The release of the Israeli hostages Monday prompted relief in the Marblehead Jewish community and beyond.
“We have been waiting for this day for more than two years,” said Marblehead teen David Magen, who organized a vigil for the hostages on Sunday at Abbot Hall with his friend Joseph Meltzer.
“There is nothing more important than reuniting the hostages with their families,” Magen told the Current. “Today should be a day that Jews around the world can finally rejoice and take a deep breath. A thank you is due to non-Jews and Jews alike for the constant effort to bringing everyone home. After 738 days, the hostages are finally free.”
Rabbi Michael Schwartz, of Temple Sinai expressed joy about the hostage release, but added, “All the joy of this day is tinged with a hesitancy and a double sorrow. A first sorrow that the terrorist group Hamas caused so much suffering for Israelis and even more so for their own Palestinian people; and a second sorrow that we Israelis were the instrument of so much suffering for those Palestinians in Gaza who would choose to live with us in peace.”
Rabbi David Meyer of Marblehead said, “Today’s events give us a moment to pause, and to reflect on the possibilities of a hopeful tomorrow. As Jews, we’ve been called ‘prisoners of hope.’ So I am grateful for the blessing of seeing hostages returning to their dear ones and still hold onto our hopes for peace for the future of our children, and our people and for the entire region.”
Magen and Meltzer started a nonprofit called Fighting Antisemitism in Schools.
About 25 people came out for the Sunday vigil. Speakers, including Magen, Meltzer and freshman Eve Magen, shared their experiences being young Jewish students.
”Hopefully this event, and the nonprofit as a whole, will reach more Jewish teens across America and empower them and teach them how to combat antisemitism,” David Magen said.
Learn more about FAIS on Instagram at @fais.it.official.
