Australian Jewish leaders welcome hostage returns

Australian Jewish leaders have reacted to the release of twenty living Israeli hostages after more than two years in Hamas captivity with profound relief.

The hostages were transferred to the Red Cross before being handed to Israeli military and medical personnel for assessment. Emotional scenes followed in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where thousands gathered to celebrate the long-awaited reunions, including that of Noa Argamani, who was rescued from captivity in June 2024, and her released partner Avinatan Or.

Under the terms of the agreement, Israel is set to release 1718 Palestinian prisoners, while 28 bodies of deceased Israeli captives will be returned from Gaza.

The release occurred on the eve of Simchat Torah, two years after the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023 were perpetrated on that same festival.

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) said in a statement, “Tonight, for the first time since that dark day, we can begin to rejoice once more on Simchat Torah. Not with unbridled happiness, but with gratitude that our hostages have been returned and that the people of Israel can breathe again, and look forward to the future with some hope of peace.

“Despite the relief and sense of hope, we cannot forget the dozens of families who are still waiting for the opportunity to bury their loved ones. Nor can we forget the 1200 who were slaughtered on October 7, and all those who have lost their lives since that day,” the ZFA said. “Even as some families are finally reunited, others have been told that the terrorists responsible for killing their loved ones are being released as part of the peace deal.”

Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) executive director Colin Rubenstein said, “For two long years, Israel and the Australian Jewish community have been waiting for this moment. Finally, the living hostages are reunited with their families. We urgently look forward to all the murdered hostages being returned so they can finally be treated with the respect they deserve, and their families may attain closure.

“Let us never forget that this war started with Hamas’ barbaric attack and its taking of the hostages. Now that the hostages are home, the war can end,” he said. “Whether violence will resume is up to the international community. With Hamas already murdering those who oppose it in Gaza in the areas from which Israel withdrew, the international community must end Hamas’ role or influence and enforce its disarmament, as it promised, or support Israel if it is forced to do so.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said on X, “Today, all 20 living hostages have been freed. Freed through the sacrifices of Israeli servicemen and women and US diplomatic power. Freed on the eve of the holy day of Simchat Torah, our most joyous holiday when we celebrate the completion of reading of the Torah.

“A time of unbridled joy and new beginnings. Today we celebrate life. We celebrate a victory of light over darkness. We weep as families clutch their kin in the most ferocious loving embrace one could imagine. There is wickedness and cruelty in this world but nothing can defeat the will to live and the capacity of our species to love. Today is the proof of that.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said, “Today, at long last, hostages torn from their homes on October 7, 2023 are being released and reunited with their loved ones. For the first time in two years, our community can breathe again.

“This homecoming is a moment of profound relief and gratitude. Yet our joy is tempered by sorrow. Many will not return. Those who do come home will carry wounds that no one should bear. May this day mark the beginning of healing for the hostages, their families, and our entire people. May this day be a chance to think about what comes next.”

A joint statement from the Union for Progressive Judaism, Australian Reform Zionist Organisation, Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors of Australia, New Zealand and Asia and Netzer Australia also welcomed “with profound relief and gratitude” the news that hostages have been released.

“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of all who have worked toward this outcome, including mediators, and leaders committed to peace and justice,” the statement said.

“As we give thanks for this moment of reunion and relief, we are reminded of the strength and unity of the Jewish people, and of the enduring belief that every life is sacred.”