The memory of the hostages should guide Israel’s choices for the future

This week, according to the Hebrew calendar, marks two years since the murder of the “Beautiful Six”: the hostages Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov and Ori Danino.

I remember where I was when I learned they were gone. A rumour had begun circulating through the hostage families' forum that six bodies had been found just before I arrived at our weekly United With Israel rally in Melbourne that morning. We didn't know who. Nothing had been officially confirmed, so I could not say anything. But it was there, buzzing beneath everything.

By the time the rally ended, it was officially confirmed. Carmel was dead. Hersh was dead. Alongside Eden, Almog, Alex and Ori. I felt as though someone had punched me so hard that I could not breathe.

Two years have passed according to our calendar. But some moments get stuck with you forever.

I had come to know some of the hostage families through the long months of campaigning for their loved ones. Like so many people around the world, I had followed Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin as they fought relentlessly for Hersh, not only for their son, but for every hostage.

This week, at Hersh's memorial, Rachel spoke words that are difficult to hear without breaking down. She described everything they had done to bring him home: running, begging, praying, screaming, fighting, falling, getting back up, trying again and again. And then came the words that are almost impossible to absorb: