The family in the photo is that of Gadi Moses, who was held hostage in Gaza.
Gadi, an 80-year-old from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was kidnapped from his home by Hamas terrorists on the morning of October 7th and held captive in Gaza for 482 days. Following his release in the most recent hostage exchange deal, his family was finally able to reunite – and today, they are marking a moment that didn’t happen on time.
Hagai’s Bar Mitzvah was supposed to take place on the same day his grandfather was kidnapped – October 7, 2023. But Hagai refused to celebrate while his grandfather Gadi was still in captivity. Only upon his return did he choose to hold the event – a moment of closure.
The rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, blessed Hagai, wishing him to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps – with faith, love of the land, and a deep connection to the people of Israel.
