October 13, 2025

Jewish Federations rejoice as 20 living hostages return home to Israel

Today is a day of hope and, we pray, the beginning of healing for the hostages, their families and all of Israel.

For 737 days, 48 of the original 250 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas have been held in captivity.

Through 18 major Jewish holidays and 105 Shabbat dinners, Jewish families in Israel and around the world had empty chairs at our tables, yellow ribbons on our lapels, and fractures in our hearts.

Each of those 1 million minutes was filled with anguish and uncertainty — wondering if the hostages would live or die, knowing that the Jewish people were incomplete without them.

Today we rejoice as the surviving hostages come home to their loved ones and finally fill the empty chairs at our tables and begin mending our broken hearts. Jewish Federations across North America and Jews everywhere celebrate this long-awaited moment of relief and joy, standing in solidarity with the families and the people of Israel.

We also mourn the loss of those who did not survive captivity, whose bodies will hopefully return home in the coming days. We pray their families and loved ones will be able to give them a proper burial and mourn. May their memories be a blessing.

We also take this moment to recognize the sacrifice and service of Israel’s soldiers and their families, who have protected Israel during this horrific period. We mourn the loss of 1,152 soldiers who died as they bravely fought to get the hostages home.

We are grateful to President Trump, his negotiators, and everyone whose efforts made this day possible. As we hopefully continue to move forward on a path to peace, may this moment mark the beginning of comfort and renewal for the people of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere.

 

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