Freed hostage Gadi Moses, 80, walking upright among masked gunmen with a faint smile on his face symbolizes the resilience of an elderly hostage and the Israeli way of life. Moses is a kibbutznik, representing a pioneering ethos, a hardy work ethic, and a communitarian spirit. Israelis view him as the 'salt of the earth' and a hero. The photo of Moses is the latest instance of Israelis turning an image of the hostages' suffering into a symbol of national pride. Moses' story had already spread across Israel before his release, highlighting his attempts to negotiate with terrorists and the loss of his partner, Efrat Katz.