In brief
Lishay Miran, enduring the heart-wrenching absence of her husband Omri, has been sending messages full of memories and love while he remains in captivity for 18 months. As Omri's birthday and Passover approaches, she reflects on the challenges faced by families of hostages, longing for his return and grappling with the complexities of ongoing conflict.
As Lishay Miran sends heartfelt messages to her husband, Omri, who has been held hostage by Hamas for 18 months, the emotional toll of their separation has become increasingly visible. On his 48th birthday, Lishay reflects on the years lost and the memories captured in her “Notes to Omri” WhatsApp chat. The couple’s daughters have grown amidst a painful absence, with Lishay frequently sharing milestones and daily happenings through her messages, waiting for the moment her husband can read them.The nightmare began on October 7, 2023, when gunmen abducted Omri from their home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Lishay's unwavering hope for his survival has been a source of strength, supported by sightings of him reported by released hostages last July. However, as Pesach (Passover) approaches, a holiday that symbolizes freedom, Lishay feels the weight of captivity heavy on her heart. “I don’t feel free,” she expresses, acknowledging that her family remains trapped in a different kind of bondage.Omri’s birthday was marked by family liaisons and community structures in Tel Aviv, with a call for awareness regarding the 59 hostages still in Gaza. Lishay continues to visit their once-shared home, finding the connection to Omri in the familiar surroundings, yet the journey back is fraught with emotion and mourning for the life they once knew. She often brings her daughters along, hoping they can keep the bond alive through shared memories, despite the trauma of their last moments as a family.As the ongoing conflict reignites following a brief ceasefire, fear and frustration loom for families of hostages. Lishay’s anger at the lack of progress from officials rings loud, especially when personal narratives, like that of her husband, are overshadowed by political rhetoric. Despite the distressing situation, there remains a glimmer of resilience as she continues to send her love across the digital void, holding on to the hope that one day, her messages will be met with a response. “I know someday it’ll happen,” she says, waiting for those elusive blue ticks to illuminate her screen, indicating the return of her beloved Omri.
