A year ago, pictures of the hostages were distributed to all the Shilo residents right before Chanukah with the instructions to hang them near our menorahs. While celebrating our holiday we should not forget the captives. For whatever reason The Almighty had, we were given the picture on Ron Gvili. Even then we knew he was no longer alive. We also knew he was a true hero and hung his picture next to our front door.

Recently my son told me that in Aramaic, the language of the Talmud, Gvili means parchment and we know that Ron is one of the words in Hebrew for happiness. Therefore, the meaning of his name is Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah is the day that Ron left his home in the Negev intending to protect his fellow Israelis who were under attack. It was the day he rescued some one hundred civilians, killed Hamas terrorists, and defended Kibbutz Alumim from total destruction. It was the day he was shot in his arms and legs. It was the day he was taken into Gaza. He is still there. After 800 days. As his mother so poignantly said: The first in the last to leave. We believe he will come home. He must come home. Until then, his picture stays on our wall. So many victims. So many heroes. Please HaShem end the terror. Bring complete healing to those injured in Sydney, Israel, and everywhere. Bring comfort to all the bereaved. Bring true redemption. Please!!!