"They shot me, Mom and I'm bleeding," Romi told her mother 317 days ago on Oct. 7, the day of Hamas' deadly attack on Israel. Today marks Romi's 24th birthday, with her still being held in Hamas captivity. Her family, constantly fighting for her release, initiated a special social media campaign titled "Paying it forward – Romi style" to acknowledge her birthday.
"In our worst nightmares, we never imagined August 18 would come with our Romi still in Hamas captivity," Romi's family wrote in the "Bring Romi home" Instagram account. "Instead of celebrating here, safe and happy, she's there – in Hamas' tunnels. Romi loves birthdays so much she even celebrates half-birthdays. She should be celebrating with family and friends, under the bright, sunny sky!"
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"In honor of Romi's birthday coming up this Sunday, dedicate yourself to at least one good deed from the list of good deeds – 'Romi style.'" The list attached to the post consists of beautiful gestures such as messaging or calling a loved one; surprising your partner with a clean house; volunteering; or as little as smiling at strangers.
The public was also asked to wear leopard print clothing items to mark Romi's birthday. According to her family, her favorite print is leopard, which has become her trademark in her family's efforts to fight for her release. In a recent Instagram post, a cracked ballon with a leopard print is seen inside a dark tunnel, titled: "18.08" accompanied by a broken heart.
The last contact Meirav Gonen – Romi's mother – had with her daughter was at 10:58 a.m. as Romi and her friends attempted to escape the attack. She mentioned being on the phone with her daughter throughout the morning, starting from 6:30 a.m. when the assault on the Nova Festival event began. When the vehicle was later discovered, it was found empty, leaving Romi's whereabouts unknown. Romi's phone was subsequently identified as being located in Gaza, confirming her abduction.
Describing her daughter, Meirav portrayed Romi as a "strong, happy type," highlighting her background as a former Scouts counselor. "We are a strong and optimistic family," Eitan Gonen, Romi's father said to Israel Hayom. "We are working hard to bring her back to our wide-open arms, as well as all the other hostages. Romi is my biological daughter, but she is also the daughter, sister, or granddaughter of each and every one of you."
The ongoing war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists stormed Israeli towns bordering the strip, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking over 240 hostage. Currently 115 remain held captive by the terror organization, of whom 41 have been declared dead.
