In Israel, it is difficult—even close to impossible—to escape the realities of the war, and this is true no matter where you go. You simply cannot get away, and of course, the hostages are never far from your thoughts. There are reminders everywhere you turn – in workplaces and stores, in places of entertainment, in hospitals, at the airport… Everywhere.
As you walk towards the departure area at Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, the walkway is lined on both sides with their posters. At this point, most of them are covered in wishes for their return, written by travelers making their way towards the gates. Most people walk slowly, sometimes stopping by different posters, pausing to reflect for a moment, and perhaps take a photo. I’ve done this walk before and seen these posters, and today, it was the posters for the Bibas family that caught my eye, covered in writing and surrounded by toys. Can you imagine traveling with your children and watching them choose to part with their dolls and stuffed animals, leaving these treasured items for Ariel and Kfir Bibas?
Make no mistake. This is Israel. This is who we are. A nation still grieving its losses and its stolen children, giving of ourselves in the most unexpected and meaningful of ways as we navigate our collective, overwhelming upheaval together.
