The picture which broke our hearts: Freed Hostage Or Levy Reunites with his son Almog 

For 491 days—exactly 70 weeks—3-year-old Almog Levi was alone in the world. His mother Einav was brutally murdered in a shelter on October 7th, while his father Or was kidnapped to the Gaza Strip and held captive by Hamas.

Yesterday, hours after Or was released looking thin and weakened from the harsh conditions of his captivity, the father and son reunited in the hospital in a long, emotional embrace that moved the hearts of the entire nation.

The family's initial statement was deeply moving: "Our heart trembles and our mind refuses to believe Or's appearance after 491 painful days of waiting and longing. After an unbearable period of darkness, we can finally hug him again and rehabilitate his body and spirit."

They added a poignant tribute to Einav: "In all our excitement, our thoughts return to Einav z"l, Almog's mother, who was murdered on that cursed day. We believe she is looking down now and is happy to see Almog receiving a father's embrace."

The family concluded by thanking the entire nation for their unwavering support, acknowledging that this period has left deep scars, and requesting privacy as they begin their healing process.

"Daddy," Almog said to his father, "it took you too long to come back"—words that pierced through the heart as he hugged his father, a hug that seemed to say he never wanted to let go again.

Or did not know during his entire period of captivity what had happened to his wife. Only upon his release did he learn that she had been murdered in the same incident from which he was kidnapped.

Michael, Or's brother, shared details about the preparations for their reunion: "He was over the moon about the drawings Almog prepared for him. I've never seen him like this. He couldn't stop asking about Almog. We showed him videos and pictures, and he was in shock about his amazing child."

Tal Levi, another of Or's brothers, described the emotional moment: "Almog told him, 'Daddy, you look different today.' Aor agreed. Almog asked why mother Einav hadn't returned, which was very difficult for Or who broke down crying. Then Almog said, 'Mommy Einav died, she won't come back.' Somehow, Almog had time to process the trauma, and he might be able to help Or with his grief."

Or's mother, Geula, shared that her son was held in a tunnel with no communication but had suspected his wife was killed. When he returned, he asked for confirmation of her fate.