As we watch the images of hostages trickling home– some emaciated, limping, and pale, but all embraced lovingly by family members– I’m reminded of the words of Isaiah in Isaiah 61:1-3: 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (NKJV)

Sapir Cohn, a hostage released in November 2023, shares how she found faith in God during captivity that completely changed her life: “I felt miracles.” Her boyfriend, Shasha Troufanov, was released after 497 days of captivity. Days later, Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar met with Troufanov, prayed with him,  and wrapped tefillin on him (tefillin are small leather boxes with straps that contain specially chosen Torah verses). Reflecting on his time with Troufanov, Lazar said: “Troufanov is staying strong and has forged a greater connection with God. I’ve helped put on tefillin thousands of times, but with Troufanov praying to God in front of him, I felt something I have never felt before.” 

Other Israeli leaders have shared that they’ve seen a spiritual openness to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in large portions of the population. Many report that groups of IDF soldiers are spiritually searching– even joining in prayers and singing songs of faith.  

The promises of Isaiah 61 give great hope in these times: healing of the brokenhearted, liberty to the captives, comfort for those who mourn, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for heaviness. Indeed, these promises are for all who will receive them from God, who fulfills what He promises, including those of you who are reading this and have gone through your own trials and testing.  

Out of devastation, unfathomable pain, and trauma, may our prayers continue to echo the words of Isaiah 61 to see liberty to the captives, the nation of Israel awakened ,comfort for the traumatized and mourning, the garment of praise released, and the exchange of beauty for ashes.