How many times has the world tried to break us? From the Babylonian captivity thousands of years ago to the hostages held in Gaza today, the Jewish people have faced unimaginable pain. And yet, here we are—standing, surviving, and fighting for every breath of freedom. This is the story of Israel’s unbroken spirit.

Babylon: The First Attempt to Destroy Us
In 597 BCE, Jerusalem was shattered. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon stormed in, tearing down the Temple and ripping the Jewish people from their homeland. Families were torn apart. Thousands were dragged into exile, forced to live in a foreign land where they were treated like nothing. Can you imagine the despair? Losing your home, your identity, everything you’ve ever known?
But here’s the thing—our ancestors didn’t give up. Instead of crumbling, they adapted. In Babylon, the Jewish people created synagogues, preserved the Torah, and raised their children to remember where they came from. They didn’t just survive—they found a way to thrive. And 70 years later, when the door opened for them to return to Jerusalem, they walked back in with their heads held high.

Gaza: A Modern Nightmare
Now, fast forward to 2023. On October 7, Hamas terrorists carried out the most horrific attack in Israel’s history. They didn’t just fire rockets—they stormed into our homes, butchered innocent people, and kidnapped over 200 Israelis, including babies, elderly women, mothers, and soldiers. Let me say that again: they took babies. Can you even fathom the evil it takes to steal children from their beds?
Those hostages have been trapped in Gaza, separated from their families, and held by monsters who see them as bargaining chips. We don’t know the full extent of what they’ve endured, and maybe we don’t want to imagine it; perhaps we will know more details as the released hostages just started the journey of healing from their trauma. But we’ve seen glimpses—videos of frightened children, crying daughters and mothers. These are not just “hostages.” These are our brothers, sisters, parents, and children. Every one of them is a world.
The Hostage Deal: A Ray of Light
After weeks of unbearable waiting, Israel managed to strike a deal with Hamas for the release of some hostages right before President Trump took office. The terms? A 42-day ceasefire in exchange for over 1000 Palestinian terrorists imprisoned in Israel, some of which have Jewish blood on their hands. It’s not a perfect deal, but when your child is in a terrorist’s hands, you’ll make any deal to get them back.
When the first hostages were released, there were tears across Israel. Families who had been holding their breath for months could finally breathe again. But it’s bittersweet. For every hostage who comes home, there are still so many left behind. Mothers are still crying. Fathers are still waiting. A nation is still holding its breath. Everyone agrees on one thing - they all must come home.

Why We Keep Going
Here’s the truth: this isn’t just about Israel. It’s about good versus evil. Hamas didn’t just attack Israel—they attacked the very idea that people should live free from fear. They attacked the belief that human life has value. And just like in Babylon, the goal is to break us. To crush our spirit.
But if they think we’ll fold, they haven’t been paying attention. Our ancestors didn’t break when Nebuchadnezzar tore down the Temple. They didn’t break during the Holocaust. And we won’t break now.
Psalm 126 says, “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” Yes, we are in tears right now. But joy is coming. The hostages will come home. Israel will rebuild. And just like every other time, we will rise stronger than before.
A Future Full of Hope
The story of the Jewish people isn’t just about survival—it’s about never giving up. From Babylon to Gaza, our enemies have underestimated us. They see our pain, but they don’t understand our faith. They see our tears, but they don’t understand our hope. They see our struggle, but they don’t understand our strength.
To the families of the hostages: We are with you. Your pain is our pain. Your fight is our fight. And to those who think Israel will ever give in: You don’t know who you’re dealing with.
Israel’s spirit is unbreakable. It always has been. And it always will be.
Hi,
I just started the petition “Demand that media outlets stop repeating Hamas statistics and propaganda” as this is fueling a lot of hatred against Jews and Israelites around the world, and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
My goal is to reach 1000 signatures, and I need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://chng.it/HkrkZq9Hsb
Alternatively, you can access the petition by visiting the Change.org website and searching for “Demand that media outlets stop repeating Hamas statistics and propaganda” .
Many thanks.