Louis Herr. Photo: Yair Sagi
Louis Herr was freed after 129 days of captivity and has since dedicated his life to supporting the families of the abducted. He unveiled the “Hope Display” at Hatawim Square, saying, “I never lost hope. I knew I would make it out. I dream that all of us will be here together.”
Back in April, while in New York, Louis Herr dreamed of this exhibition. Today (Friday), his dream became a reality at Hatawim Square.
Herr was released through a military operation after 129 days in captivity. Since then, he has been advocating in Israel and worldwide, continually supporting families of the abducted. “My eldest daughter took a photo of me with the word ‘Hope’ in New York. I smiled and forgot about it,” he recalls. “When I returned to Israel, people started saying, ‘Louis, you bring so much light, so much hope,’ and gradually, I began to believe it. I saw the photo and decided to create something similar here.”
Photo: Yair Sagi
“Hope Display”: A Symbol of Resilience
Louis collaborated with Inbar Retzvi to create the “Hope Display,” where the word “Hope” appears in the form of cubes adorned with children’s drawings he received after his release. “We’re adding colorful tables and chairs for children to draw and express themselves,” he explains. “This project was born from dreams and has become a message for all who need hope.”
Photo: Yair Sagi
A Messenger of Optimism
Louis Herr has become a symbol of optimism for many. “I never lost hope,” he says. “Even in captivity, we knew we would get out. We didn’t know how, but we knew we would, and here we are. My dream is for everyone to be here, and we can celebrate together.”
Today, his family gathered at the Abducted Square in Tel Aviv to mark the occasion. “This is the beginning of our true healing,” Louis adds. “I dedicate myself to helping others, supporting families, providing information in Israel and abroad. It gives me peace when I do something positive.”
Photo: Yair Sagi
Community Collaboration
This project was made possible through collaboration with the Ramat Ha-Haim Association, the Sabra 2.0 Service Year, Faber Company, Flerez Engineering, and many volunteers from northern communities who helped bring Louis’ dream to life.
Source: Ynet