**Hope Amidst Heartache: The Story of an Israeli Hostage’s Family**

The ongoing struggle of a family separated by conflict underscores the emotional toll of the Israeli-Gaza war.

On Friday, as Omri Miran celebrated his 48th birthday, his family marked yet another year without him, taken hostage by Hamas 18 months ago. His wife, Lishay, reflects on their life together through a heartfelt WhatsApp chat she's maintained since his abduction from their home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023.

Lishay's messages, dubbed “Notes to Omri,” serve as a bridge between their fractured family life and the hopeful anticipation of his return. Since three weeks after his capture, she has sent countless updates—from casual familial musings to the profound impact of Omri's absence on their daughters. Recently, she shared a poignant reminder of his presence felt at their window where their eldest daughter, Roni, says goodnight to him each night, fully aware of his absence.

As the weeks passed, Lishay showcased her resilience in the face of uncertainty. The couple’s daughters, once babies when Omri was taken, have grown, making their longing for their father even more painful. Released hostages have reported seeing Omri alive in Gaza last July, bolstering Lishay's unwavering belief in his survival. Yet, with Pesach (Passover) approaching—a time symbolizing freedom—this period amplifies the familial ache in a country still grappling with the weight of loss and conflict.

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, supporters gathered to mark Omri’s birthday, with his age visibly altered on posters—a raw testament to time spent apart. A symbolic Passover Seder was being prepared with places set for the remaining hostages, with Lishay contributing to the effort to lobby the government for their loved ones' release.

During these difficult months, Lishay’s connection to her husband remains paramount. She recounts moments when she visits Nahal Oz, metaphorically communing with him, as the proximity to the Gaza border serves as a reminder of their bond despite the miles and turmoil. However, the resumption of conflict heightens her fears, a sentiment echoed by many families with missing loved ones.

While Lishay maintains a cautious approach towards her government, she voiced her frustration upon seeing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reference Omri as a mere statistic in discussions with foreign leaders, asserting that he is more than a “Hungarian hostage”—he’s a beloved husband and father.

As the atmosphere grows tense with potential discussions of another ceasefire and despite reminders of a lengthy waiting game, Lishay continues to send her “Notes to Omri,” hopeful for a day when those grey ticks on WhatsApp will finally turn blue. She optimistically concludes, “I know someday it’ll happen,” reaffirming her resolve amid unending uncertainty.