British Jewish communal leaders rejoice at return of the hostages

JCoSS pupils take down yellow ribbons for the hostages, October 13 (Credit: JCoSS)[Missing Credit]

They said: “We are overjoyed for Ditza Or, and all of the Or family, to have their son and brother home; and for Noa Argamani, Avinatan’s partner, also taken hostage from the Nova festival. We wish to note here the great support provided to the British families by the Gaza hostage team, set up by Lord David Cameron, and continued by David Lammy and Yvette Cooper, as Foreign Secretaries, by the Foreign Secretaries and the Under-Secretaries of State, Lord Ahmad and Hamish Falconer, and by Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

Lawyers Adam Wagner and Adam Rose and Sharone Lifschitz gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee[Missing Credit]

“But most of all, we pay tribute to the advocacy of the families; their fortitude and moral clarity; their non-stop campaigning; their sharing of their personal stories and those of the hostages. They have been a model of dignity and unity from which the rest of the world could learn a huge amount. We have no doubt that their stirring advocacy to world leaders and many others, even in the midst of deep personal suffering, has had an impact on today’s events. It has been an honour to stand by the families’ sides. We wish them only happiness and peace in the coming months and years. They have become not just clients but also friends, and we will always be there for them if they need us.”

They add that they await news of the return of the body of Yossi Sharabi, who was killed in January 2024 in Gaza.

Former hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal waves to supporters outside Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre, October 13, 2025 (Credit: Dima Vazinovich/Getty Images)Getty Images

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the Board welcomed “with immense relief the release of hostages from Gaza and share in the profound joy felt by their families, friends, and all who have worked for their safe return.

“We also grieve with those who are due to receive the bodies of their loved ones for burial. May their memories be a blessing."

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis takes part in a 'National march for the Hostages' organised by Stop the Hate UK, in central London on August 10, 2025. (Image: Getty)AFP via Getty Images

Rosenberg thanked all international and regional leaders who helped to bring about this agreement, and in particular US President Donald Trump, as well as the “many in our community who have given countless hours to supporting the hostages, including organising and attending vigils, adopting hostages, undertaking legal representation for the families, or simply displaying the yellow ribbon. Those efforts reflect our eternal bond with Israel and its people.”

[Missing Credit]JCoSS pupils taking down yellow ribbons today (Photo: JCoSS)

Rosenberg added: “In the UK, this moment must also prompt reflection. The profound damage to community cohesion and the massive increase in antisemitism since October 7, 2023, culminating in the deadly terrorist attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur, require a concerted response.

“We will continue our efforts to ensure action against anyone who incites violence and hatred. We also need to see a renewed focus on building community cohesion and mutual respect.

“We have all had enough of war. Now is the time for peace.”

It was a sea of yellow ribbons and balloons at the march in London to call for the release of hostages (Photo: Gaby Wine)[Missing Credit]

The Jewish Leadership Council said: “Two years ago, we emerged from the festival of Simchat Torah to learn of Hamas’s murderous campaign across southern Israel. Since then, we have campaigned and prayed for those who were taken into the darkest depths of Gaza.

“This Simchat Torah, we will be able to truly celebrate that all the living hostages are back home in Israel.

“At the same time, we share the anguish of those whose loved ones will not come home alive. Their bodies must be returned so they can be mourned appropriately.

“Today is a step forward. For peace and for hope. Am Yisrael chai.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said today marks an “extraordinary day in Jewish history”.
”For two agonising years, we have cried tears of pain and anguish,” he said. “Today, finally, we cry tears of relief and joy.”

Some 6,000 devices tuned into the United Synagogue’s (US) live stream of English-dubbed Israeli news, the broadcast of which began early this morning and lasted for 12 hours.

Former Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen returns to Israel, October 13 (Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images

President of the US, Saul Taylor, said: “’Zeh Hayom Asah Hashem Negilah V’nismichah Bo’, ‘This is the day that Hashem has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.’

“Today is the day we have prayed for, yearned for, hoped for. Watching the news that all living hostages are now back in Israel is warming our hearts.

“But our hearts are also heavy as we know too many families will be mourning this afternoon while others celebrate. We hold all of you in our hearts.”

He added, “This Simchat Torah, may we dance with joy that our brothers and sisters in Israel are now finally back with their families.”

Co-leads of Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, said: “As Succot ends and we step from the shelter of the succah back into the world, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and trembling relief. After two long years, the last of the hostages have been returned from Gaza.

"We give thanks — Modim anachnu lach — for every life restored, for the courage of those who endured captivity, and for the families whose prayers have at last been answered. We also weep with those who welcome home not the living but the lost, whose loved ones will now be laid to rest in the land of Israel.”

They added that this day marks “not only the end of captivity, but the beginning of compassion, that out of this release may come a turning towards peace for all who dwell in this land.

“May the One who brings freedom bless and protect Israel and all peoples who long for safety. May this moment of release be a doorway to healing, renewal, and life.”