Twenty living Israeli hostages are expected to be released by Hamas Monday morning, marking an early step of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire that went into effect Friday.
Members of the local Jewish community gathered in Downtown Bellevue Park Sunday afternoon to cautiously celebrate the end of a painful two years since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
Most in attendance were overcome with emotion, both joy and pain, with some wearing the number 737 on their chests to signify the number of days Israeli people have been held captive.
The gathering was organized by the Seattle chapter of Run for Their Lives. The group has been gathering every Sunday since the 2023 attack, but they’re hopeful this week will be their last.
“It’s been such a long road for us, I cannot even imagine how 20 people survived 737 days in captivity,” said Shirly Mittelman, choked with tears.
People came together and marched through downtown Bellevue while chanting in hope and excitement as they waited for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.
“It’s just amazing, it’s beyond joy,” said Sasha Matison. “The culmination of the two years of sorrow, pain, and now it’s all coming to fruition. It’s amazing.”
However, some fear remains about ensuring a successful and peaceful release by Hamas. “It feels scary, because anything can happen between now,” Mittelman continued. “Until they are hugging an IDF soldier and we know that they’re home, it’s really hard.”
As part of the deal, Israel will also release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allow for immediate ‘full aid’ to the war-torn Gaza region.
Trucks from Egypt will deliver medical supplies, blankets, food, and fuel, according to the Egyptian Red Crescent. The United Nations has said it has about 170,000 metric tons of food and medicine ready to be delivered to Gaza, as well.
In August, the World Health Organization declared that more than half a million people in Gaza were trapped in famine.
“I want to see peace. I want to see Israel secured, and I want to see peace in the region. That’s what we all hope for,” Matison stated.
As time ticks closer to the expected hostage release, this local community will continue to lean on each other. “We hope, we celebrate life, and we can’t wait for them to be home,” Mittelman said.
In addition to the 20 living hostages, another 28 deceased Israeli hostages are expected to be released. Officials said they will be identified and then returned to loved ones in Israel.
