by Dennis Augustine
Tears of joy flowed through Israel today and Cecile and I shed quite a few as the nightmare of being held captive came to an end. In one of the most emotional days in recent memory, all 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas were released under President Trump’s negotiated agreement.
As the freed men, women, and children embraced their loved ones — parents clutching sons, children running into the arms of mothers — tens of thousands gathered in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, waving flags, singing, and weeping with gratitude. Hostage Square is now Freedom Square.
The exchange, which also saw Israel begin releasing Palestinian prisoners, marked the official end of the two-year Gaza conflict — a delicate, hard-won peace forged through courage and conviction.
President Donald J. Trump arrived in Israel just as the hostages returned home. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog greeted him at Ben Gurion Airport, thanking him for his relentless pursuit of peace and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
This wasn’t mere politics — it was humanity at its finest. A day when strength brought compassion, and leadership delivered hope. When the brave and the bold stand together, even the impossible begins to bend.
Israel also received the bodies of 4 hostages from the Red Cross today. May their memories be a blessing.
