For the past year, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein, the esteemed posek and rov of Ramat Elchonon, has been deeply involved in supporting the families of the hostages taken captive. With unparalleled compassion, he met with them privately, strengthening their trust in Hashem and sharing in their anguish. Often, he would burst into tears alongside them, embodying the Torah ideal of sharing in the pain of another Jew.

These families not only visited his home but also participated in his shiurim, where his words of emunah and chizuk had a transformative effect. Many were inspired to strengthen their commitment to Torah and mitzvos. In every encounter, Rav Zilberstein would cry out from the depths of his heart: “We are partners in your unbearable pain, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that your sons and daughters are freed from captivity.”

On Thursday morning, as the news of the anticipated release agreement broke, Rav Zilberstein arrived to daven at neitz with a radiant expression.

Following davening, Rav Moshe Michael Zoren, editor of the Kol B’Ramah bulletin in Ramat Elchanan, approached Rav Zilberstein for words of inspiration. The Rav offered a profound insight, dispelling any illusion that natural causes had brought about this turn of events.

“There are those who think Hamas agreed to the release because of their military weakening, the elimination of their senior commanders, or fear of international pressure,” Rav Zilberstein exclaimed. “All of this is nonsense!”

The Rav explained: “The Torah explicitly describes Yishmael as a perei adam, a wild man, whose hand is against everyone, and everyone’s hand is against him. This eternal truth defines their nature. It is unfathomable that they would suddenly abandon their wild, cruel behavior and return captives of their own volition. What has occurred here is nothing short of a great and open miracle, orchestrated solely by the will of Hashem. No other explanation suffices.”

Lessons in Hashgacha

Rav Zilberstein illustrated this point further by referencing the inexplicable and senseless behavior of the Houthis in Yemen, who continue launching missiles at Israel despite heavy retaliation. Even their presidential palace in Sanaa—a national symbol—was destroyed. Still, they persist in their aggression, knowing full well the futility and self-destruction it invites.

“This is the irrational perei adam nature of Yishmael,” he concluded. “It defies logic, reason, and gain. Yet, despite this, Hamas agreed to a hostage deal. This is a clear and undeniable miracle. It was not achieved by might or strategy but by the hand of Hashem.”

The Rav emphasized that the ultimate takeaway is the Torah’s timeless wisdom: true deliverance will not come through human efforts alone. The Gemara in Sanhedrin teaches that redemption hinges on teshuvah: “If the Jewish people repent, they will be redeemed; if not, Hashem will bring about circumstances that force them to repent.”

This lesson is particularly resonant in the current wave of spiritual awakening. The horrific decrees of the past year have inspired countless Jews to return to Torah, demonstrating the power of even the darkest moments to ignite a flame of emunah.

A Sign of Hope

Rav Zilberstein pointed out the profound symbolism in the timing of the agreement, coinciding with Parshas Shemos, which begins with the enumeration of Bnei Yisroel entering Mitzrayim. The Baal HaTurim notes that the initials of “V’eileh Shemos Bnei Yisroel Haba’im” spell “shviya”—captivity. Even in exile and suffering, the Jewish people retained their identity and faith, an eternal source of hope for redemption.

The Responsibility to Care

Despite the joyous news, Rav Zilberstein urged continued tefillah and solidarity with the families, who now face a grueling process of gradual release. Week after week, only a few captives will be freed, leaving families in agonizing uncertainty over whether their loved ones are alive or among those to be released.

“This too is part of the perei adam nature of Yishmael,” he lamented. “We must share in their pain and storm the heavens on their behalf. As Jews, the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, we cannot remain indifferent to such suffering. This is our duty.”

{Matzav.com Israel}