Freed hostages respond to bereaved father Rafi Arvas

A moving development followed an interview Rafi Arvas, father of fallen soldier Shay Arvas Hy"d who was killed in the "Namer disaster," gave to Kikar Shabbat. In the interview, the bereaved father said that freed hostages had not come to thank him after they returned home.

The remarks sparked widespread responses on social media, and a series of prominent freed hostages quickly replied, embracing the bereaved father and making clear the depth of love and appreciation they hold for bereaved families and for the memory of Shay Hy"d.

Bar Kupershtein wrote in response to the father: Dear Rafi, we love you and I would be happy to come to you whenever you want). Rom Braslavski also responded warmly: "Dear Rafi, I would be happy to come to you at home or to the cemetery and any place possible; if you let me, I would be happy to come and honor."

Omer Wenkert shared emotionally:

Beloved Rafi, there is not a moment I am not grateful for this and not a moment I do not mention the fact and reason why I am here today. My heart breaks anew every day over the fact that people paid with their lives and families lost their loved ones so that I could return here to my life and my family. Each and every one goes with me everywhere and will always be in my heart and forever at the forefront of my thoughts. I am taking it upon myself right now to learn about Shay everything I can about Shay, just as I learned about many others, and to take something from Shay with me forever.

Eliya Cohen added: "Beloved brother, I met you several times both at Hostages Square and your holy child is buried next to Karin Schwartzman z"l who was murdered in the safe room from which I was kidnapped. I thanked you then and I thank you today as well, and of course I would be happy to come to you to embrace you.