Standing Together in Hope and Deliverance: Words from Hostage Survivor Soussana

Amit Soussana’s speech came in the wake of the Israeli government’s approval of a deal to release 33 hostages in the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to bringing home all the hostages: “I promise you – we will achieve all the goals of this war. We will bring everyone home.”

“Your Support Gave Us Strength”

In her speech, Soussana, a former hostage, highlighted the profound importance of the agreement that secured her release and voiced her heartfelt hope for the safe return of all captives. “This is finally happening! They’re coming back to us! Your support gave the families the strength to keep fighting,” she said. She urged the nation to seize this critical moment: “We cannot afford to miss this opportunity, one that might not come again. We will never forgive ourselves if it does.”

“Life Triumphs Over Everything”

Reflecting on her time in captivity, Soussana shared the anguish of watching hostage releases while waiting for her own freedom, unsure that it would come: “When I was released, I left behind people I love. I couldn’t stop thinking about the moment they realized the fighting resumed, and their hope of coming home vanished.” Acknowledging the challenges of the deal, she emphasized the sanctity of life and the moral imperative to continue the mission.

Unity for the Hostages and Their Families

Soussana called for national unity in support of the hostages and their families, delivering an encouraging message to those awaiting their loved ones’ return: “We must not let them come back to a fractured and divided society. They need to feel the embrace of all of us, of the entire nation of Israel.” She concluded with a heartfelt appeal: “The knowledge that you wouldn’t give up on me gave me the strength to endure. Please, don’t give up on them.”

Calling for national unity, Soussana appealed to the people of Israel to welcome returning hostages into a society bound by love and support: “We must not let them come back to a fractured and divided society. They need to feel the embrace of all of us, of the entire nation of Israel.” Her concluding plea resonated deeply: “The knowledge that you wouldn’t give up on me gave me the strength to endure. Please, don’t give up on them.”

Just as God remains faithful and never leaves us, so too must we stand steadfast with our brothers and sisters in their times of need. As the Bible says: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8.