On October 7, 2023, Moran Yanai Was Missing
February 13 @ 8:00 am - October 31 @ 5:00 pm
On October 7, 2023, Moran Yanai Was Missing – as told by Arlene Swern, member of Beth El
A message from my cousin Yuval who said that if anyone knew of Moran’s whereabouts, to please contact Yuval or Moran’s father. It was only later that day that it became clear that Moran Yanai was one of the hostages taken on that tragic day, a hostage assigned to Beth El Synagogue. Yuval became a neighbor of Moran’s and they quickly became friends.
Yuval describes Moran, who is 40 years old, as an artist, delicate, sensitive and a lover of people, Her brother and sister describe her as a kind hearted gentle soul who would not hurt anyone and as a lover of animals.
Moran was excited to be selling jewelry, which she had designed and made by hand, at the Supernova festival. Her excitement turned into a journey of agony when Hamas invaded the event. It was clear from a video displayed by Hamas that she had been injured and was trembling with fear. Her friends and family anxiously awaited her return.
Moran was returned with 11 other hostages on November 29th. She was hospitalized and only had communication with her mother. Slowly, Moran began to physically heal. She now has to walk with crutches. Because of the injuries she suffered while in Hamas captivity, she moved back to Beersheba to a different apartment because she cannot walk up the stairs. She traveled to Davos, Switzerland, to speak for the hostages and is active in the efforts to free them.
A poem written by Moran translated from the Hebrew:
“A big light illuminates everything and more no longer need to ask”
I come to learn from what is good and to live.
It’s been a month that I’m home wrapped in love
When the soul adapts to a new reality
When the body learns to walk from the beginning.
But the heart is still in Gaza.
If it’s among the friends I left in the dark room behind
Or among the soldiers who wear the IDF uniform, without asking
Amen that the light that surrounds me there
Will keep you safe too
May you rise up every new morning
And may your heart beat stronger.
May the faith in you burn
May your neighbor be revealed and storm.
It was hard for me to find the words, and still
But you’re the heart that saved me
Even when mine comes in darkness, from where
Listen to this video: Israel
Listen to all the souls Israel
It’s time to reunite.
But not like a passing fashion.
Except the unity that is truly
May we all be focused on our purpose
For the next few years
But also to those after them.
There are lonely souls in the streets of Gaza.
Light the way for them
Let them come back
Have faith for them
May they find the light.