‘Like a deep breath out’: Hostage campaigners throughout the UK react to news that the hostages could finally be brought home

Bachram said that there was still the prospect that the bodies of some hostages would not come home with the others, adding, that if that was the case, “our joy will always be tinged with that sadness”.

While there had been plans to put up more yellow ribbons in Brighton this weekend, following the news that the remaining hostages could be back in the Jewish State within a matter of days, “we may sing a celebratory song instead”, she said.

This evening, there will be a candlelit procession in Brighton, organised by its local Jewish community, followed by a remembrance event, which over one 100 people are expected to attend, including the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Amanda Grimshaw, and council leader Bella Sankey.

Adam Ma'anit in Brighton (Photo: Sussex News/R James)[Missing Credit]

Adam Ma’anit, whose niece Maayan, 18, was murdered on October 7 and whose cousin Tsachi Idan – Maayan’s father –  was kidnapped and killed in captivity, said: “The news that a deal has finally been reached to bring home the remaining 48 hostages is what we have been hoping and fighting for throughout these painful two years. It’s impossible to describe the mix of relief and heartbreak we feel.”

He continued: “Even though it was two years ago, it feels like yesterday. The images of Maayan’s murder still haunts me. We could not save Tsachi, but there’s been wonderful news that the remaining hostages are coming home. It will give our family peace and joy to see those reunions.”

Elsewhere, organisers of the weekly vigil opposite 10 Downing Street, organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the news provided “a sense of hope… after two traumatic years”.

Ariella Knoble-Gershon, who is campaigns officer at the Board, said she felt “a mix of both profound relief and excitement, and cautious optimism.

“I won’t fully relax and switch off my phone until the hostages arrive safely in Israel,” she said. “For two years, it has been my personal mission to keep the hostages in the public eye, and I feel that finally I can breathe a sigh of relief.”

A hostage vigil (Photo: Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK)[Missing Credit]

Maxine Elias, one of the organisers behind the weekly hostage vigil in Finchley, said the vigil scheduled to take place this weekend may become a “celebratory” gathering if the hostage exchange takes place.

“I didn’t really believe it at first,” she said, describing the news as “awesome”.

“Not awesome, as in pure happiness; but a real feeling of awe and apprehension. Everyone is so happy it’s come together; the amount of love that is now outpouring and being exchanged is amazing.”

There is also a hostage vigil that takes place every few weeks in St Ives, Cornwall. On the second anniversary of October 7, a two-hour long event was held on the beach in St Ives, featuring dozens of people who held Israeli flags and hostage posters, sung songs, said prayers and read the 1,200 names of people who were murdered on October 7.

A hostage vigil in Borehamwood (Photo: E Jacobs Photography)[Missing Credit]

“It’s a mixture of joy and grief,” organiser Cynthia Hollinsworth said about the Trump peace plan. “There is concern about what Israel is having to give up to get the hostages back, but overall, there is huge, huge joy. Huge emotions generally, a real mixture.

“In some way, this is a chance to let those emotions finally come out after two years. There is space to properly grieve now, and we pray for the healing of all those hostages, their families, and for those who might finally receive bodies for burial.”

Eylon Levy at Finchley hostage vigil[Missing Credit]

Jack Miller, who alongside about 100 volunteers has been putting up “millions” of hostage posters across northwest London since October 7, said: “It’s just amazing, and what we’re all hoping for. Israel needs to be able to repair itself; families need their loved ones home. But as much as we want to sing and dance and celebrate that they’re coming home, which also means our soldiers can come home, I will celebrate it when I see it. Only then will I believe it.”

For the group of volunteers who put up hostage posters daily, the feeling is “ecstatic”, Miller said, and there were plans to put up yet more posters over the next day or two.

“We want those images to be spread across social media, so the hostages know, once they’re out, that they weren’t forgotten about and they know people cared deeply, even thousands of miles away. We hope it’s uplifting for them after what they’ve been through.”

Hostage vigil on the second anniversary of October 7 in St Ives, Cornwall[Missing Credit]

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK said it met the news with “a mix of excitement, anticipation, and concern”.

Nivi Feldman, founder of the group, said they were anticipating “a few emotional days ahead”, and the deal brings “both hope but also deep pain”.

When Feldman found out about the deal last night, she said “tears filled my eyes. I can’t believe the struggle might finally be over for all of the hostages and families. It’s an amazing sense of relief, but also apprehension. Until they’re out, they are not out.

“Some hostages will be in a bad condition, and some who we are expecting to be alive might not be, while some bodies may never get out of Gaza if they are not found. I’m not going to get my hopes up until it’s happened, until they’re home.”

Posters of hostages, some of whom have since been freed, are held up at a Borehamwood vigil (Photo: E Jacobs Photography)[Missing Credit]

The forum, which would have served its purpose with the return of the last hostage, may look to host one last vigil for the victims of October 7 and a celebration for the returned hostages once the deal is completed.

Reverend Hayley Ace, who runs the Christian Action Against Antisemitism group and who has spoken at many vigils and commemorative events over the past two years, said that whilst she is “celebrating today, I am praying for the challenges that lie ahead”.

She said: “After two years of advocating for the hostages, last night’s news from President Trump is, of course, a cause for celebration. I am elated that the families will soon be able to hold their sons, husbands, and fathers in their arms.

“However, while I feel great joy over the news, I have questions about the implications of this exchange. The release of over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including known terrorists, gives Hamas a significant advantage. The released prisoners return as heroes and potential threats, raising concerns about future security.

The deal relies on Hamas's cooperation, but their violent history casts doubt on their commitment to peace. International forces are unlikely to hold Hamas accountable, and the involvement of Turkey and Qatar in the deal raises further concerns. The hope for peace is clouded by the necessity for Hamas' complete defeat to ensure lasting security.”