The large crowd that came to the event chose to dress in spotted colors, a continuation of the tradition started by Rumi’s family right after her abduction. Every Wednesday, the family makes sure to wear clothes in this pattern, as a symbol of hope and lasting memory. The choice of this color at the event in New York was a visual and emotional echo of the pain and hope that accompany the Gonen family and the other families of the abductees.
The highlight of the event was the reading of an emotional letter from Romi’s mother, Merav Leshem Gonen. In her letter, the mother described her daughter as a brave and full of life woman, who always knew how to take advantage of every moment and exhaust life to the fullest. “Our brave Romi always knew how to take advantage of the moment – not to miss opportunities and to exhaust life,” Merav wrote, linking her daughter’s qualities to the current situation. “Now we have an opportunity for a deal, and like Romi – we must not let it pass.”
The letter ended with an excited and urgent call: “Bring them home now.” This sentence, said in a trembling voice, reflected the pain and frustration of the families of the abductees, but also the tireless hope for the return of their loved ones.
The event in New York is part of an ongoing global effort to keep the issue of abductees in the public consciousness. As time passes, the families of the abductees and their supporters continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the world does not forget those still held captive.
Romi’s birthday, celebrated far away from her, was a painful reminder of lives cut short and families waiting anxiously. But at the same time, it was also a powerful expression of the power of the human spirit and international solidarity. Each participant in the event was an additional voice in the call for the return of the abductees, and hope that soon Romi and the other abductees will be able to celebrate their birthdays in the bosom of their families.
