Kid Returns to School With Rescued Father, Mom Reflects on Hostages

As the Israeli school year commenced Tuesday, many families experienced a profound sense of relief and gratitude, particularly those reunited after periods of separation. Lishi Levi Miran, wife of Omri Miran who was abducted by Hamas and later released, shared a poignant post on social media.

Her children, Roni and Alma, began the school year alongside their father, Omri, a moment Lishi described with a tearful emoji. "After two years, Roni and Alma opened the year with Dad Omri," she wrote, expressing immense joy at the reunion.

However, Lishi also urged reflection for those who did not get to experience such moments. She remembered "those who sacrificed their lives and souls so that we can be here" and "those we had to say goodbye to." She specifically acknowledged children who are starting school without one or both parents present, stating, "We will not forget the children who are opening the year when Mom and/or Dad will never be by their side."

Reflecting on her own children, Lishi described the overwhelming feeling of realizing that the seemingly ordinary routine of attending school is, in fact, a great privilege. "From that morning of the event, and with all the incomprehensible feelings, I look at them and at myself. Trying to sort out the feelings and thoughts," she wrote. She concluded with a powerful statement summarizing the sentiment of many this year: "I won. I won. There are those who did not." She wished for a "worthy year."