Family and friends celebrate the release of Israeli hostages

Family and friends gathered outside Adath Israel synagogue to celebrate the release of 22-year-old Alon Ohel, a classically trained pianist from Israel.

He was one of the 20 Israeli hostages released by Hamas on Monday.

In a symbolic gesture, Benjamin Mittman removed a poster of his cousin Ohel, marking the moment with prayer and celebration.

“We’re just overjoyed,” Mittman said about his cousin’s release. “He seemed to be in good spirits, according to his grandfather, whom I spoke to earlier today.”

Ohel was seen limping and has shrapnel in one eye, but otherwise appears to be physically okay.

“He was in the dungeons for over two years,” Mittman said.

Gladys Fink Senderowitsch, owner of Nana’s Kitchen in Narberth, described the moment as long-awaited.

“Happy and smiling – finally it was the moment we were waiting for so much,” she said.

Senderowitsch also spoke about close family friends Iair and Eitan Horn, who have now been reunited. Eitan was released months ago, and Iair was released today.

Dafna Ofer of Bala Cynwyd, who has organized dozens of vigils and rallies in the Philadelphia region to support hostage families, called the day bittersweet.

“We’re not there yet. We still have 28 more hostages’ bodies to be returned to their families,” Ofer said. “We still need to go through all steps of the peace agreement.”

A celebration for the hostages’ release is planned at Nana’s Kitchen this weekend.