Last week, I attended the Heroism and Victory Conference at Binyanei HaUmah (International Convention Center) in Yerushalayim. Organized by families of fallen soldiers and hostages, the conference brought together ministers, MKs (Members of the Knesset), military personnel, media figures, and public leaders. Its message was clear: We must continue the fight until we achieve true victory. Over the past 14 months, the IDF has made monumental strides, but ending the war prematurely could jeopardize these hard-won achievements.
Walking across the plaza toward the entrance, I was struck by the sight of a chupah taking place beneath the open sky, framed by the illuminated Chords Bridge bearing an image of the Israeli flag. While those inside fought for the safety and future of our land, this chupah outside symbolized the life and continuity they were working to protect: a new bayis ne’eman b’Yisrael rising during our challenging times. The sacrifices of our soldiers and their families are not only to ensure the safety of today but for the future of generations to come.
The program opened with live music, followed by a powerful video highlighting the strength of our nation and the unwavering determination of our chayalim on the front lines. At the front of the hall, posters of the hostages were propped on empty seats, a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of this struggle. Their presence underscored the bravery of the families who continue to fight – not just for their loved ones, but for the safety of us all.
The speeches by relatives of fallen soldiers and hostages that followed were both inspiring and heartbreaking. Each speaker shared stories of immense sacrifice, echoing a common message: our soldiers risk everything, not just for today, but for the eternal future of our nation. Among the speakers was Dedi Simchi, a former IDF lieutenant colonel. He spoke about his son Guy, who heroically fought off terrorists at the Nova Festival on October 7. Though he could have escaped, Guy used his bare hands to fend off attackers, saving 30 of his friends before he was tragically killed. Dedi strongly stated that we must act together to strengthen the security of future Jewish generations. When asked if he is angry, Dedi explained that he has “placed his anger in a drawer,” choosing to focus on the fight at hand. “I will open that drawer later, to hold those responsible accountable. We must pay painful costs, but we will not surrender. We must return to being a happy nation.”
Tzurit Feigenstein continued the theme of resilience, sharing the story of her son Maoz, who fell in battle in Jabalya. Maoz once had a fever when on leave from the army. He refused to see a doctor because he knew the doctor would tell him not to return to the front. For Maoz, abandoning his mission was unthinkable. He understood the importance of his mission. Maoz’s unit was given intelligence information about the location of the bodies of hostages. Knowing the risks involved, Maoz went to rescue the bodies to bring them to kever Yisrael. Indeed, he was killed in that mission leaving behind a wife and baby. Tzurit explained that, naturally, many people run away from danger. But our soldiers do the opposite. They sacrifice their dreams of their future and family. They give everything for the klal for the eternity of our nation. Tzurit added that, despite their pain, their family continues to travel, play music, and live a life of meaning. Tzurit’s son Yoav just finished saying Kaddish for his brother this week, and next week he will stand under the chupah. She asked that, despite the suffering, pain, and heavy prices we are paying, we also see the heroism, the greatness of our people, and the chesed of Hashem. We must win this war, and we are on our way to victory!
Boaz Miran, brother of Omri, who is being held captive in Gaza, spoke about our moral obligation to bring back all of the hostages at once. There is only one way we can achieve this goal: We must defeat Hamas!
Tzvika Mor, father of Eitan – held captive in Gaza since October 7 – has become a prominent voice in the fight to bring hostages home responsibly. When he took the stage, his gun slung over his shoulder, the audience stood up, erupting in applause that reverberated through the hall. Tzvika spoke with raw emotion about his family’s ordeal. They suffer from a wound that won’t heal: the not knowing. Is Eitan alive? Is he alone, or with other hostages? What horrors might he be enduring? They live in constant fear of the dreaded knock on the door, signaling the worst news imaginable.
Tzvika said that we can learn how to fight a war from the story of Chanukah. He referenced Megillas Antiochus, recalling how Matisyahu rebuked his sons after Yehudah’s death, urging them to set aside personal pain for the sake of am Yisrael. Inspired by their father’s resolve, they returned together with him to battle, leading to the victory we celebrate on Chanukah. Tzvika embodies this same determination, placing his personal anguish aside to fight for the greater good of our people.
Tzvika then elaborated on the strategy to rescue hostages, drawing on lessons from BaMidbar (Numbers) chapter 21. He described a war fought by B’nei Yisrael against the Canaanites, where the enemy had taken a woman hostage (as explained by Chazal). When B’nei Yisrael retaliated, their primary objective wasn’t just the rescue of the hostage but the protection of the entire nation. Their goal was to demonstrate strength, deterring other nations from future attacks, even at the cost of fallen soldiers. “This is how we rescue hostages,” Tzvika declared. “The ultimate goal of war must be victory. Talking about hostages raises the price for their release. In war, we must make our enemies pay until they surrender. Only then can we truly destroy our enemy, deter others, and transform the hostages from assets to burdens, ensuring their return.” He ended by giving himself a heartfelt brachah – that he would see his son again, and that Eitan would be the last hostage in Jewish history.
When Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister of Finance and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, took the stage, left-wing demonstrators in the audience attempted to disrupt his speech. Holding signs declaring “There is no victory without returning the hostages,” they booed to interrupt his speech. In response, others in the audience argued with them and held up posters bearing the faces of the hostages. Tzvika Mor returned to the stage, urging the protesters to leave. Minister Smotrich, however, encouraged attendees to allow the demonstrators to voice their opinions. “This is democracy,” he said, “but they are mistaken.”
Smotrich emphasized that he, too, was committed to returning the hostages. “But that is not victory,” he explained. “Victory comes from destroying Hamas, as we are now doing. With Hamas crumbling and losing support, this is not the time to throw them a lifeline by agreeing to a surrender deal that would undo all the war’s achievements. We will achieve peace only after decisively defeating our enemies.” He concluded with a reference to Chanukah, likening the current fight to the ancient battle between light and darkness, good and evil, the few against the many. “But like the Maccabees, we will emerge victorious – together.”
As I left the conference, the image of the chupah outside lingered in my mind – a symbol of life and hope alongside the struggle. I thought about the heroes of our nation: those who gave their lives and those who, despite unimaginable pain, continue to place the needs of am Yisrael above their own. Mi k’amcha Yisrael! How fortunate I am to be part of a nation so resilient, and so deeply committed to its future.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
