This assembly was organized by native Jewish congregations, the Jewish Nationwide Fund of South Africa, and the Israeli Embassy in South Africa to carry consideration to carry the hostages residence.
Former Gaza hostage Or Levy visited a house for youngsters within the South African capital of Pretoria, the place he met with dozens of orphaned youngsters. On the Bramley Kids’s Residence, Levy met with youngsters who may relate to his younger son, who was left with out a mom after the October 7 bloodbath.
This assembly was organized by native Jewish congregations, the Jewish Nationwide Fund of South Africa, and the Israeli Embassy in South Africa to carry consideration to the continued battle to get the hostages again residence.
The South African Jewish neighborhood collected 100 teddy bears to distribute to youngsters on the orphanage in reminiscence of Levy’s late spouse, Einav, who was murdered on the Nova pageant. Levy was kidnapped from the identical pageant, along with his son finally orphaned for 491 days till his father’s launch from Hamas captivity in February 2025.
This ledLevy to decide on to honor his late spouse’s legacy by means of arranging actions for youngsters who’re with out mother and father.
Levy, who’s now elevating his son as a widower, drew from his private expertise to share a message with the kids he visited. His message? Persons are outlined not by the tragedies they endure, however by the way in which they reply to them.
Or Levy reunites with three yr previous son after 491 days in Hamas captivity, February 8, 2025. (credit score: GPO/Courtesy)
Levy was launched alongside Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi. The three appeared weak, frightened, and frail upon their launch.
‘To behave with kindness and humanity – and never with hatred’
“The selection have to be to behave with kindness and humanity – and never with hatred,” Levy mentioned.
His South Africa go to was a part of an initiative between JNF South Africa and the Base Synagogue to provide returned hostages and their households further therapeutic alternatives whereas having fun with what the nation has to supply.
Upon Levy’s launch from captivity, his household mentioned they appeared ahead to Levy’s first embrace along with his son once they had been reunited.
“We eagerly await[ed] the second when little Almog and Or will lastly reunite, an embrace we have yearned for with each breath,” they mentioned in February on his launch day.
“Within the midst of those feelings, our ideas flip to Einav, of blessed reminiscence, Almog’s mom, who was murdered on that cursed day. Her loss has left an unlimited void in all our hearts. We imagine she’s watching from above, pleased to see Almog lastly receiving his father’s embrace. Her reminiscence and her method will at all times information us.
Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.
