Pnina Bibas, writes a “Happy Birthday” letter that no grandmother should ever have to write. It has been nearly 10 months since Pnina Bibas has seen or heard from her Batman-loving grandson, Ariel, (Lulu) who turns 5 today, was last seen clinging to his mother, Shiri and brother Kfir.

“My Dear Luli,

Happy birthday to my first grandchild. You’re five years old! Five years… Do you even know that this big day is approaching?

Can you feel our longing, the immense love that fills our hearts?

Over 9 months have passed since you were taken from us by bad people. Nine months of tears, prayers, and unwavering hope. The world around us continues to turn, but time seems to have frozen without you. You’ve grown a year older, but there’s no celebration.

When I read a story to your cousin Toto, my eyes search for you. As if looking hard enough would and you sitting beside her, listening intently and smiling your shy, sweet smile. My heart skips a beat every time l remember how much you’re missed.

I try to imagine the moment you’ll return to us. Will you still call me ‘Grandma Nini? Will you still want to play ‘piggyback? I can almost hear your laughter as you splash water on me while we water the plants in the garden.

Luli, so much has changed in the last year. Instead of celebrating all the new things you’ve learned, we’re dealing with an absence – of you, of your mum and dad, and of little Fir Fir.

We’re also in the shadow of a terrible loss. Grandpa Yossi and Grandma Margit are no longer with us, and how will you react when you learn this news?

But we never stop hoping. Every day I dream of the moment we’ll be together again. I imagine the excitement, the tears, the hugs. I see you shouting ‘Grandma Nini? and little Kfir, who might not remember me anymore, smiling at me with a big grin.

My dear Luli, you’re so close yet so far away. I pray that soon we’ll receive the greatest gift – to hug you and the whole family again. I’m waiting for this dream to become reality.

Until then, Luli, know that you are loved, that we think of you every moment. And one day, we’ll celebrate all the birthdays we’ve missed, together,

Love Grandma Pnina”