On two recent trips to Israel since the war began, I had the honor of meeting Idit and Kobi Ohel, the parents of Alon.
Just this past week, Alon was released after spending two unimaginable years as a hostage. We knew he had suffered serious physical injuries on October 7, including shrapnel in one eye. Hamas had released photos last month that made his trauma painfully visible. But today, Alon is back in Israel, surrounded by loved ones and finally receiving the care he so desperately needs.
Why this deep connection to Alon—someone I had never met? Because Alon is from the Misgav region, a place our Federation has proudly partnered with for 30 years. Through this partnership with Karmiel and Misgav, we’ve supported transformative projects: economic development initiatives, a bike trail that’s become a tourist destination, Kibbutz Kishorit—a community for adults with special needs—and even the rebuilding of bomb shelters at the onset of the war to protect innocent lives.
But our bond with Karmiel and Misgav goes far beyond financial support. It’s a reciprocal relationship that enriches Jewish life in Pittsburgh and strengthens the lives of those in Israel. Programs like the Diller Teen Fellowship connect 20 teens from Pittsburgh with 20 peers from the region, fostering deep, lasting relationships. The Emma Kaufmann Camp Staff-in-Training Program spends time in the region, building connections. And nearly every Federation mission to Israel includes a meaningful visit to Karmiel and Misgav—like our 2022 MEGA MISSION, which gave participants firsthand exposure to the people and spirit of the region.
It’s through this lens that I’ve felt a personal connection to Alon. When I visited Hostage Square in Tel Aviv and saw the yellow piano inscribed with “YOU ARE NOT ALONE,” I was drawn to it. That piano was placed there for Alon—a gifted musician and piano player. And this past Sunday, during our Federation’s two-year commemoration of the October 7, 2023 tragedy, where 1,200 innocent lives were lost and 250 hostages taken, our own version of that yellow piano stood in the hall, filling the space with beautiful music. The 600 attendees connected deeply to the plight of the hostages—who were, at that very moment, preparing to be released—through the story of Alon.
I told Alon’s parents, Idit and Kobi, that when he is released, I will celebrate with them. I can’t wait to finally meet the person who has given me hope and something to hold on to—face to face.
