Tears, smiles, joy, and grief—an emotional spectrum was clearly visible on Saturday as parents, siblings, and loved ones embraced four Israeli young women who returned from Hamas captivity. 19-year-old Liri Albag and 20-years-old Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev were surveillance soldiers at the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border when Hamas kidnapped them as part of the October 7, 2024 terror massacre. The deal between Hamas and Israel to return them and other hostages home is viciously complex—including Israel releasing terrorists with blood on their hands in exchange—but for these families in these moments, those fears and concerns were for another time and place.
“A wave of relief and joy envelops us after 477 long, unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting,” Albag’s family said in a statement posted to the Bring Them Home Now page on X (formerly Twitter). “Finally, we’ve been able to see Liri, embrace her, and know she’s with us, safe, surrounded by the love of her family. Liri demonstrated superhuman strength and survived hell, and we are so proud of her steadfast endurance under impossible conditions.”
Just weeks before, the Albag family had voiced anguish and deep concern over their daughter after Hamas released a propaganda video showing her in captivity. On Saturday, that pain began the journey back to joy. “We want to wholeheartedly thank everyone who stood by us, supported us, prayed, and sent love during these difficult days,” the Albags said in their statement on X. “Your support was our beacon of light.”
The four women were the second round of hostages freed by the Gaza terrorist organization, and not without controversy. In releasing soldiers without also freeing civilian Arbel Yehud, Hamas has already violated the original agreement with Israel to release civilian women first—raising concerns that the fragile ceasefire and captive release deal could yet collapse. For now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated this moment with Shira and Eli Albag, Liri’s parents.
“My wife and I, together with the entire people of Israel, embrace Liri and her friends who have emerged into a great light,” Netanyahu told the Albags in comments translated and published by Israel.
“I am pleased that in our great efforts, of the IDF and all those involved, we succeeded in bringing this about. This is truly a great day. We are working on the release of everyone else.”
That sentiment of pushing for release of the 90 remaining hostages—including fellow Nahal Oz female soldier Agam Berger—was a common theme from the families of the four women released on Saturday. As Naama Levy’s family said in their statement posted by Bring Them Home Now on X, “We are overjoyed and moved to see Naama standing strong and returning to us. Our hearts are with the Berger and Yehoud families who are still waiting for their loved ones. We will not rest until the last hostage returns.”
The United States, via a State Department spokesman press release, joined in the public statements supporting the return of the four Israeli women on Saturday.
“The United States celebrates the release of the four Israeli hostages held in captivity for 477 days. It is critical that the ceasefire implementation continues and that all of the hostages are freed from Hamas captivity and safely returned to their families. We continue to mourn the innocent lives lost at the hands of Hamas terrorism since October 7, 2023.”
Among the wave of emotions expressed by the families was gratitude, including gratitude directed towards Heaven. Daniella Gilboa’s family started with a traditional Jewish blessing in their statement on X, saying, “Blessed are you, our God, who has provided us with life, and sustained us, and brought us to this moment. Our Daniella, Nushi, has survived 477 days in the hell of Gaza and has finally returned to our family’s embrace. How we’ve prayed for this moment!
“We pray for Agam’s swift return and for all those still held captive. Thank you, people of Israel, for all your prayers and support during this time—we couldn’t have made it through without you.”
In their statement on X, Karina Ariev’s family put in writing feelings captured in the heartwarming and heartbreaking pictures of the captives’ return home. “Our hearts are filled with immense gratitude and joy. After 477 tumultuous days of pain, worry, and endless anxiety—we finally got to embrace our beloved Karina, hear her voice, and see her smile that once again fills us with light. Our Karina is a symbol of courage, heart, and determination, and we are proud of her beyond words.”
The trauma of October 7 endures for the nation of Israel that has mourned the murder of nearly 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and a hostage crisis that still continues for 90 additional captives and their families. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in his comments on X welcoming the return of the four soldiers, called the young women “heroes” and reiterated the kaleidoscope of emotions experienced by so many.
“We watched you smile, and we wept. An entire nation weeps and rejoices with you at this moment. We are overjoyed to see you smiling and finally reunited with your wonderful families. We pray that you find strength in your journey of healing and recovery, surrounded by endless love and support,” said Herzog.
“‘With bitter tears and a joyful heart’—at this moment, our hearts are with the Bibas, Yehud, and Berger families, and with all the anxious and worried families whose loved ones have not yet returned. We will not rest until we bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza—the living to their loving families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity.”
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, January 26, 2025)