A Circle Closed: Israel Welcomes Home the Last Hostages
By [Your Name], Jerusalem
They are finally coming home. Across Israel, there is both relief and restrained joy as the return of the final 20 hostages begins. The timing could not be more symbolic: today marks the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) — exactly two years since the October 7 attacks, according to the Jewish calendar.
That day remains seared into the nation’s memory. The horrific assault left more than 1,200 Israelis murdered and 251 kidnapped into the Gaza Strip. The stories that followed — of brutality, terror, and unthinkable suffering — changed Israel forever.
Now, as the hostages return, a painful chapter draws toward closure. For the Jewish people and the State of Israel, this day carries enormous emotional weight and national significance.
The Long-Awaited Return
Among those coming home are not only the living but also 28 hostages who were murdered and taken to Gaza — either killed during the attack or in captivity. In Jewish tradition, the proper burial of the dead is a sacred duty. For the families of those whose bodies are finally returning, this day provides a small measure of closure amid deep grief.
Israelis across the country are being asked to remember and pray for the living hostages who survived. Many are in critical physical and psychological condition after two years of starvation, torture, and complete isolation — some held underground without sunlight or human contact. Their journey toward recovery will be long and difficult, and the nation prays for “grace upon grace” for them and their families.
A Mother’s Words
Irisim, the mother of Yotam, a hostage killed while attempting to escape, offered words that captured the national mood. As families reunite with loved ones, she said:
“Today, when you are rejoicing, rejoice modestly. Rejoice quietly. Rejoice with a trembling voice.”
Her words echo the tension in Israel’s collective heart — gratitude and grief intertwined.
A Nation That Sacrificed Together
Over the past two years, Israel witnessed its largest military reserves call-up in history. Hundreds of thousands of men and women — parents, business owners, teachers, and students — served for more than a year, many up to 15 months. Their mission: to defend the country and bring the hostages home.
Israel also remembers today the 900 soldiers who fell in action, the thousands wounded, and the families forever changed by loss. In a nation as small as Israel, nearly everyone knows someone who has been directly affected.
The Difficult Price of Redemption
With the hostages’ return comes another difficult reality: Israel is releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including over 250 convicted of murder or involvement in terror attacks. Among them are two men who participated in the infamous Ramallah lynching two decades ago, when two Israeli reservists were brutally killed after taking a wrong turn into the city.
The daughter of one of those victims spoke for many Israelis when she said, “If the release of my father’s murderer can save lives, I agree without hesitation.” Her words reflect the painful moral price Israel often bears in its pursuit of life and peace.
Faith Amid Darkness
Several hostages who were released earlier testified that they encountered God in captivity and began to pray — a profound reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest places.
Organizations like One for Israel have worked tirelessly throughout these two years, channeling millions of dollars in aid — providing food, shelter, medical supplies, housing, and ambulances — thanks to the generosity of friends and supporters around the world, many of them Christians who love Israel and the God of Israel.
As one leader put it, “It is because of their love for the Messiah of Israel and His Word that they also love our people. Their generosity has reached countless families in need.”
“May the Lord repay you for all that you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel.”
A Day of Sober Joy
Israel breathes again today — a sigh of relief mixed with tears. The circle that began on that dark day two years ago closes with gratitude, mourning, and faith.
The words of Irisim still linger: “Rejoice quietly. Rejoice with a trembling voice.”
For Israel, this is not merely the end of captivity — it is the beginning of healing.
