(EDITOR’S NOTE: Not familiar with the Jewish custom of writing God’s name? Please see explanation at the end of this story.)
Monday was a day of joy and tears across Israel. Families, loved ones and friends watched as Hamas released the last living hostages held captive for over two years in the Gaza Strip. And the Hall County Jewish community welcomed the news as did Jews and many others all over the world.
“As we see some of our kidnapped brothers and sisters return from Gaza, we thank G-d for those who have miraculously survived in the lion’s den, and we mourn those who have been murdered,” begins a posting on the Chabad of Hall County Facebook page. “Join us in praying that the returnees quickly recover from the physical and emotional trauma they have suffered.”
It goes on to say “Israel has paid a treacherously steep price to bring innocent people home, releasing countless terrorists-people charged and convicted with heinous crimes. Convicted Palestinians handed over by Israel in similar lopsided “exchanges” have quickly returned to terror activities, among them the masterminds of the Oct. 7 massacre.
“And so, as we welcome back those so brutally taken, we continue to pray for the welfare of the IDF soldiers, the wisdom of Israel’s leaders, and for the safety and security of all of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, who are under constant threats by those who seek to harm us.
“May G-d protect them and all Jews wherever they are and bring peace to the entire world.”
There’s more on this story in this accounting from Lavon, Israel: From a hilltop village and across Israel: Tears of joy as the living hostages are returned – SRN News
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Explanation from Chabad.org regarding the Jewish practice of leaving the “o” out of God’s name:
“Chabad.org, like many Jewish print and online publishers, is particular to not spell out the name of our Creator, even in English. Rather, we write “G‑d.”
Here’s why: Following the Torah’s instruction to “obliterate the name” of idolatry in the Land of Israel,1 the Torah warns us not to do the same to G‑d. We thus learn that there is a prohibition to erase G‑d’s name.2 Writing G‑d’s name could lead to erasing or disrespecting G‑d’s name, as will be discussed.”)