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Hope Amid Heartache: SWC Responds to Release of First Hostages

January 19, 2025

The Simon Wiesenthal Center stands in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people around the world upon the release of the first three hostages from the 94 being held by Hamas. We shed tears of joy for those freed, while our hearts remain heavy with anguish for those still held who continue to endure unimaginable suffering and those who did not live to see this day. 
 
Hamas’ heinous and inhumane actions, initiated with the barbaric assault on October 7, 2023, persist as a stain on humanity, overshadowing even this initial deal with the specter of ongoing brutality. The Simon Wiesenthal Center emphasizes that critical to long-lasting peace is the removal of the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza, whose ultimate goal is the destruction of the Jewish State. We remain resolute in our pursuit of justice and our unyielding demand for the safe return of every hostage. May their freedom come swiftly, and may peace and security be restored to all. 

For further information, please email Erik Simon at esimon@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed. 

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).  

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