Kibbutz Be’eri: ‘We are excited, but also vigilant. We will not let up until the last hostage is home’

Ofer Gitai, community manager at Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the hardest hit communities on October 7, cautiously welcomes the announcement of a deal.

“We are extremely excited, but also vigilant, and will not let up until the last hostage has returned to Israel,” he says.

Hamas terrorists murdered 102 kibbutz residents on October 7, 2023, and abducted 30. The organization is still holding the bodies of Yossi Sharabi, Manny Godard, Sahar Baruch, and Dror Or.

“It’s a day of mixed emotions,” Gitai says. “Alongside the huge joy and anticipation of the return of the kidnapped to the bosom of their families, there is deep sadness for the loved ones whose lives were cruelly cut short.”

He adds that the “very possibility of mourning together, on our land, is comforting and provides an opening for the first step on the long road to rehabilitation after two unbearably difficult years.”

Godard’s family issues a statement thanking US President Donald Trump.

“After two years of hell, an entire country has awakened to a morning of hope.

“We pray that all the living hostages return to us on their feet, and that the deceased hostages, including our father, Manny Godard, will soon be reunited with us for a proper burial on the soil of this country,” the statement goes on.

It adds, “We want to thank each of the families of the fallen, who lost the one they loved the most. Your sons gave their lives at this very moment. We want to hug you and remind you what heroes they are. We will be forever grateful.”

“The prayers of an entire country are on the way to fulfilment, and the wound that has been bleeding for more than two years will finally begin a long process of healing,” says Aviad Friedman, head of the Tekuma Directorate, tasked with rehabilitating the Gaza border communities.

“We embrace the families warmly and promise to continue working for the restoration of life in the Tekuma region, with faith, commitment, and love,” he goes on.

He adds, “Since the first day of the Tekuma Directorate’s operation, the absence of the hostages has accompanied us on every step we have taken. When they are home, we will be able to see a true process of rebirth. The return home of the living to life, and of our fallen to be buried on our land, strengthens us all and reminds us what we are fighting for — the right to live here in security and hope. We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the authorities and communities of the region to realize our shared vision of rebirth and doubling the number of its residents.”