The author reflects on the emotional journey of praying for an Israeli hostage, Uriel Baruch, only to find out he was killed rather than kidnapped, adding a personal connection they felt through shared birthdays and interactions with Baruch's family.

The article discusses the story of Uriel Baruch, an Israeli hostage in the Gaza Strip, as his family celebrates Hanukkah.

Uriel Baruch, a 35-year-old Israeli father of two, was abducted by Hamas terrorists from a music festival in Gaza on Oct. 7.