In brief
Omri Miran's wife, Lishay, shares birthday messages and updates on their daughters while patiently awaiting his return. Despite uncertainty and ongoing conflict, hope remains in their hearts.
For Lishay Miran, celebrating her husband Omri's 48th birthday is filled with mixed emotions. Omri has been held captive by Hamas for 18 long months since he was taken from their home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023. As she waits for the fateful day that he will finally open his WhatsApp messages, Lishay pours her heart into a chat titled "Notes to Omri," hoping he will read her loving words upon his return.Every message she sends is a reminder of the family life that paused so abruptly. From tender notes about their daughters to vivid descriptions of life at home without him, each interaction is a message of love and longing. “Roni just said goodnight to you... she’s really missing you,” one of her messages reads.On Omri’s birthday, the weight of his absence is palpable. As Lishay reflects on the upcoming Jewish holiday of Pesach, she feels a bittersweet irony; it’s a celebration of freedom, yet she feels anything but free. “How can anyone feel free in Israel right now?” she questions during a gathering in Tel Aviv where Omri's birthday is marked with posters and a symbolic Seder for remaining hostages.Despite the ongoing conflict and the harsh realization that she and their daughters have not yet returned to their home, Lishay visits Nahal Oz regularly, feeling a connection to Omri. However, the recent escalation of violence brings new fears for all families waiting for their loved ones. Amidst her struggle, Lishay remains hopeful for a breakthrough, yet her patience wears thin. She expresses frustration at government leaders who speak of hostages generically, wishing for Omri to be recognized as a person with a name and a family. With the government promising to secure their release, she stays strong but knows the waiting game continues. For now, she continues to look for the blue ticks that signify Omri has seen her messages, holding onto the hope that one day they will be reunited.
