Melbourne Jews gather to celebrate hostage release

Around 800 people gathered at Melbourne’s Jewish community centre, Beth Weizmann on Monday afternoon to watch a live stream the Israeli hostages being released.

The crowd watched on a large screen showing a live feed from Israel’s i24 network, erupting in cheers when Air Force One carrying President Trump landed at Ben Gurion airport.

Lexi Kowal, vice president of Zionism Victoria, which organised the event, told The AJN the timing was particularly significant as the community headed into Simchat Torah.

“It’s powerful for the community to come together with such auspicious timing to welcome home the seven hostages and mark this anxious moment and celebrate seeing the seven living hostages come home as we head home to hope for the remaining hostages to come home alive and safely,” she said.

Kowal described the atmosphere as one of mixed emotions, with relief palpable as the hostages returned safely.