Earlier Monday, a wave of jubilation washed over Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. The audience cheered in jubilation as the first seven Israeli hostages were announced freed from Hamas’s hellish imprisonment after two agonizing years. The announcement ignited celebrations among families and supporters who have gathered daily in the square, showing solidarity with those held in Gaza.
The crowd erupted in cheers shortly after 8:15 AM local time when news of the hostages’ release broke. Close to 65,000 people packed Hostages Square. They clapped and cheered as they watched the semifinal go down live on the big screens. These emotional scenes cut deep, like the sometimes ecstatic reactions of families who found out their loved ones were not dead.
During the last two years Hostages Square has served as the potent focal point. It has brought together advocates from across the spectrum calling for the safe return of all hostages. The square, which overlooks the Israeli military headquarters, has been filled with people each day, urging their leaders to condemn these crimes. As we learned that the first 50 hostages had been released, the room went from that tenor of disbelief to one of dazed hope and elation.
To the families, these celebrations took on a different view, showing them the much-needed assurance of their loved one’s survival. Omri Miran, one of those released Israeli hostages, came home to an incredibly touching heroes’ welcome. His family back in Reim welcomed him with happiness and relief. His return escape celebratory jubilance set off wild cheering, clapping, and exuberance of the crowd packed into Hostages Square.
“After more than 700 long, painful, and agonising days, Omri will finally receive from [his children] Roni and Alma a healing embrace. We want to thank the people of Israel from the bottom of our hearts for standing by us in the darkest hours.” – The family of Omri Miran
The happiness was infectious all along the square as revelers celebrated what it took to get to this history-making achievement. What former U.S. President Donald Trump, and a host of other attendees, thanked them for recently was the opposite. They praised him for playing a key role in the release of the now free hostages.
The rest of the Matan Angrest family, an Israel Defense Force soldier, thanked Trump personally in public celebrations. Their songs of thanksgiving rang through the square as they welcomed their son back home.
“We can breathe again. Our Matan is home… A huge, historic, eternal thank you to the president of the United States and his team who worked with dedication and persistence for the rescue and return of our loved ones.” – The family of Matan Angrest
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his joy at the hostages’ release. He even recognized its deep importance to families with service members and to the nation.
“With thanks to God we welcome our loved ones. We are waiting for everyone – every last one.” – Isaac Herzog
Just as Trump was touching down in Israel, he flew over Hostages Square on Air Force One. This flight represented, in tangible form, his administration’s achievement of brokered negotiations for the release of these hostages. He spoke to the exuberant crowd and told them how happy he was to see all of this come together.
“This is my great honour – a great and beautiful day. A new beginning.” – Donald Trump
The emotional backdrop to the festivities was underlined by the sorrow for those who were not returned alive. Families were understandably torn between happiness that their loved ones were safe and home from the hospital, sadness and confusion that others hadn’t made it.
“The joy in our family is mixed with sadness for those murdered and for those who were not returned alive,” – The family of Matan Angrest
Cheers erupted in Hostages Square as conference-goers celebrated their victory with thanks to Trump. His impact on this most crucial moment in Israeli history was underscored by their chants.