Our Gabriella is already 10 weeks old, and I feel like her name is having a moment.
We chose the name out of respect for gvura - for the courage that has become so present since October 7 - and for the faith that sustains us: faith in God and faith in one another.
Tomorrow is Purim, a holiday of Jewish women’s bravery.
In the past few weeks, this has become even clearer.
The return of Liri, Naama, Karina, and Daniela, who refused to speak in Hamas’s parade and came home with their heads held high.
Agam, who was held alone for an entire week and, on the helicopter, wrote to Am Yisrael: “I left through faith, and I returned through faith.”
Shiri Bibas z”l, the lioness who endured at least a month in Hamas’s dungeon, protecting her two small children.
Yuval Raphael, who survived Nova and will stand tall, wrapped in the flag, representing us all.
The heroines of Nahal Oz, like Shir Eilat z”l, who refused to leave her post and continued reporting the approaching danger, knowing she was in the line of fire. Eden Nimri z”l, who drew her weapon to protect the unarmed soldiers and divert the terrorists’ attention.
How is it that only now I realize - gvura (heroism) is a feminine word.
Because the bravery of Am Yisrael has a feminine side.
What an honor it is to live among the women of Israel, to be one of them, to raise them and to call Gabriella by their names, in their honor.
Am Yisrael Chai.