Emily Tony Korenberg Hand turns nine today. Hamas kidnapped her from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, and she is now believed to be somewhere in Gaza. The little girl likes Brazilian dance, judo, volleyball, tennis, piano, and gymnastics. She wanted to learn the guitar this year. She loves cooking.
“She’s down in the tunnels of Hamas. She’s not gonna have a birthday party, cake, friends,” her father, Thomas Hand, said. “The sad thing about it is, she won’t even know what day it is. She won’t know whether it’s night or day. She won’t even though it’s her birthday.”
Emily was at a sleepover when Hamas ambushed her kibbutz. Thomas was initially told that Emily was dead, for which he was grateful — death was an easier option. “I’d rather that than have her taken hostage,” he said at the time. Thomas is now in the United States, petitioning the government’s help to release the hostages. He’s sick, he says. He’s tired. But he has to get his daughter back.
In Psalm 9, David gives thanks to the Lord for defeating Israel’s enemies. It is worth a read today to remember God’s refuge:
The nations have sunk in the pit which they made; in the net which they hid has their own foot been caught. The Lord has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.
The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever.
Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!
Happy Birthday, Emily; may you be rescued and celebrate many more.