These are the intermediate days of the (in Israel) 7 day Passover Holiday. All the children are off school. Families are taking vacations or going on field trips. Things are relatively quiet here. And I am spending the week at home, gardening, organizing and getting much needed rest. Despite grand plans of day trips and museum visits, I’m being a slug. Our houseguests from Vienna never arrived, and I’m taking advantage of all the extra time. Spring has officially arrived and the weather is glorious! All the trees are in full bloom.

So instead of getting into the war and all the intrigue about who knew what and when which has come forth in the past couple weeks, I choose to focus on the good.

The first story is the tale of a discovery and reunion.It is being seen as a small miracle from 7 October after over 18 months in Gaza. It was an emotional day yesterday when Rachel Danzig was reunited with her beloved Billy, a 3 1/2 year old King Charles Spaniel. Billy, was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz into Gaza by Palestinian civilian terrorists. Rachel’s husband, Alex,76, was also kidnapped (subsequently murdered and still remains there). Many of Rachel’s family and close friends were slaughtered that day.

Last Thursday, a reservist, Aviad S., discovered Billy in Rafah, Gaza. He carried the dog back to his unit and took her into his care.. Billy even spent Passover with the soldiers before being brought safely back to Israel. Tuesday, a vet confirmed by microchip implanted in Billy that the dog belonged to Danzig and yesterday, the long-awaited reuinion took place. Billy leapt into Rachel’s arms, tail wagging and licking her. The family, still in mourning, described the moment as “a miracle from heaven.”

Since Billy’s captivity, the family had adopted another Kig Charles Spaniel, believing Billy would never return. Now both dogs will live together, a symbol of resilience and healing in the face of unimaginable tragedy. This story struck at the heartstrings of Israelis, still reeling after the events of 7 October, a small sliver of goodness and a reminder that miracles do happen.

https://youtube.com/shorts/QUlHKJWxoZY?si=uXzMAKGoV9mHie-E

Recently released hostage, Sasha Trouvanov was in the United States a couple weeks ago. He visited the White a house and spoke with President Trump. He also had the opportunity to speak with various organizations and at Jewish synagogues on the East Coast. At a Palm Beach Synagogue, he gave testimony yesterday of how he found G-d while in captivity.

Before October 7, I didn’t believe in G-d at all. . I was raised in a community they was atheist. g-d has no place in my life at all. During the time I was held in Gaza and the tough things I went through, step by step I got the place to think to reflect about my life, what I’ve been through, what I’ve done before 7 October, and the event itself and what I am doing now in this time in this place. I am in Gaza and I start reflecting on my life and thinking about what is life itself. Is G-d real or not. I came to understanding that the is G-d and it gave me a lot of strength. Believing. Being g able to pray. Finding strength from prayer. Being able to understand that well maybe I’m in tough moment right now. Maybe G-d put me in a place that is tough… it’s very sad. You are alone and feel very alone. Very vulnerable. It’s my choice what I’m d9g with it. I can be sad I can be depressed or I can find strength do things that will help me get out of this situation. To find happiness even if there is not a lot to be happy for. I chose the second choice. I choose G-d. It’s helped me a lot. It’s helped me when my life was in danger. It helped me going through hardships as well as physically and helped my soul a lot. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to find this belief in G-d during this tough time.

Not only is Sasha back to safety with his now-fiancée, who was released in 2024, but he is studying the Scriptures with a rabbi and learning about Judaism. Because he is a Cohen, part of the priestly line, Sasha was invited to be one of the Cohenim to give the priestly blessing to the crowds gathered at the Western Wall this Passover.

Of the hostages taken from Israel into Gaza were the Americans, Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva. Every weekend before that horrific day, the family would gather together for an American style pancake breakfast, made with love by Keith. It filled their home with joy and love, and the scent of maple syrup. On Simchat Torah, 2023, their Saturdays were shattered when their community was breached and they were abducted by the terrorists, their home destroyed. Aviva was released in December of ‘23, but Keith remained in the underground tunnels for 484 harrowing days. He was isolated, abused and starved before his release a little over 2 months ago.

Now that he’s back home and together with family, he’s joyfully sharing the family tradition with the public. In Sarona Market, Tel Aviv, he’s exuding hope, resilience and healing with his pop-up – Keith Siegel’s Pancake House. “In captivity, food was a rare commodity. I didn’t allow myself to think about pancakes,” stated Siegel. “ I was amazed when I came back and discovered that everyone. Israel was making them in my honor. It moved me deeply.” These days, lines to buy Siegel’s pancakes stretch around the block. It’s a message to the world. He asks the customers to remember the remaining 59 captives with every bite. All proceeds go to family recovery projects and for therapy for them and other victims. “This pancake house isn’t just about food. It’s about not giving up. It’s about remembering.”

Aviva and Keith Siegel and their daughter, Shir, at the Pancake House

We here in Israel have recently found out the heroism and bravery of IDF soldier, Eden Nimri, 22. Liri Albag, one of the female Israeli girl soldiers released two months ago met with the parents of Eden Nimri to share with them the details of their daughter’s valor during her last hours at the Battle of Nahal Oz Shelter. Despite 10 people murdered by the Hamas terrorists that day, and the 7 IDF soldiers being captured into Gaza, Eden kept firing at the terrorists. The Hamas terrorists tossed smoke grenades into the shelter where soldiers had taken cover. Her efforts allowed 14 to escape and then remained the last soldier armed in the shelter until she ran out of ammunition. Hamas then threw three more smoke bombs in which were tossed back out by Karina Ariev (also captured, just released) and Shiraz Yam Amar, who was killed. Eden then fought off several terrorists with her bare hands!!! until she, herself, was shot and killed. Altogether, Eden was responsible for saving the lives of 19 soldiers.

Before this war is over, I am sure we will be hearing the stories of our valiant young people and how they stared down terrorists bent on evil and destruction. Stories are just now coming out as people are in therapy sessions, willing to speak with news outlets about their ordeals and as more hostages are released.

The birth rate is up 14% since the war began. Couples are still getting engaged and married at an incredible pace. Grand engagement parties are being sponsored by IDF battalions as a soldier pops the question (always on blended knee) to his intended. The Jewish people are celebrating the true meaning of the holidays as never before. People are finding faith in G-d and I do believe that Israel is growing stronger and more solid in their faith. It is a healthy sign and gives hope that things will be better soon.