Jewish Communities Worldwide Celebrate Return of Hostages, Praise Trump’s Role

Jewish communities across the globe joined Israelis in rejoicing Monday as the final group of living hostages abducted during the October 7 massacre returned home from Gaza. From New York to London, Buenos Aires to Yerushalayim, expressions of gratitude, faith, and solidarity poured in, tempered by grief for those murdered in captivity.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder said the homecoming of the 20 surviving hostages marked “the moment that the Israeli and Jewish people had prayed and fought for.” He thanked US President Donald Trump for his “refusal to allow terrorism to be rewarded” and acknowledged the involvement of Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt in advancing negotiations. “This is a time to rejoice,” Lauder added, “but we remain incomplete as we await the return of the remaining 28 hostages who perished during their cruel captivity.”

Agudath Israel of America issued a statement filled with gratitude and reverence: “Boruch Hashem matir assurim. Thank you to the One who releases captives!” The organization rejoiced in the return of the freed hostages, praising Trump’s leadership in bringing about the deal. “The torture and trauma to which they were subjected for two horrifying years are beyond description,” Agudah said. “We celebrate their release, just as we pray that Hashem send them healing, a complete and speedy recovery.”

Agudah noted the special timing of the event, occurring at the close of Sukkos: “Jews the world over are in the midst of celebrating Zman Simchaseinu, the season of our rejoicing. The return of the hostages at the culmination of the holiday adds to our collective joy.” Yet, the statement continued, “Our joy is tempered by the knowledge that so many of the hostages’ families are preparing to bury their loved ones.”

They also expressed hope that Trump’s “Board of Peace,” which will oversee the next stages of the process, would pave the way for lasting stability in the region: “We pray to the Almighty, the Maker of peace in heaven and earth, that this effort will lead to true peace between Israel and all of its neighbors.”

The Orthodox Union echoed that sentiment, calling it “a hopeful day.” “We are indebted to the Almighty for bringing us to this day,” the OU said. “We are grateful to President Trump and his team for their unrelenting pursuit of peace, moral clarity in supporting the good of Israel, and commitment to the eradication of the evil of Hamas.”

The OU added tefilos for the hostages’ physical and emotional recovery, for the bereaved families to find comfort, and for Israel’s soldiers to return to peace and normalcy. It also called on Palestinians “to finally reject violence and hate and truly embrace peace with Israel.”

In the United Kingdom, the Board of Deputies of British Jews described the day as one of “immense relief” and “profound joy.” Board President Phil Rosenberg thanked Trump and international leaders, as well as British activists who “gave countless hours to support the hostages — organizing vigils, adopting hostages, providing legal aid, and displaying yellow ribbons.” Rosenberg added, “These efforts reflect our eternal bond with Israel and its people.”

Rosenberg welcomed the broader peace plan initiated under Trump’s leadership but noted that the celebration was shadowed by sorrow. “We have all had enough of war,” he said. “Now is the time for peace.”

In France, CRIF President Yonathan Arfi expressed happiness for the family of former hostage Matan Angrest, who had been hosted by CRIF. “I am thinking of all the hostage families for whom every hour since October 7 has lasted an eternity,” he wrote, adding that families receiving the bodies of murdered hostages would now “finally be able to begin their mourning.”

The Zionist Federation of Australia said on X that the “entire Jewish world had been holding its breath for two years.” While rejoicing, the group reminded followers not to forget the families still awaiting the return of murdered loved ones. “Even as some families are finally reunited, others have been told that the terrorists responsible for killing their loved ones are being released,” the federation said.

In Argentina, AMIA (Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina) wrote that the community had prayed for this day for two years. “Since the October Massacre, we have accompanied Israelis with every hug, every desperate cry, every tear, every glance toward heaven,” the group said. It expressed hope that “the families of those killed in captivity will soon be able to give them a sacred burial and rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, Med Israel for Fred (MIFF), a Scandinavian pro-Israel organization, celebrated on Facebook that the hostages were “finally coming home after 738 days in Hamas captivity.”

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, urged Jews worldwide to recite a blessing for Trump and others who made the “miracle” of the hostages’ return possible. “When hope seemed lost, they stood firm and prevailed,” he wrote. “May God bless them with peace, strength, and wisdom.”