Two years after the October 7th massacre, the release of the final living hostages transformed sorrow into celebration.
Rabbi Oshy Deren of Chabad West Coast
“Thank you Hashem!!
What was going to be a Memorial Service [on Erev Simchat Torah] has been adjusted as a moment of Thanksgiving, to thank Hashem for the return of the last of the living Hostages today – Boruch Hashem!!”
Two years ago it felt like they were trying to break our Simchas Torah.
Today we celebrate that nothing can ever take that away.”
Rabbi Matthew Liebenberg, Claremont Wynberg Hebrew Congregation
“The release of all the hostages was an event of Biblical proportions. That it should happen on Hoshana Rabba, ‘the Great Salvation’, is a clear indication of God’s Hand in the matter. Our mourning was turned into joy, and Simchat Torah was once again a day of unbridled celebration. Am Yisrael Chai!”
Rabbi Greg Alexander, Temple Israel:
“Two years of hoping exploded into a miracle. We have never felt that kind of energy at a Simchat Torah – people only wanted to dance and dance some more. There was an outpouring of joy. Our bodies were echoing what our hearts were celebrating.
A congregant asked what we should do with our yellow ribbons now, and we have affirmed that we will not stop praying until the bodies of the slain hostages are returned and our prayers for a lasting peace are answered.”
Hadara Ishak, President & COO of Jewish Future Promise
“…our celebration is tempered by remembrance. We will never forget the hostages who did not return, the atrocities they endured in captivity, or the families who continue to wait. We honor Israel’s fallen and wounded soldiers, heroes whose courage, sacrifice, and resilience will forever live in the heart of the Jewish people.”
Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Warren Goldstein
As we give thanks to Hashem for this miracle, let us also offer our gratitude to His chosen partners in making it happen.
First and foremost, to the noble soldiers of the IDF, who have fought so bravely over these past two years, a civilian army who left their homes, jobs, and families to defend the State of Israel. And especially to those who gave their lives, and to their grieving families who carry the pain of that sacrifice, for whom there will be no moment of sweet homecoming.
World Jewish Congress President, Ronald S Lauder
“We cannot allow Hamas to exploit or evade this agreement. The international community must finally put an end to the decades of terror and retribution that have strangled the people of Gaza. Hamas must now be disarmed, it can play no role in the future of the Palestinian people, and every last hostage must be brought home.”
David Cohen & Heather Blumenthal, Chairman & Executive Director, SAZF Cape Council
“The images from Israel – tears, embraces, prayers, and song – reflect a people united and unshackled after 738 days of national trauma. In many ways, the Jewish world has been held hostage alongside them.
The people of Gaza, and the Palestinian people more broadly, must choose the path of peace. Lasting stability will only come when they reject violence and empower those who seek coexistence.”
Moshe Shear, CMO of Let’s Do Something
“Finally, October the 8th!”
Cape SAJBD
“The Cape SAJBD shares in the profound joy of seeing the Israeli hostages reunited with their families – a culmination of two years of hope and longing. While the remains of some loved ones are yet to be returned, and the families of the deceased still seek closure, these reunions remind us of the power of resilience and faith, and we look forward with hope for rebuilding and normalisation in the region. We also hope this moment encourages calmer, more balanced dialogue while bringing a renewed sense of peace to our community in Cape Town.”
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