A Hungarian town, an escaped rooster and the universal longing for freedom.

The cease-fire last October ostensibly brought an end to Israel’s war in Gaza after the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. A year later, however, Israeli strikes, though less frequent, haven’t stopped.

Threats have altered the lives of State Representative Alma Hernandez, her family, friends and neighbors. They have even transformed her policymaking.