Friends,

As we witnessed the long-awaited return of the hostages held in Gaza, our hearts are filled with a mix of relief, gratitude, and profound sorrow. Today is a day of hope and, we pray, the beginning of healing for the hostages, their families and all of Israel.

Today we rejoice as the 20 surviving hostages came home to their loved ones and we finally filled the empty chairs at our tables and begin mending our broken hearts. Jewish Federations across North America and Jews everywhere celebrate this long-awaited moment of relief and joy, standing in solidarity with the families and the people of Israel.

We also mourn the indelible loss of 28 people who faced down Hamas with heroism and bravery but did not survive captivity, and their bodies are expected to return home in the coming hours and days, including four today. We pray for their families and loved ones to give them the proper burial they deserve. May they be comforted among all the mourners of Zion. 

We also take this moment to recognize the enormous sacrifice and service of Israel’s soldiers and their families, who put their time, their economic wellbeing, their bodies, and their lives on the line to protect Israel during this horrific period. We mourn the loss of IDF soldiers who died as they fought successfully to get the hostages home and defeat Israel’s enemies.

The release of the hostages does not erase the pain, nor does it guarantee an end to the hatred that has surfaced in our communities. Here in Edmonton, and across Canada, we continue to see demonization of Israel and hate directed at our communities despite the ceasefire agreement. We must remain vigilant. The rise in antisemitism over the past two years has been deeply troubling. We must continue to stand together, visibly and vocally, as proud members and allies of the Jewish community.

While the days ahead may still carry uncertainty, we must not lose sight of the light that community, compassion, and resilience bring. Let us move forward with strength in our identity, unity in our purpose, and hope in our hearts.

May this moment mark the beginning of comfort and renewal for the people of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Rebecca Asbell and Benaron Gleiberman
Co-Presidents, Jewish Federation of Edmonton