This week, I found myself celebrating my birthday in a way I never have before. Being back in Israel for the first time since October 7th has been an emotional journey, one that has deepened my appreciation for the most fundamental of human rights: freedom.
Over the past few days, I’ve participated in demonstrations, listened to the powerful stories of survivors from the Nova festival and the events of October 7th, and felt the weight of what it means to live without freedom. The experience was a stark reminder of how precious and fragile freedom truly is.
On my birthday morning, I woke up with a profound realization: I wanted to celebrate freedom – the freedom I enjoy and the freedom that so many are still fighting for. Whether it’s the countless individuals around the world who have lost their liberties or the people here in Israel yearning for peace and security, the importance of freedom cannot be overstated.
I spent part of the week volunteering, making hundreds of pitas for soldiers in Gaza. Personally, I believe that we should strive to end the conflict. However, my support for the soldiers is about recognizing their humanity and offering solidarity to those in harm’s way, regardless of individual beliefs. This act of service was a reminder that even small gestures can be powerful statements of compassion and unity.
This birthday, my celebration was more reflective than ever.
I celebrated the gift of being alive and the privilege of living freely.
It’s a reminder that our purpose, in part, should be to help ensure that everyone can experience these basic human rights.
As I move forward, I carry this renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to never take freedom for granted. I hope that by sharing this reflection, it encourages others to cherish and protect the freedoms we hold dear, and to remember those who are still striving for theirs.
In the image we are preparing 600 pitas, in a makeshift kitchen, in the outskirts of Beeri. Beeri is an Israeli kibbutz near the Gaza Strip. A total of 101 Israeli civilians and 31 security personnel were killed, and 32 hostages were taken from the kibbutz on October 7, 2023.