The Hostage Countdown Ends

Editors Note: This article was published in the Spring 2026 Issue of the Jewish Journal. 

“Since our world stopped on October 7th, we never imagined that the clock would reach three digits. Thank G-d, we can finally stop counting.” 

These words—spoken by Malki Shem Tov, father of Omer Shem Tov—echoed across Hostage Square on January 27th, as the body of Ran Gvili was finally returned to Israel. 844 days after October 7th, the clock finally stopped. Tears flowed. Strangers hugged. A nation exhaled. 

Malki continued: “Thank you to all the people around the world, across every nation, who stood with us and raised our voices—the voices of the hostages who were in the tunnels… Thank you to the Jewish Federation, the Jewish communities who supported us since day one, and the people of Israel, who proved that this is our home.” 

In that bittersweet moment, the impact of Jewish Federations was felt—deeply and unmistakably. And here in San Antonio, our community was part of that impact. 

When we called, you answered. You gave generously. You showed up. And because of you, our Israel Crisis Fund made a tangible difference—supporting Israelis not only through the darkest days of war, but now through the long, difficult work of rebuilding. 

As you’ll see in the graphic on the next page, your generosity didn’t just send money. It sent help. It sent hope. It sent strength. Here are just a few of the ways your gifts through the Jewish Federation of San Antonio helped rebuild lives in Israel: 

ERAN: Emotional First Aid 

In moments of crisis, emotional support can be lifesaving. ERAN provides immediate emotional first aid to Israeli citizens and recent immigrants—often when they have nowhere else to turn. 

In the first days following October 7th, ERAN received more than 10,200 calls, many from people experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, and despair. In the weeks and months that followed, ERAN grew to receive more than 1,300 calls a day. Two-thirds of callers are women; one-third are men. Many describe unbearable uncertainty, loneliness, acute anxiety, and deep emotional distress. 

Through the Israel Crisis Fund, the Jewish Federation of San Antonio helped support ERAN’s work—ensuring that this lifeline continues to reach people in need, not only during wartime, but long after. 

Resilience Center: Western Galilee College 

In Israel’s north, entire communities have endured displacement, fear, and ongoing instability. At Western Galilee College—one of the regions most impacted by the war—the need for mental health resources has been urgent and growing. 

With support from JFSA’s Israel Crisis Fund, the College is building a Resilience Center from the ground up, scheduled to open May 1st. This Center will provide critical support for those living with post-traumatic stress and the long-term emotional effects of war. 

Thanks to the generosity of San Antonio donors, individuals and families will now have a dedicated space to recover, rebuild, and heal. 

Youth Futures 

Here and in Israel, our youth are our future. L’dor v’dor—from generation to generation—we invest so that those who come after us will not only survive, but thrive. 

That is exactly what Youth Futures does. 

Funded in part through our community’s Israel Crisis Fund support, Youth Futures has produced extraordinary results: participating youth saw a 99% improvement in personal resilience, and a 94% improvement in social functioning and school performance. 

One student, Tiberias, shared:
“When I started the program, I was a problematic kid who only wanted to fight and never studied. Today, I’m 17, serving as a medic with MDA and United Hatzalah of Israel. I study at Nir HaEmek High School, 4 units in math and 5 in English, in the electrical engineering track. I believe most of this is thanks to the program. You helped me so much. Thank you!” 

Another student, Ofakim, reflected on her mentor and said:
“She probably doesn’t know it, but she literally saved my life. She gave me self-confidence, helped me mature, and taught me how to handle life’s situations… I will never forget her.” 

When people ask, “What does the Federation do?” we think of Omer Shem Tov. We think of families standing in Hostage Square. We think of Tiberias and Ofakim. We think of the thousands of Israelis who reached out to ERAN in desperation—and the many more who will walk through the doors of the Resilience Center seeking healing. 

The Jewish Federation of San Antonio does many things. We amplify joyful Jewish life. We secure the community. We fight antisemitism. We care for Jews and others in need. And when Israel calls, we mobilize. 

But the most important thing to know is this: 

Because of you, Israel was not alone.
Because of you, lives were steadied, trauma was met with care, and young people were given a path forward. 

This is what Federation does at its best: it takes a moment of crisis and turns it into coordinated, meaningful action. It turns compassion into impact. And it reminds us that being part of a Jewish community isn’t just about belonging—it’s about responsibility. 

Your generosity mattered. And it still does. 

Katia Diamante