NEW YORK, NY – In response to the release of the remaining 20 living hostages illegally held by Hamas terrorists, Carol Ann Schwartz, National President of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, released the following statement:
“Today we rejoice that the remaining 20 living hostages have finally been freed and reunited with their families. We recognize they have a challenging physical and mental rehabilitation process ahead and we embrace them as they work to reclaim their lives. Our joy is tempered as we share in the deep sorrow of the bereaved families who await their loved ones killed in captivity. May our collective strength and love hold them.
“For over two years, we have prayed and advocated for the safety and freedom of the men, women and children who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. We have celebrated every hostage release. We have wept and grieved for those murdered. And we have held our breath waiting for every last one to be returned.
“Today, we exhale, though we cannot do so fully until all 48 hostages are back in Israel. Our hearts are with all who have suffered terrible loss, all the survivors, whose spirit and resilience have been a miracle, and the hostage families who have been unflinching in their fight to bring them all home.
“Hadassah thanks our leaders in the United States, leaders in Israel and around the globe, and the negotiators for pushing for an end to this nightmare.
“We look ahead with hope to the healing and recovery of the people of Israel and to the promise of peace.”
About Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America:
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, donors and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to effect change on such critical issues as ensuring Israel’s security, combating antisemitism and promoting women’s health care. Through its Jerusalem-based hospital system, the Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah helps support exemplary care for more than 1 million people every year as well as world-renowned medical research. Hadassah’s hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality and in 2005 earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for building bridges to peace through medicine. Hadassah also supports two youth villages that set at-risk youth in Israel on the path to a successful future. Visit www.hadassah.org or follow Hadassah on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads and X.