Omri is the sword of Damocles hanging over this place. He sucks the air out of the kibbutz. A synonym for pain, grief, suffering. Powerlessness. Rage and disappointment. Misunderstanding and division. Exclusion and loneliness. Rejection and despair. Omri is the father of two girls and husband to their mother. And he is still in Gaza. Maybe still alive, maybe not. Hope dies last, however small it may be. The last reason for justified hope came eight months ago. But they don’t give up. All those who long for his return. And that’s why they themselves cannot return yet. Because without him, this kibbutz is not whole. Omri is the thorn in the wound that prevents healing. Anyone who touches it feels the full, merciless pain of the affected family and friends.

Editor’s note: Omri Miran returned to his family on October 13 after two years in captivity.

See: Held, beaten, defiant: Omri Miran’s father reveals ordeal of Gazan captivity

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