Alon Oleartchik - Let's Hug

Sagui Dekel-Chen, Iair Horn, and Sasha Troufanov, all from Kibbutz Nir Oz, are finally in Israel after 498 days in hell. It was a tense week, heightened by Trump's reckless threat for 'all hell to come down on Gaza' if all the hostages are not released, a threat embraced enthusiastically by the far-right ministers who opposed the hostage deal. Obviously, all the hostages should be released, the sooner the better, but it's clear at this point that any return to fighting will put the remaining hostages in immediate danger, especially after we've learned more about the harsh conditions in which they are being held. Kol adam olam umlo'o, every person is an entire universe, and I am thrilled to see that three universes were saved today, though the road to recovery is just beginning. Iair was abducted with his younger brother Eitan, who is still in Gaza and set to be released only in the second phase of the deal. Sasha was taken hostage along with his grandmother, his mother, and his girlfriend. The three were released last November and he learned today that his father was murdered on October 7th. Sagui learned that his family had luckily survived the massacre in Nir Oz - his wife had given birth two months later and his three daughters were safe and okay. Sagui's wife had also helped run his business while he was in captivity and in all of the interviews with her I was so impressed with how calm and collected she seemed, maybe because she had to stay strong for her daughters. Today she will finally be able to embrace him, a happy ending that almost didn't happen.

Hana Goldberg, who wrote the lyrics to this heartwarming song, said she woke up one morning and felt the urge to hug someone. It was released in 2004, during the Second Intifada, and there are hints of the darkness in the background. I love how charming it is, a reminder to hold on tightly to the sweet moments, no matter how dark things are.

If you're a bit sad

Feeling bad and hurt

If you need me

You have a loving man

If you're lying

There, by yourself

Let me, in the dark

Hold your hand

Let's hug, we'll get lost

Let's hug in a tight slow dance

If you're shivering

In the hot night

If you're afraid

That everything good is gone

Come touch

Come to me

Yes, you know

I'll dance with you forever

Let's hug, we'll get lost

Let's hug in a tight slow dance

Let's hug, we'll get lost

Let's hug in a tight slow dance