Emotional Full-Circle Moment in Cyprus: Mother of Released Hostage Visits Chabad Center

An emotional full-circle moment took place in Cyprus as Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of released hostage Romi Gonen and a prominent advocate for the return of the hostages, visited the Jewish Community Center of Cyprus during Sukkos.

Leshem Gonen visited the community’s large Sukkah of Brotherhood, located on the very same street where she had previously stood and prayed alongside members of the Jewish community for her daughter’s safe return while Romi was being held hostage. At the time, the location hosted a major solidarity gathering for the hostages.

During her visit, Leshem Gonen met with Rabbi Ze’ev Raskin, Chabad emissary and Chief Rabbi of Cyprus. Also participating in the meeting were Kobi Waller, Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Cyprus; Yaron Zaluf, chairman of the Friends Circle of the Jewish Community of Cyprus; and Rabbi Shneur Zalman Levitin, Chabad shaliach in Larnaca.

Returning to the location following Romi’s release, Leshem Gonen described the visit as a deeply moving “closing of a circle” — returning to the place where she had once stood with prayers and hope, this time to recite the blessing over the Four Species with gratitude.

She emphasized that the Four Species symbolize the unity of the Jewish people.

The gathering concluded with a prayer and blessing for unity, peace, and better days for the Jewish people.