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Federation Statement on Release of Eight More Hostages From Gaza

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2025

Below please find a statement from Joy Sisisky, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of the Bay Area, in response to the release of eight hostages from Gaza today, including three Israelis and five Thai citizens:

“We are relieved to see that Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and Gadi Mozes have been freed from captivity in Gaza and returned to Israel. We wish them all healing on their long road to recovery, even as Gadi mourns his life partner, Efrat Katz, who was murdered on October 7.

“We are also thankful that five Thai citizens, Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak, who were working in Israel and kidnapped on October 7, have finally been released by Hamas. We join the entire Jewish world wishing them strength as they begin to recover from their hideous ordeal.

“Yet in this joyful moment, we will not forget the 82 hostages who have languished in Gaza for 482 days and are awaiting their release. We cannot rest until every last one of them is home.”


 

ABOUT JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION AND ENDOWMENT FUND

For over a century, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund has harnessed innovation, collaboration, and investment to shape diverse and dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities where people find a meaningful connection to Judaism and one another; and where we work together to better lives and communities locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at jewishfed.org.

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