Ran Gvili is finally home, and for the first time in more than a decade, there are no longer any Israeli hostages held in Gaza.  

Our community and the entire Jewish world have been yearning for this moment for 863 days. Now that it has arrived, we are filled with a mixture of emotions. We are thankful that Ran’s family and loved ones will be able to bury him at home, and that our family in Israel and the entire Jewish people can now find some measure of closure for the horrifying events of October 7, 2023. And we remember the fear and uncertainty of the last two years, three months, and 19 days.  

Please join us at 8:00 PM this evening for a brief community gathering to show solidarity with the people of Israel at this historic time. Sara Lefton, UJA’s chief development officer, will reflect on our community’s perspective, and Rabbi Rafi Lipner, UJA’s senior fellow of strategic Jewish enrichment, will share his thoughts in this moment.

Beginning tomorrow, we will also be initiating a community-wide project in honour of all the hostages. Please bring your yellow hostage ribbons, pins, dog tags, and other related materials to any of the three JCCs to take part in what is sure to be a meaningful experience. More details here. 

Adam Minsky

President & CEO

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto