Hostage Homecoming: The last 24 Hours

Day 471. Three Women Released.

This moment in Israeli history and life is excruciating; one of extremes. The happiness over the deal that will repatriate hostages held by Hamas for 15 months, in dribbles, is euphoric. The despair over those left behind is boundless. We are united in agreeing that the deal is horrible but the best we can achieve at this moment. And for the soul of the people we need this deal.

What comes next we will discuss in due course. But not today. Today, we wait, on tenterhooks (or shpilkas for the Yiddishists out there). We wait and hope that the three hostages returning today come back whole.

Now. The facts:

Who is returning?

Emily Damari, 28. Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Both kidnapped from their homes on Kibbutz Kfar Aza.

Romi Gonen, 24. Shot and kidnapped while escaping from the Nova Music Festival.

Sunday

At my home in Kibbutz Ruchama, the focus today is absolute.

Doron and Emily were transferred moments ago from Hamas hands to the International Red Cross representatives in the Gaza Strip, along with Romi. Moments ago, they were in the hands of the IDF and on the way to see their mothers.

Their names were released 18 hours after the agreed upon time. Hamas is required to provide names of those to be released 24 hours in advance. They issued a statement early Sunday morning saying they were unable to do so because of continued Israeli bombing in the Strip. “Technical difficulties” they said.