For hostages taken on October 7, 2023 their “dark days” lasted for only minutes until they were murdered or months (even years) until their death and for others until released alive. I had the privilege of listening in person to two hostages tell their survival stories when I visited Israel on an FIDF Mission trip in November. Their sharing filled me with intense emotions as well as wise words.

Iair Horn spoke of “carrying the burden on his shoulders” as his younger brother Eitan was also held hostage. However, he spoke of the importance of laughter and how he benefits from it since released. “Laughter is healthy!” he emphasized.

Liri Albag is quoted as saying, “ The truth is that October 7 feels like one long nightmare, and I’ve been waiting for someone to wake me up, for someone to tell me I was dreamiing. But that didn’t happen. Unfortnately, this has all been real.” Yet after she was released she told us she “heard the birds and it was like music to my ears.”

In 2026 I hope you can find the positive in your experiences no matter the challenge. If so you will add light to “DECEMBER’S DARK DAYS”.

-Harriet