Today, as families around the world celebrate Mother’s Day, one mother in Israel is facing a heart-wrenching reality. Ayelet Samerano is the mother of Yonatan Samerano, who has been held hostage in Gaza for 582 days. This day, meant for joy and celebration, serves as a painful reminder of the traumatic events that began on October 7, 2023.
Yonatan, a vibrant young man known for his creativity and love of music, was attending the Nova music festival when chaos erupted. Early that morning, rockets and sirens filled the air as he and his friends rushed to escape the festival grounds. Unbeknownst to them, they were directed toward danger. Terrorists opened fire on their vehicle, and Yonatan was taken captive after being shot.
Ayelet recounts the horror of watching footage of her son’s abduction, revealing that a social worker from UNRWA, an organization intended to provide humanitarian aid, was involved in his capture. This shocking detail adds a layer of tragedy to an already unimaginable situation.
For Ayelet and the other mothers of the 59 remaining hostages, each day is filled with uncertainty and despair. While some families have received news of their loved ones, Ayelet and others remain in a state of limbo, longing for any sign of life. She describes her nights filled with silent screams and an unending weight of worry.
Hope is a powerful force for Ayelet. She clings to the belief that her son is alive and that one day he will return. She draws strength from the memories of Yonatan’s joyful spirit and creativity. The last time she spoke to him was the evening before his abduction, and since then, her life has been a struggle against heartbreak and longing.
The recent hostage release deal in February brought joy to some families, and Ayelet holds onto that hope for her son. She urges leaders, including former President Trump, to continue efforts to bring all hostages home.
As she reflects on this Mother’s Day, Ayelet reminds other mothers to cherish their moments with their children. For her, the day will only feel complete when she can hold Yonatan again. Until that day comes, she stands with other mothers in their shared vigil, hoping against hope for their children’s safe return.
Ayelet carries Yonatan in her heart every moment, fueled by the love and hope that sustains her through this unimaginable ordeal.