Among the many Jews outside of Israel trying to help the current situation is Margalit Romano, a 38-year-old artist from New Jersey who has created personalized Tehillim books featuring the names and photos of the hostages that are still being held by Hamas.
Thanks to the financial support of continued sponsors, Romano has been able to distribute the pamphlets for free—they popped up at Safra Synagogue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan earlier this week—and hopes to continue to do so for the time being. So far, she’s given out 7,000 books all over the world.
“Jews in the diaspora have an important role,” says Romano. “We’re far away and feel limited but we aren’t as limited as we think we are [when it comes to the situation in Israel]. Having a unified purpose is important.”
Each booklet features the picture of a hostage alongside his or her name on the cover. Inside, readers will find chapter 119 of Tehillim, with specific sections based on each prisoner’s Hebrew name.
“I went on a mission trip to Israel in February and I realized that what we’re missing here in the United States are the personal story connection with each hostage and a specific call to action,” says Romano. “Right now, I’ve done books on 63 of the hostages but I’m constantly working on them.”
When asked about the project’s goals, Romano is quick to note that, first and foremost, “I hope for the hostages to come home.”
Overall, though, the artist is keen to let the world know that those still in captivity are more than mere numerical figures or political pawns.
“I want to bring awareness to who each person is,” she says. “We hear the word ‘hostages’ and a number attached to it but nobody really knows who they are and I think that’s a very big component of the call to action.”
To request a booklet from anywhere in the world, fill out this online form.
