After Two Years, Hostages Finally Come Home

IFCJ Canada  |  October 15, 2025

Now is a time to praise God as on Monday, day of Hoshana Rabbah, the 7th day of Sukkot, His light truly shined on the Holy Land. After 738 days, the remaining 20 live hostages that were taken from their homes and families on October 7 have finally been returned home, thanks to the brokered peace deal to end the Hamas war. The Times of Israel reports that freed hostages were airlifted to Israeli hospitals as well as IDF bases that have been converted into intake centers.

According to the ceasefire deal, the first phase includes the remaining hostages’ release, a withdrawal of forces from Gaza, increased humanitarian aid within the city, and a prisoner exchange. The hostage release was done in two groups as they were returned to Israeli territory.

The last choppers took off from the Re’im base near Gaza with released hostages Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Eitan Horn, and brothers David and Ariel Cunio, the IDF said.

The hostages met family members at the hospitals and underwent rehabilitation after over two years in Hamas captivity.

Of the 20 hostages freed by Hamas yesterday, 11 were members of the Nova community — abducted from the Nova music festival near Re’im on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists massacred 378 in the deadliest attack of that day.

The Times of Israel and other news sources also report that only four of the deceased hostages have been returned. This comes as Hamas has previously said that it has lost contact with some of its groups managing the hostages in Gaza.

With the return of the hostages, the war can come to an end. As the U.S. President said, “…now is the time for shalom, peace, and rebuilding. Despair, uncertainty, and fear can finally give way to jubilation and healing.”

But as we move forward and take in God’s blessing of reunion and the promise of a new day, we must never forget –both the horrors and how far we’ve come since that terrible day of the Nova Music Festival. IFCJ Canada will always think about those we lost, and those we have helped.

IFCJ Canada has been on the ground supporting families of hostages, those who have been displaced, and other victims of war and terror during this unprecedented time of conflict. A total of $2.5 million has been provided in support efforts since October 7. We are grateful for the incredible amount of giving and prayers, as this period of renewal falls on the Holy Land.

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.” (Psalm 107:13-14)”