Our hearts are heavy once again as we process the devastating news that the bodies of four Israeli hostages—Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas and Oded Lifshitz—have been recovered and returned to Israel. Their brutal murder at the hands of Hamas and their long, unjust captivity in Gaza are painful reminders of the deep wounds inflicted on October 7, 2023—wounds that have not healed and, in moments like this, feel as raw as ever.

For 16 agonizing months, their families, and people around the world, have prayed for their safe return. Here in Pittsburgh and at the JCC, we grieve their loss, honor their memory and recommit ourselves to demanding the immediate return of every hostage still held in Gaza. The anguish we feel is not just for these four lives stolen too soon, but for all the innocent men, women and children who have suffered at the hands of terror.

This past Tuesday evening, our community once again gathered to acknowledge the 500 days that the remaining 73 hostages had been held in Gaza, support the healing of the hostages who had been released and mourn those hostages who had been lost. We stood together in our unwavering belief that no family and no nation should endure such pain. Through reflection and prayer, we supported one another and strengthened the bonds that hold our community together in times of sorrow.

And one of the voices that stood out most on Tuesday was that of Dean Aseef, the JCC’s shaliach, an Israeli emissary living in Pittsburgh for one year who will allow us to connect more personally, learn more deeply and engage more meaningfully with the realities of Israeli life. In the aftermath of October 7th and with a continued lack of understanding about the central role a free and democratic State of Israel plays in enhancing Jewish peoplehood, this intentional approach in building lasting relationships that transcend geographic borders has never been more important.

Dean shared the following with those in attendance on Tuesday evening:

“On October 7, Alon Ohel was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival. Alon and his friends had only been there an hour earlier when the rockets began to rain down. Alon ran to a nearby bomb-Shelter where he sat with 26 other festival goers. They were like sitting ducks when Hamas arrived. Of the 27, 4 were taken hostage: Alon, Hersh Goldberg Polin, Eliya Cohen, and Or Levy. Only 7 others survived.

Alon was 22 at the time. Last Monday, he turned 24 in captivity. Also last week, for the first time in nearly 500 days, Alon’s family received word that he is alive. However, he is severely injured, with shrapnel in his body and eye, and facing torturous conditions.

Alon is from Misgav, which is one of Pittsburgh’s partner cities in Israel. Alon is a musician and just after October 7, as a tribute to Alon, the Ohel family brought a piano —painted yellow in honor of Alon and those taken—to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. Now, there are more than 40 yellow pianos in 10 countries, including at our JCC in Squirrel Hill and in the South Hills. The piano is yellow because yellow is a bright and happy color, to remind those playing it to not give up hope. Alon’s family is friends with my family. They asked me to share the following message, and I’m truly honored to do so.”

On Monday, February 10th, Alon Ohel marked his 24th birthday—his second birthday in captivity since he was violently kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from the Nova music festival on October 7th. For more than 500 days, Alon has been held in Gaza, separated from his family, his friends, and the music that defines him.

Alon is more than a hostage—he is a son, a brother, a friend, and a passionate pianist. Music has been a part of Alon’s soul since he first touched the keys at age 9. He has plans to begin his studies at Rimon School of Music, dreaming of a future filled with melody and rhythm.

To honor Alon and all the hostages still in captivity, we invite the world to join us in the Yellow Pianos Initiative. These pianos, placed in public spaces, are more than instruments—they are voices for those who have been silenced. They are a call for action.

Play a song. Share his story. Demand his release. Every life is precious. Every hostage must come home!

“I don’t know Alon personally, but I share his love for music. And when I think about it, it could have just as easily been my parents, like Alon’s and the rest of his family, who found themselves in this unimaginable position. It could have been me, just like him. We cannot leave our people behind.”

Following Dean’s remarks, a musical selection was played on the Pittsburgh Yellow Piano, one of several such pianos that have popped up around the world in places such as Paris, Berlin, London, Sydney, Melbourne and New York, to show support for the hostages and to let them know they are not alone. Those in attendance listened intently. Many were brought to tears as the room filled with loving thoughts and silent prayers for the safe return of the remaining 73 hostages—the living so that they could heal, and the dead, so they could be laid to rest.

May the memories of Shiri, Ariel, Kfir and Oded be a blessing, and may their loved ones find some measure of comfort in knowing that the Jewish people will never forget them. May we also welcome home the six hostages scheduled to be returned on Saturday—Avera Mengistu, Hisham al Sayed, Elya Cohen, Tal Shoham, Omer Wenkert and Omer Shem-Tov—and may they be granted strength for the long road of recovery in both body and soul.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,

Jason