Youngstown Area Jewish Federation CEO speaks on release of Israeli hostages
YOUNGSTOWN The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation CEO is speaking out on the return of the Israeli hostages amid a holding peace deal between Hamas and Israel.
"Today we rejoice because 20 people kidnapped from Israel over two years ago are going home with their families and loved ones," said Lisa Long, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation CEO.
Long continued," Jews and allies everywhere celebrate this long-awaited moment. We pray this is the beginning of healing for the hostages, their families and all of Israel."
AP News reports that Israel and Hamas moved ahead with a first step outlined in the Gaza ceasefire agreement, freeing hostages and prisoners on both sides.
The statement goes on to recognize and mourn the 28 others who died in captivity.
"We hope the release of the hostages and the ceasefire will be the beginning of rebuilding Gaza and peace in the region," said Long.
According to AP News, four of the deceased hostages were returned to Israel on Monday, and another 24 "are supposed to be turned over as part of the first phase of the ceasefire, which also allows Israel to allow a surge of food and other humanitarian aid into Gaza."
Long continues in the release that the return of the following hostages is welcomed:
- Matan Angrest
- Gali Berman
- Ziv Berman
- Elkana Bohbot
- Rom Braslavski
- Avinatan Or
- Yosef-Haim Ohana
- Alon Ohel
- Evyatar David
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal
- Omri Miran
- Eitan Mor
- Segev Kalfon
- Nimrod Cohen
- Maxim Herkin
- Eitan Horn
- Bar Kupershtein
- Matan Zangauker
- Ariel Cunio
- David Cunio
