Members of the St. Louis Jewish community reacted with a mix of joy, relief and cautious optimism after Monday’s announcement that the 20 living hostages held in Gaza had finally been returned, two years after their capture. Many said the moment brought renewed hope — not only for the freed hostages and their families, but for the possibility of lasting peace in the Middle East.

‘Now I can really mean it’

Naomi Elbaz, the shlichah (Israel Engagement Coordinator) at the Jewish Community Center, said she was awake in the early morning hours of Monday speaking with friends watching the news unfold in Israel.

“In Israel everyone is happy,” she said. “Not only the friends and families of the hostages, but just the people of Israel and Israelis that took to the street to really be a part of this historic day.”

Now that the hostages have been returned, Elbaz said she can be honest with herself when describing her feelings.

“I am really happy, and when someone asks me how I’m doing and I say ‘fine,’ now I can really mean it,” she said.

Joy, gratitude and reflection

Rabbi Chaim Landa, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, said the return of the hostages near Simchat Torah — the same holiday they were taken on in 2023 — adds special meaning to this year’s celebration.

“My dancing this Simchat Torah will certainly be filled with renewed joy and gratitude,” he said. “I am overjoyed and deeply relieved that the living hostages have finally returned home.”

Danny Cohn, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, called the return “a moment of profound relief,” and said he hopes it “paves the way for lasting peace and security for all.”

David Cohen, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, expressed a similar sentiment and urged “a healing process that is long overdue.”

‘The air feels different’

Kalanit Chappell, who runs the Jews in the Lou Facebook group, described the moment as “the beginning of repair” for the Jewish community.

“The air feels different, as if grief itself has taken a breath,” she said. “This moment does not erase the pain or bring back what’s been lost, but it plants a small foundation for peace.”

While she welcomed the return of the living hostages, St. Louis Friends of Israel co-president Galit Lev-Harir expressed concern about the 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released as part of the exchange but remained hopeful.

“I’m optimistic that this deal will usher in a new era of growth and prosperity, in which we will soon see more countries joining the historic Abraham Accords,” she said.

Hope, politics and peace

Lev-Harir and Washington University junior Matthew Isaacs, co-president of the Chabad Board, both credited President Donald Trump for ensuring the deal’s success.

“I think the credit is objectively owed to President Trump, whether you agree with his other politics or not,” Isaacs said.

He views the hostages’ return as an important first step in Trump’s peace plan but doubts Hamas will fully demilitarize. Still, he said, “The struggle of the last two years has bonded the Jewish community in ways that are incredible.”

The videos of reunited families brought Reverend Lauren Bennett, the lead Pastor at Metro Community Church of Greater St. Louis, to tears.

“Seeing the relief and joy of the hostages coming home felt like watching a miracle,” she said. “Likewise, to see Palestinian prisoners released to their families was like watching rain fall in the desert.”

At Central Reform Congregation, Rabbi Daniel Bogard said the news allowed him to “exhale a little bit” and “dream of a better future again.”

“I’m stunned that it really happened,” he said. “I haven’t let myself believe that somehow these people could go back home and be held by arms that love them. My heart doesn’t even know what to do with that emotion.”

Bogard said lasting peace will require ending suffering on both sides. “If the day-to-day violence that has been inflicted upon Gaza can end, that in and of itself means so much human misery can finally begin to end,” he said.

A day of celebration — and memory

State Rep. Ray Reed, whose district spans from Brentwood to south St. Louis County, said leadership will determine whether the ceasefire holds.

“Leadership in moments like this isn’t about victory, it’s about restraint, something that I pray this administration can display,” he said.

He added that young people will lead the call for peace. “Throughout history, it’s been young people who challenge us to live up to our highest ideals,” Reed said.

Charlie Weingarten, senior and co-president of WashU Hillel, called the moment “a turning point, but not an ending point.”

“I don’t see this as a sign that antisemitic attacks are going to stop,” she said. “Our community is not the same as it was before Oct. 7.”

Even in celebration, Elbaz said she can’t stop thinking about those who did not return.

“It is a happy day, but it’s bittersweet because they’re not all home,” she said. “We need to bring them home. We can’t forget about them.”