"My heart is whole": Liri Albag's Partner Posts the First Picture with Her
Liri Albag's partner, Nir, shared a deeply emotional moment with the world as he posted the first picture of the couple together since Liri’s release from Hamas captivity, where she endured nearly 500 days of unimaginable hardship.


On his Instagram account, Nir wrote, “The heart is full,” capturing the joy and relief that came with Liri's return.
Liri was released last Saturday, alongside fellow hostages Naama Levy, Karina Ariav, and Daniela Gilboa, after 473 days in captivity. Their release marked the end to their long ordeal in Gaza, which began when they were kidnapped during Hamas' violent attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The women’s return was a dramatic and emotionally charged moment. After months of uncertainty, the four women were subjected to a "ceremony" orchestrated by Hamas, which forced the captives to stand on stage in front of the Gazan crowd. They were made to wave to the onlookers while surrounded by signs and slogans denouncing Israel and Zionism. This spectacle was part of a broader propaganda effort by Hamas. Once the event concluded, the captives were handed over to the Red Cross, who transferred them to Israeli forces. Upon their return, they were reunited with their families in a field hospital, where they underwent initial medical evaluations and were welcomed by loved ones.
In exchange for the release of Liri and her three fellow hostages, the Israeli government freed 200 Palestinian prisoners. This release included 114 prisoners transferred to Judea and Samaria, 16 sent to the Gaza Strip, and 70 expelled to Egypt. Despite the ongoing challenges they faced, the released hostages are now receiving the care and support they need to begin recovering from their traumatic experiences.
Nir's heartfelt post, along with the reunion of Liri with her family, serves as a symbol of hope and resilience amid the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on families. The joy of their return is tempered by the reality of the continued struggles faced by all those affected by the violence.
This version is now over 300 words and expands on some of the emotional aspects of the release as well as the exchange of prisoners.