They step out of the jeep, on their feet, smiling, surrounded by terrorists, with a backdrop attempting to humiliate the State of Israel and its heroic soldiers. The house erupts: “Yes, they’re alive!” And me- I can’t speak, tears flood. My daughter notices me amidst the chaos, hugs me, and says: “Mom, why are you crying? They’re back alive!” How do I explain to her that, alongside the happiness, I am dying inside thinking about what they went through, and I feel pain for those who were left behind? My heart aches for the families of the fallen and the terror victims who, in a few hours, will see the Palestinian crowd cheering with the return of terrorists? I’m the one who needs to explain, support, and protect, but how do I do that when I myself am broken? So I don’t say anything, and sink into her comforting embrace.
In the coming month, we will be fortunate enough to witness more emotional images of hostages returning home alive. Unfortunately, we will also witness hostages who return in coffins, and some whose return is still unknown. What is certain, however, is that the state does not complete its role with the return of the hostages to our borders; it is committed to a long rehabilitation process. Alongside this, there is another kind of rehabilitation that requires attention – the rehabilitation of our sense of security and the communal resilience of our society. And one question I ask myself is: who is committed to the rehabilitation of our future society? The answer: surprisingly, not necessarily just us, the adults.
The Challenges and Complexities
The issue of hostages affects the youth far beyond what we understand or imagine. The younger generation today is exposed to a complex world of fear and trauma. For them, October 7th is not just a historical date– it’s part of their daily reality.
My daughter, when she lights Shabbat candles with me, prays that no one in the family will be kidnapped or murdered. This prayer reflects the daily reality of an entire generation that has grown up with tangible fears. Even the discourse has changed, and instead of crude curses blocked by Facebook’s algorithm, today they curse with “Amen, they’ll kidnap you to Gaza.” Their distress is not always spoken out loud– it hides in silences, glances, and small gestures.
The sense of personal insecurity seeps in and affects both personal and national resilience. The release of terrorists with blood on their hands near the border intensifies existential fears and reinforces a sense of overwhelming injustice, especially in light of the jubilant reception of terrorists versus the mourning of victim families. Even the families of fallen soldiers in Gaza are left with broken hearts, as the areas where their loved ones’ blood was spilled are returned to the hands of Hamas terrorists.
When the personal resilience of youth is affected, communal resilience is also damaged – the very resilience that should be the anchor and shield for all of us as we cope with a complex reality.
Opportunities and Surprises
But within all the pain and fear, there is also room for light. The inspiring organization of youth for the release of the hostages reflects the driving force within them. They’re not just reacting to fear, but choosing to use their emotional energy for a proactive and unifying cause. They initiate and actively participate in supporting the families of the hostages and in the movement for their release. Initiatives like “Youth for Hostages,” support marches, organizing and participating in protests across the country are evidence that youth understand the importance of taking responsibility for meaningful action. This is proof of their resilience, which not only helps them cope with fear but also gives them a sense of solidarity and purpose. Therefore, if we fear a decline in both personal and collective resilience, there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Our Job?
The complex situation places us, the adults, in front of a great challenge. On one hand, we are required to mediate the complexities surrounding the return of the hostages, explain the moral gaps, and guide how to cope with the difficult feelings that follow. On the other hand, we must remember that youth are not only passive in this process – they are also a source of inspiration for resilience and hope for the future. They understand the need for responsibility and action; they don’t want to be just a “wounded generation,” but a generation that knows and can act and change for a better future for everyone.
Maybe it’s time we understand that sometimes our role as adults is not just to explain and teach, but also to give the younger generation space to deal with pain, fear, and helplessness. It’s not just that things are not always clear to us – many times, even we, the adults, don’t know how to deal with these big questions. That’s okay. There are not always right answers when it comes to moral questions. Therefore, the issue is not how we answer them, but how we allow them to take part – to ask, to feel, and to cope with a world that demands them to bear this burden. We cannot settle for explanations, and this is not a time to offer simple solutions. This is a time when we need to listen to them, and sometimes, simply stop trying to be the ones who have all the answers.
In the end, the question is not just how we explain or mediate, but how we give space for the younger generation to be part of the solution, with the belief that their resilience will lead us forward. Will we dare to see the younger generation as full partners, and not just subjects for guidance?
