The heartwarming scenes of reunion unfolded as Matan Zangauker, 25, was joyfully embraced by his mother. “You’re my life,” she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion, “My life. My hero. Come, come.” Matan, one of 20 hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, was finally freed after two long years. His mother, Einav, a tireless advocate for his release, had campaigned relentlessly, urging the Israeli government to secure a hostage exchange. Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a place that had become a symbol of hope and protest, to watch footage of Matan and the other 19 freed hostages returning to Israel. The square, usually filled with poignant vigils, now echoed with cheers and the waving of Israeli and US flags, as signs proclaiming “they’re coming home” were held high.
Matan’s partner, Ilana Gritzewsky, also taken from Nir Oz, had been released during a previous ceasefire in November. Last year, a video released by Hamas showed a visibly frail Matan, speaking of his deteriorating health due to skin ailments and the severe lack of food, water, and medicine. In a touching video call with his mother shortly after his release, Matan was reassured, “Thank God, the war is over. The war is over.” His family shared their immense relief, stating, “After two years of hell, today we begin a new chapter of our lives – one of healing and rehabilitation.”
This sentiment of relief and the beginning of a new journey was echoed by other families. The family of Evyatar David, who was taken from the Nova music festival, expressed their enduring hope: “We always knew he would return.” They added, “After two years of suffering, he is here. Now a new journey of healing will begin for Evyatar and us.” The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) played a crucial role, facilitating the safe collection of the living hostages from Gaza and their reunion with families at reception points near the border, before they were airlifted for essential medical and psychological treatment.
The return of the hostages was met with widespread celebrations across Israel. Cheers erupted as military helicopters carrying the freed individuals flew overhead. Inbar Goldstein, whose own family members were released in a previous ceasefire, shared her overwhelming happiness, acknowledging that “sad days are still ahead, but I want to separate between what I know and what I feel.” Young Israelis in Hostages Square emphasized the sense of national unity, stating, “Today all Israelis are together – it’s not about left or right, it’s about all being together to celebrate the hostages.”
However, amidst the joyous reunions, the pain of families who have lost loved ones in captivity remains. Hamas has indicated that only four bodies out of 28 would be returned, and the Israeli military is conducting forensic tests to confirm identities. The initial ceasefire agreement stipulated the handover of all deceased hostages’ remains, but acknowledged the potential difficulty in locating them. The deal also includes the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The Israel Defense Forces have urged Hamas to fulfill its commitment to return all bodies, underscoring that for many, true closure can only come with the safe return of all hostages, living and deceased.