For 15 months, we chanted, “Bring them home!” We wore yellow ribbons, put up posters with their pictures and attended demonstrations. Now, at long last, they have begun to trickle back. Three weeks ago, after 15 arduous months, three hostages—Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari—were freed from captivity. Over the weekend of Jan. 25, we celebrated the release of four more hostages: Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, all aged 20, and 19-year-old Liri Albag, who were serving with the Israel Defense Forces. On Thursday, Jan. 30, we welcomed home Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses. Five Thai nationals were also released: Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak. And most recently, we welcomed home Yarden Bibas, Ofer Calderon and Keith Siegel after 484 days in Hamas captivity.

While we celebrated their return, we also faced Hamas breaking its agreement that female civilians would be the first hostages released. Yehud, who has family in the Philadelphia area, was released on Thursday, Jan. 30, after a delay. Although Bibas is now home, his wife Shiri and two young sons Ariel, 5 and Kfir, 2, are still held hostage in Gaza, with their fate unknown at the time of this writing. 

• A “V” for victory
• A wave turned into a “V”
• The letter shin (ש), symbolizing “Shaddai,” a Hebrew name of God
• A heart

While we are relieved to see these hostages return, Israel is paying a steep price. For every Israeli hostage returned, Israel releases 30 to 50 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are terrorists with blood on their hands. For many, no price is too great to ensure the hostages’ return. Protecting its citizens and being there for Jews worldwide is central to Israel’s existence—a belief, a vision and a contract between Israel and the Jewish people, a contract which many Israelis feel was broken on Oct. 7.

However, critics of the cease-fire deal point to its long-term risks. Yahya Al-Sinwar, the mastermind of the Oct. 7 massacre, was freed in a similar exchange for Gilad Shalit. Is there ever a price too high to pay?

Tragically, the Jewish people have a long history of ransoming captives. Pidyon shvuyim, the “redemption of captives,” is a core Jewish commandment considered among the greatest mitzvot in the Torah. Daily prayers even include a blessing for redeeming captives. However, the Talmud warns against paying an unreasonable price, cautioning that it could encourage more kidnappings and endanger society.

After the Nova Festival massacre, “We will dance again” became a rallying cry of defiance against Hamas. Now, we find ourselves navigating a fragile and painful path as we strive to bring our hostages home.

Thinking back to Damari’s hand, it resembles the “I love you” symbol in sign language. Despite everything, there is still hope, love and a capacity to heal. Rabbi Gordis offered the most profound interpretation of her hand: “She’s home, and she’ll heal. But she’ll never be whole. Just like this country.”

Stories from released hostages reveal they were aware of the rallies and efforts made for their freedom. Some even joked about the photos chosen for their posters. Knowing they felt our support underscores the importance of continuing to raise our voices as a community to demand the release of the remaining hostages.

We pray this cease-fire holds and that the trickle of returning hostages continues, week after torturous week, until every last one is brought home. May their return be swift, and may the healing begin.

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This op-ed was written by Jeffrey Lasday, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's senior chief external affairs prior to Feb. 3, 2025 and reflects current events and information available up until that date.