Families of freed hostages ‘overwhelmed,’ vow to fight for the rest

Some more statements from families of the hostages released today:

Tal and Adi Shoham’s families say: “This is an unforgettable moment, where all emotions are rapidly mixing together. Our Tal is with us.

“Our only request is to seize this window of opportunity to secure a deal that will bring fathers back to their children. Children need their fathers.”

Eliya Cohen’s family says it is “overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude,” and had no information about his condition until he was released.

“This moment, which should be filled with joy, is also accompanied by pain over what he endured there, and for the families of those killed in the war,” says the family. “Finally, Eliya can be surrounded by his loved ones, his family, and his girlfriend, and begin a new path.”

Omer Shem Tov’s family says that “after 505 days of suffering and nightmare,” they can hug him again.

“Thank you to God, to the people of Israel for their prayers, strength, and love. Thank you to the soldiers who sacrificed for this moment, to everyone involved in the negotiations and diplomatic effort,” they say.

“We will continue to fight together with all the families and the Hostages Families Forum,” they say. “Our lives are intertwined until everyone returns.”

Itay and Maya Regev, who were kidnapped alongside Shem Tov and released in the November 2023 deal, say their “triangle is complete again.”

“Our heart is finally beating as it should, now that our best friend has returned home,” they said. “We pray and hope to witness many more moments like this. We will not stop fighting until everyone returns home.”