Waiting to exhale

There are moments in our collective memory that etch themselves into our hearts, and this Simchat Torah, marking two Hebrew years since the horrors of 7 October 2023, is one such moment. On that day, Hamas shattered our world, leaving scars that still ache. Yet, this year, the return of the last twenty living hostages has brought a measure of healing, allowing a little joy to rekindle the spirit of this festival. The circle, though not fully closed, feels a step closer to wholeness, and for that, we are grateful. 

Still, we cannot fully exhale. Hamas continues to withhold the release of the bodies of those still held, denying them the dignity of a proper burial. We continue to demand their swift release so that they may be buried with the dignity and honour they so deserve. To those families, bearing the unbearable weight of loss, we extend our deepest love and unwavering support. 

The South African Jewish community feels this pain acutely with the return of the mortal remains of Daniel Perez, one of our own. Born and raised in South Africa before making aliya at 13, Daniel was a tank commander at Nahal Oz, where his extraordinary bravery on that fateful day saved countless lives. Tragically, he paid the ultimate price, his body taken to Gaza and held as a cruel bargaining chip. It is our solemn prayer and hope that the return of his body and his proper burial may provide his family some small comfort among their boundless sorrow. 

Daniel’s funeral was attended by hundreds and broadcast live, including on international news networks, a testament to the importance of this moment and the respect that his family holds. He was eulogised by released hostage Matan Angrest, who was a member of Daniel’s tank crew, and by Israeli President Isaac Herzog who stated, “On that bitter, hasty morning two years ago, Captain Daniel Perez commanded ‘Team Perez’ with composure and extraordinary courage.” 

The juxtaposition of our joy, relief, and continued grief was evident at the powerful 7 October commemoration hosted by the South African Zionist Federation at Yeshiva College last week. The event included a violin performance from former hostage Agam Berger. Agam’s performance was a triumph of courage and stoicism, leaving few dry eyes among the thousands in attendance. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to America and the Arab nations – including our fellow African nation, Egypt – which have brought about this historical moment. It’s our hope and prayer that this moment of calm and quiet will lead to a lasting peace and a period of prosperity for Israel and the region as a whole.