Today we are full of hope.
After more than two years in captivity, the last 20 of the living hostages were returned to Israel and their families. As of today, a total of 168 hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and taken to Gaza have been returned to Israel alive. Sadly, only four of the remaining bodies of hostages who were murdered while in Hamas’ hands were also returned to Israel. We anxiously await the return of the bodies of the remaining 24 hostages.
Tonight Jewish people mark Shemini Atzeret and start the transition from the High Holy Days period back into daily life. We hope that as the freed hostages start their transition back to daily life, their healing is swift and complete. Our hearts are with the families of the rescued and fallen hostages, members of the families of the IDF soldiers who fought and gave their lives to ensure Israel’s freedom, and all the many who were injured during this terrible two-year war, and hope for their healing as well.
And as leaders from around the world meet to discuss the prospect of peace, we continue to hope. We hope for Israel to be secure and for her people to be safe and free. We hope that the rising antisemitism that confronts and hurts all Jewish people everywhere subsides. We hope that the innocent people living in Gaza will soon be rescued from Hamas rule and be able to live full lives in safety. We hope for a real and meaningful end to this war. We hope for a lasting peace. Am Yisrael Chai.