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/// STRENGTH, PAIN AND HOPE: LAW SCHOOL EVENTS HONORS HOSTAGES AND FAMILIES
Marking one year since the attack of October 7th, 2023, a day of remembrance was dedicated to the 101 hostages still held in Gaza. At Reichman University, the Dean of the Law School and first-year law students gathered to show solidarity. Students posed with photos of the hostages, sending a powerful message of support to the families.
The day also featured a moving conversation with Merav Leshem Gonen, the mother of Romi Gonen, who was abducted from the Re’im music festival. Merav shared the struggles and efforts to secure the release of the hostages. She emphasized the importance of keeping their plight in the public consciousness, stating, “Darkness is dispelled only by increasing the light. Let us increase the light.” Romi reunited with her family on January 19th 2025, after 471 days in captivity.
Later in November, to mark one year since the first hostage deal, students attended a profound talk by Aviva Siegel, who was held captive by Hamas for 51 harrowing days. Abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza alongside her husband Keith, Aviva recounted her survival under unimaginable conditions. Keith reunited with his family on February 2nd 2025, after 484 days in captivity. With heart-wrenching honesty, she described the hunger, the relentless tension, and the daily horrors she endured. Aviva became a voice for the women and young girls in captivity, sharing their struggles and spirit. She credited Keith with helping her maintain optimism, recounting his suggestion to share one good thing each evening: “Every night, I said the same thing: I’m grateful to have you here with me, and I’m not alone.”
The event concluded with an emotional call for action from Roni Elbag, sister of abducted observer Liri Elbag and a law student at the university. Addressing her peers, she urged, “We are the future. It’s our responsibility to bring the hostages home. Every small act counts; rallies, wearing pins, supporting families–each step matters.” She ended with Liri’s poignant words: “Every ending is good, and if it’s not good, it’s not the end.” Liri reunited with her family on January 25th 2025, after 477 days in captivity.
During December 2024, Reichman University stopped the school day and academic activity to express deep sympathy with the families of the abductees and to call for their immediate return.
Prof. Boaz Ganor, President of Reichman University, opened the rally and said, “Reaching a deal for the release of all the abductees is a supreme task; it is a more urgent task than any other task.”
Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of the Harry Radzyner Law School–who initiated the rally–emphasized that the discourse and actions for the release of the abductees should be an integral part of the academic spaces.
Our hearts are with the hostages and their families. Together, we hope and act for their swift return.
