By Julie Rayman
American Jewish Committee
(Photo: AJC)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Saturday, Feb. 1, all of us at American Jewish Committee (AJC) are filled with relief and hope, along with a deep sense of worry and sadness.
In another emotional moment for Israel and the Jewish people, we witnessed the long-awaited release of Israeli-American Keith Siegel, French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon, and Yarden Bibas after enduring 484 excruciating days in Hamas’ terror dungeons.
They are finally back where they belong, Israel, joining recently-released hostages Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud, Gadi Moses, Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and five Thai citizens.
Keith, a U.S. citizen and resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, reunited with his beloved wife, Aviva, and their four children. Aviva was held hostage by Hamas until a temporary truce freed her in November 2023. AJC has been honored to help Keith and Aviva’s family members, and Aviva since her release, in raising the plight of all the hostages. Aviva has been a fierce advocate and an inspiration throughout this horrific journey.
Ofer is reunited with his family, including two children—Erez and Sahar—who were also taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz and later released in November 2023.
Yarden Bibas, his wife, Shiri, and their two little boys, Ariel and Kfir, were all stolen by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz and separated in Gaza. This beautiful family has become an enduring symbol of both the tragedy and hope that has consumed us every day since October 7. Our hearts are with the extended Bibas family as they do the unimaginable—welcome Yarden home without Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. We will continue praying for their family.
Each homecoming brings me immense happiness; it’s a triumph for those who choose light over darkness. Yet, at the same time, my heart aches knowing that so many hostages remain at the mercy of terrorists in Gaza, and some have been murdered by their ruthless captors.
This is why we must bring every single hostage home—now. We cannot stop pressing for negotiations to continue and ensure that Hamas abides by the hostage release agreement.
I urge you to join AJC in calling on Congress to sustain pressure on Hamas to stick to the deal and release the hostages.
As the hostage agreement continues on, so too will our advocacy—just as we have for the last 15 months for more than 50 hostage families around the world.
As the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, AJC won’t let the world forget about the hostages. We’re committed to amplifying their stories, sharing the facts about their captivity, and equipping everyone with the tools needed to stand up and speak out for them and their families.
Because, until all the hostages are home, none of us are.
Here are resources and analysis all advocates for the hostages and Israel need:
Who Are the Israeli Hostages Being Released? Full Schedule and Latest Updates
Freed Israeli Hostages: What They Endured in Captivity and How They Survived
Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal: What You Need to Know
Meet the Six American Hostages Still Held By Hamas
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Julie Rayman is AJC’s managing director of policy and political affairs.