Yarden Gonen: Thanks to President Trump for bringing my sister Yarden back

President TrumpThanks to you, I can hug my sister again. After 471 agonizing days, Romi is finally at home, and I owe my deepest gratitude to do this possible. Their unwavering commitment and decisive action helped secure this treatment, giving me what I had dreamed for 15 months, seeing my sister smile again.

Romi is the light of our family. She puts her family first and there is nothing to do for those she loves. That was who was before October 7, and that is the one who remained even in the darkest moments of captivity.

I can never forget the horrors of that day. Romi was only 23 years old when Hamas terrorists kidnapped her from the Nova Festival. In his terrifying final moments of freedom, he was talking on the phone with our mother while trying to flee the site in a vehicle with his friends. His last words still persecute us: he said that the driver was dead and that his best friend Gaya had shot and was not responding. She told us that she was shot in her hand and that she would bleed if the aid did not arrive quickly.

Hamas releases 4 female hostages as part of the Alto El Fuego de Israel agreement

The relatives of the hostages of October 7, 2023 by Hamas, greet President Donald Trump in Capital One Arena on the opening day of the second presidential mandate of Donald Trump, in Washington, USA 2025. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

For 471 days, we live in agony, without knowing what I was experiencing or what was happening there. For those 471 days, I lived in a nightmare that no sister should endure. Every time that passes was full of Romi’s thoughts in captivity, wondering if it was cold, hungry or scared. We did not know the scope of her wounds or if she had received medical attention.

President Trump, we are a family of faith: Throughout this horrible proof, we knew that she would return to us alive, and you made that happen. His strong and decisive statements gave us hope when we needed it most. When others could have surrendered, you did not. When the negotiations seemed impossible, you pressed harder. Their unwavering demand that all hostages must return home was crucial to ensure the agreement that brought my romi and others back to their families.

Romi Gonen (left) with his sister Yarden (right) before the massacre of October 7 and the massive kidnappings of Hamas’ terrorists. Romi was recently released after spending 471 days in captivity. (Families of Hosages and Families)

Thank you, President Trump, for being the catalyst that turned our hopes into reality. His leadership showed that even the most difficult diplomatic challenges can be overcome with sufficient determination.

Seeing him bring the families of the hostages to the stage during his presidential parade demonstrated his genuine concern and made us feel, 15 months after October 7, that we are not forgotten. Looking at the Launch of four more feminine hostages – Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev and Liri Albag – filled my heart with such hope and love. Four more families gathered. I know exactly how they feel, how much their families fought for this beautiful moment, and now 90 more families expect their own meeting.

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Yarden (left) hugs Romi after his release from Gaza. Romi was held by Hamas terrorists for 471 days. (Government Press Office)

At the time I hugged Romi for the first time after his launch, I felt a joy that he could barely put in words. That hug would not have been possible without his intervention. His ability to take advantage of diplomatic channels and their commitment to take all the hostages home, even before their inauguration, marked the difference between the continuous captivity and the freedom of my sister.

But my family’s work is not finished. There are still 90 hostages in gaza – Children and daughters, fathers and mothers, grandparents and young children. Each of them is Romi of someone. Each of them has a family waiting, waiting, praying as we did. None of us who have met with our loved ones can really heal while others remain in captivity. We need their continuous support and influence to take them home as well.

President Trump, the agreement that helped ensure not only brought my sister home: he gave us all the hope that with strong leadership and determination, we can bring everyone back. Help us complete what has begun and bring to the last host of home, as you declared so powerfully. We depend on you to ensure that all phases of the agreement are fulfilled. Dozens of families deserve what has given mine, that beautiful moment to retain their loved ones again.

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Romi Gonen and his mother Meirav Leshem Gonen gathered after the launch of Romi de Gaza. (Government Press Office)

Every time I look at Romi now, with his strength and his heart that remained useless even through this terrible experience, I remember what your intervention made possible. With your help, we can turn the sentences of more families into meetings. Only when the 90 hostages are at home we can really start healing.

Thank you, President Trump, for bringing my sister. Help us take everyone home too. Our hope rests with you.