Family and friends celebrate the release of Israeli hostages

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

He was one of 20 Israeli hostages freed 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 thrilled,” Mittman said of his cousin’s release. “He seemed in good spirits, according to his grandfather, who I spoke to earlier today.”

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

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

Gladys Fink Senderowitsch, owner of Nana’s Kitchen in Narberth, called the moment highly anticipated.

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

Senderowitsch also spoke about close family friends Iair and Eitan Horn, who are now 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 area to support hostage families, called the day bittersweet.

“We are not there yet. We still have 28 bodies of hostages to return to their families,” Ofer said. “We still have to complete all the stages of the peace agreement.”

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