed is even harder to bear. Despite worldwide support that has helped us endure, the endless wait for justice continues.

This week, instead of marking the anniversary at home, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to push for action. Behind every hostage is a story, a face, a family, and a nation waiting for their return. Our voices must be heard by those in power to bring Omri and the remaining 48 hostages home.

Recently, I have seen signs of hope—potential breakthroughs that could end this nightmare, disarm Hamas, and allow Israelis and Gazans to rebuild and heal. Although negotiations are complex, courage and leadership can make the impossible possible. Former President Donald Trump has demonstrated such resolve, insisting that all hostages be released before any permanent agreements.

If successful, this plan could reunite families, end the conflict, and show that even the darkest acts of cruelty can be confronted with moral clarity. Achieving this would be a historic act, worthy of recognition as a Nobel Peace Prize achievement.

However, we must remain vigilant. Hamas has a history of violating agreements, rearming, and deceiving. The proposed deal stipulates that all hostages be released within 72 hours of signing—an essential condition given the unbearable conditions Omri endures, filled with darkness, hunger, and torture.

As I walk through Washington, I carry the hopes of families waiting for their loved ones to come home. We are not politicians but families who believe in the power of human kindness and justice. I hope to meet with leaders and witness progress, praying that soon I will return home with Roni and Alma to embrace Omri in reality, not just in my dreams.

Two years have stolen too much—every day prolongs the suffering. It is time for all hostages to come home.

Lishay Miran-Lavi is the wife of Omri Miran, who was kidnapped on October 7 and remains in captivity in Gaza.