This 4th of July, millions of Americans celebrate the fact that 248 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was unanimously accepted by the Continental Congress of the 13 colonies declaring separation and freedom from Great Britain. Since the acceptance of that Declaration, the struggle to retain freedom has been a hard-fought battle.

Still, by God’s grace and the perseverance of the American spirit, we have remained one of the most free and prosperous countries the world has ever seen. What a blessing America has been, not just for those of us who grew up here but also for those who sought and found freedom here from other parts of the globe.

Praying for Freedom

But now, as we enjoy the 4th of July and our freedom here in the U.S., I want to remind all of us about the people in so many parts of the world, for which the 4th of July means nothing but another day of pain, suffering, and humiliation. And though suffering and pain are all around the world, today, as we celebrate American Independence, I want us to especially think and pray for those who are still trapped in Gaza as hostages. This post is not meant as a downer but instead a reminder to think and pray for those who remain in captivity. Every second for them is another second of fear, misery, and terror. People who were enjoying the freedom of Israel were suddenly ripped from their homes and families to be used as pawns in the hands of an evil organization of madmen.

So, please remember them today as we enjoy the freedom and beauty of America, and join me in a short prayer for the hostages:

May He who blessed our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses and Aaron, David and Solomon, bless and protect and guard those who were abducted from the Israel Defence Forces and the hostages from among our brothers, the House of Israel, who are in trouble and captivity, for we are praying on their behalf. May the Holy One, blessed be He, have compassion upon them and bring them out from the darkness and the shadow of death. May He break their bonds, deliver them from distress, and bring them safely back to their families’ embrace. “Give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness and for the wonders He does for the children of men;” and may there be fulfilled in them the verse: “Those redeemed by the Lord will return; they will enter Zion with singing and everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” And let us say: Amen.

(Traditional prayer from the Ashkenaz Siddur)