YOUNGSTOWN — Today we rejoice because 20 people kidnapped from Israel over two years ago are home with their families and loved ones. Jews and allies everywhere celebrate this long-awaited moment. We pray this is the beginning of healing for the hostages, their families and all of Israel. We know they will likely require a good deal of support.

At the same time, we mourn the loss of 28 others who faced Hamas with bravery but perished in captivity. We pray for their families and loved ones to be able to give them the proper burial they deserve.

We also pray this is the start of peace for the future. We applaud the voices of those in Gaza who are calling for an end to Hamas’ tyrannical rule. We hope the release of the hostages and the ceasefire will be the beginning of rebuilding Gaza and peace in the region.

We take this moment to recognize the enormous sacrifice and service of Israel’s soldiers, so many of whom lost their lives and their families, who put their time, their economic well-being, their bodies and their lives on the line to protect Israel during this horrific period. And we are grateful to President Trump and his negotiators whose efforts made this day possible.

— Lisa Long, CEO, Youngstown Jewish Federation