The Unopened Messages: A Wife's Heartfelt Wait for Her Husband's Return

On the occasion of her husband Omri Miran's 48th birthday, Lishay Miran continues to grapple with the pain of his absence and sends him messages filled with love and news about their daughters. Despite the challenges and heartbreak, she remains hopeful that one day her messages will find him.

As Omri Miran marks his 48th birthday in captivity, his wife, Lishay, waits with an aching heart for his response to the many messages she has sent him. Seventeen months have passed since Hamas militants abducted Omri from their home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023. Lishay began messaging him shortly after his capture, with a chat titled "Notes to Omri" where she recounts their daughters’ lives and shares her thoughts and feelings.

Despite the profound absence of her husband, Lishay remains steadfast in her belief that Omri is alive, a sentiment supported by accounts from released hostages. However, as the second birthday without him arrives, coupled with the upcoming Passover holiday, the weight of their separation is harder than ever. "Pesach is the holiday of freedom," Lishay expressed during an emotional gathering in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, where posters advocating for Omri's release adorned the space and symbolic preparations for the Passover Seder are underway.

Family and community members gathered to remember the hostages and maintain pressure on the Israeli government for their release. Despite returning to Nahal Oz occasionally to feel closer to Omri, Lishay acknowledges that her family home remains a painful reminder of their ordeal. Even recent ceasefires have served only temporary respite, and the rekindled sounds of conflict deepen Lishay's fears.

While Lishay has refrained from publicly criticizing the Israeli government, her frustration grows as the painful reality of her husband's captivity continues. As leaders discuss potential ceasefire agreements, Lishay remains resilient, hopeful that one day, her unreceived messages will turn from grey ticks to blue, indicating that her husband has finally read them. "I know someday it'll happen," she asserts quietly, clutching on to the hope for a reunion.