Amid ongoing wild claims about a “Greater Israel,” Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann, the executive director of Chabad in Columbus, Ohio, nearly a year ago beautifully enunciated what Israel is fighting for, and what victory would look like. The full text can be found here: “The Ultimate Victory: A Six-Year-Old Oct. 7 Victim’s Answer to Terror,” by Areyah Kaltmann, Algemeiner, September 5, 2025:
When we hear the word victory, certain images come to mind. The FIFA World Cup Trophy lifted high in front of billions of viewers. An Olympic gold medal hung around the champion’s neck. The Wimbledon Trophy raised triumphantly on Centre Court as spectators leap to their feet. We imagine champions like Messi, Michael Jordan, Federer, and Phelps — figures so legendary that they need no introduction.
But this week, I was struck by a very different image of victory. One that puts all the other medals, trophies, and records to shame.
It was a photograph of a six-year-old girl getting on the bus for her first day of school.
Abigail Edan gets on the school bus – Credit Zuli Mor Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DODNPczERtr/
Her name is Abigail Edan. A dual Israel-Amerian citizen, Abigail’s home was invaded by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 — and they murdered her parents in front of her eyes.
She survived by hiding under her mother’s body, only to be taken into Gaza and held hostage for 50 days. Freed that November, Abigail was later adopted by two October 7 survivors, Zoli and Leron Mor.
Nearly two years later, she is stepping onto a yellow school bus with her ponytail bouncing, backpack slung over her shoulders. No fanfare. No roaring crowd. Just a quiet everyday moment captured on camera….
Abigail’s story represents this triumph of spirit. On October 7, Israel’s enemies sought to destroy the Jewish people. Yet here is a child who persevered: alive, smiling, carrying a lunchbox, living her life to the fullest. Not just for herself, but indeed for her murdered parents. For this little girl, each act of normalcy is a greater accomplishment than any world record.
Ultimately, true victory isn’t an athlete hoisting up a trophy or winning a championship. It’s in the tiny moments when a 6-year old gets on the bus, ready to start a new school year. It lies in continuing to strive when all hope seems lost, in maintaining dignity when the world tries to strip it away, in the quiet refusal to be broken and beaten….
Amen, Rabbi Kaltmann, amen.
somehistory says
It’s wonderful that this child survived. she still must carry a heavy load from what she experienced and from what she lost. And those responsible for her load and her sorrow must be punished.
when I think of *victory* I recall the Prophets Isaiah’s and Micah’s words about people building homes and dwelling in them; having their own vine and fig tree; and no one saying “I’m sick,” and the ‘wolf shall dwell with the lamb in security.” And no one fearing any harm.
This will be one day, because it was prophesied.
Hugh Fitzgerald says
Micah 4:4 is quoted in George Washington’s letter to the Jewish congregaion in Newport, Rhode Island in 1790,’
While I received with much satisfaction your address replete with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport from all classes of citizens.
The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security.
If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and happy people.
The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy—a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity.
May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.
May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy. ~ G. Washington’
gravenimage says
+1
Linda Harvey says
This is so touching and so true. Just to get back to ordinary life is a huge blessing. We must keep standing strong.
Daniel Bielak says
Heartbreaking and moving.
The resiliency and goodness manifested by Abigail and her adoptive parents, Zoli and Leron, in response to the atrocious tragedy that they experienced is noble and admirable.
gravenimage says
A Little Girl Gets on a Bus
…………………………………
Am Yisrael Chai!