A Mother’s Heartfelt Appeal to Bring Her Sons Home from Gaza

As families across America celebrated Mother’s Day weekend, a powerful moment unfolded. Edan Alexander reunited with his parents after an agonizing 584 days in Gaza. Witnessing their emotional embrace filled me with joy, yet it also deepened my longing. When will I be able to hold my two sons again?

For the past 18 months, I have fought for their freedom. I am not merely Sylvia; I have become a warrior. My husband Louis and I immigrated to Israel from Argentina in 1986, envisioning a future here. Little did we know that decades later, I would be begging the world to assist in bringing our sons home from captivity.

My Sons: More Than Hostages

I want to share the real stories of my sons, who are vibrant and loving individuals, not just hostages. David, who will turn 35 on May 21, is a devoted father. He works as an electrical engineer and possesses a childlike spirit. He and his wife, Sharon, have beautiful twin daughters, Yuli and Emma, aged only 4. My younger son Ariel, at 27, is lovingly referred to as my ‘mama’s boy’ – the youngest of our four sons. He is a software tester passionate about music and astronomy. Just before his kidnapping, Ariel had returned from a journey through South America with his girlfriend, Arbel Yehoud.

The Night of Terror

On October 6, 2023, our entire family gathered in our home in Kibbutz Nir Oz to celebrate a holiday. By the following morning, eight family members, including David, Sharon, their daughters, Ariel, his girlfriend Arbel, Sharon’s sister Daniela, and her 5-year-old daughter had been taken captive by Hamas terrorists.

I will never forget receiving those harrowing text messages. Ariel texted, ‘We’re in a horror movie,’ and David wrote, ‘They’re breaking into our house.’ In a flash, both my sons and the rest of our family members vanished.

The Prolonged Agony

In November 2023, the first hostage deal freed David’s wife and daughters. However, my sons stayed behind. For two tragic months, Ariel was reported missing until we discovered he was also in Gaza. The uncertainty during that time proved unbearable.

Then, after 482 days, Arbel was released in a hostage exchange. When I met her, I clung to the hope of hearing news about Ariel. Instead, she revealed the kidnappers had held them together for only three hours before transferring him to another vehicle. From that point on, she did not see him again. This knowledge both comforts and terrifies me; he was alive then, but where is he now?

Life Without Their Father

David’s daughters turned 4 without their father and uncle. Each night, they cry, yearning for their “daddy” to come home from the clutches of evil. How does one explain such horror to innocent children? My heart splits in two, torn between caring for those who returned and advocating for those who remain lost.

Gratitude for Support

I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Donald Trump, his administration, Steve Witkoff, and everyone who worked diligently to secure Arbel’s release. Your commitment and diplomatic efforts brought her home, just as they enabled Edan Alexander to be reunited with his family. For this, we are eternally grateful.

The hopes of every family with loved ones still in Gaza lie in your hands. We pray that Edan’s release marks the first step in a larger initiative to bring all hostages home. I urge you to continue this vital work with the urgency it deserves.

A Glimmer of Hope

Seeing Edan embrace his family reminded me that miracles do happen. Nevertheless, I am just one mother among many who still wait. Besides my sons, 56 other hostages remain in Gaza, each with families yearning for their return. Those still alive deserve the chance to embrace their loved ones again, while those lost deserve dignified burials.

Securing the return of hostages should not be viewed as political or military; it is a moral obligation. There will be ample time to confront Hamas in future campaigns. The lives of Ariel, David, and all hostages cannot afford to wait. Every day spent away from their families diminishes their chances of survival.

A Mother’s Resolve

I refuse to abandon hope. A light shines at the end of this tunnel, and we will persevere until we reach it. However, time is not on our side. While Edan’s mother can embrace her son today, I ponder when I will hold my own.

As a mother who immigrated to Israel to provide a bright future for my children, my fight for them will never cease. I will be their voice until they can speak for themselves once again.

My Simple Plea

My plea is straightforward: Help bring my sons and all 58 hostages home. Let us work together to heal our shattered families.