“Out of depths I called on the LORD; the Lord answered me with liberation.”
–Tehillim 118:5
Today, we rejoice that the 20 living Israeli hostages- Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Avinatan Or, Bar Kupershtein, Eitan Horn, Elkana Bohbot, Evyatar David, Maksym Harkin, Matan Zangauker, Nimrod Cohen, Rom Braslvaski, Segev Kalfon, and Yosef-Chaim Ohana- have finally been released from captivity in Gaza.
For 738 days, the State of Israel and Jews around the world have carried these hostages in our prayers, refusing to let their names be forgotten. Their return is a blessing beyond measure — a reminder that even in the darkest hours, redemption is possible. We are grateful to all who labored to bring them home, especially the political leaders who helped make this moment possible after so many starts and stops.
Yet we also know that our work is far from over.
We still await the return of the deceased hostages, so their families may grant them the dignity of a proper burial. We recognize the immense work of healing that lies ahead — for the hostages and their families, for the people of Israel, and for all those in Gaza whose lives have been torn apart. The past two years have brought unrelenting pain and fear to too many. No one should ever have to live with such devastation again.
Since October 7, 2023, the Jewish world and the State of Israel have been turned upside down by unimaginable tragedy. We have lived through fear, hope, frustration, and grief. And now, even in this moment of triumph, we are called to turn our relief into resolve — to build a future rooted in safety, compassion, and the restoration of hope.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, hagomel la-chayavim tovot, she-g’malanu kol tov
“Blessed are You, oh Lord, our God, Ruler of the universe, who bestows goodness upon the accountable, who has bestowed every goodness upon us.”