From Hamas Captivity to Sukkot: Yosef Haim Ohana Celebrates Freedom
Yosef Haim Ohana, a survivor of Hamas captivity, marked a profound emotional milestone this Sukkot by purchasing the Four Species himself, calling for national unity.
Yosef Haim Ohana, a survivor of Hamas captivity, is celebrating Sukkot this year with his family, marking a profound emotional milestone after being held in Gaza during last year's holiday.
In a video released ahead of the holiday alongside his father, Ohana shared that while he was captive last year, his father purchased the traditional Four Species for him. After his release, he managed to fulfill the commandment just in time, recalling that "half an hour before the end of the holiday, I was privileged to bless the lulav." This year, he expressed deep emotion at being able to purchase them himself.
Ohana urged the public to pray for unity while taking the Four Species. He noted that the differences among the species, held together close to the heart, symbolize the diversity of the Israeli people and the ability to unite despite gaps. Together with his father, he transformed his personal captivity memory into a call for national togetherness.
Following his release from Hamas captivity, Ohana launched a crowdfunding campaign to support his physical and psychological recovery, targeting three million shekels. Alongside his ongoing rehabilitation, he continues to share deeply personal family moments and the closure brought by the holiday.
