A father's message, in memory of his slain son, to stay the course

(JNS) — I recently had the chance to speak with Kobi Samerano, the father of 21-year-old Yonatan Samerano, who was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, by an employee of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and held in Gaza for 627 days. His body was found by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza and returned to Israel.

Kobi Samerano permitted me to share his story with the world. His words are not mine to keep; they are for all Jews to hear.

During our exchange, he told me something that will haunt me forever: “Burying my son was a relief. Because not knowing, not having a grave, not hav...