Today is the birthday of Kfir Bibas, who was captured in his mother’s arms and has been held hostage since October 7.  I kept smelling the scent of a baby all day, wondering whether he was bathed, fed, and changed, whether he could see the light of day, whether he will ever emerge from the tunnels. 

The question of freeing hostages was the subject of much discussion among the Rabbis of old – since many Jews were ransomed for higher prices than market value.  My mother always told about how she was captured by Gypsies and ransomed by her father that night.  She used to tell about how her face had been blackened and her ears pierced so she wouldn’t be discovered.  She remembered the story in detail seventy years after it happened. 

What will Kfir Bibas remember – if he is ever returned home?