February 8, 2025, New York, NY – The American Jewish Congress welcomes with great joy the release of Or Levy (34), Eli Sharabi (52), and Ohad Ben Ami (56) from Hamas captivity. Their long-awaited return to the loving embrace of their families and the people of Israel is a moment of profound relief and celebration.
This release, however, occurred against the backdrop of yet another violation by Hamas, which delayed for hours the disclosure of the names of those to be freed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating that he views “every violation of the agreement with the utmost severity.” Meanwhile, negotiations continue, with U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff facilitating discussions and an Israeli delegation expected to travel to Doha to pursue further implementation of the hostage release agreement and its second phase.
We were deeply moved by the images of Or, Eli, and Ohad reuniting with their families after 490 days in the brutal captivity of Hamas. These men were abducted on October 7, 2023, and endured inhumane conditions with no access to humanitarian aid.
Horrific footage of the three hostages surrounded by Hamas terrorists before being released to the Red Cross (Reuters/Anadolu Agency)
Alongside the joy, it is impossible to ignore the dire condition and severe malnutrition of the three released hostages. The images of them being led by Hamas terrorists, weak and in poor health, should resonate across the world as undeniable evidence of the war crimes and crimes against humanity being perpetrated by Hamas at this very moment against those they abducted on October 7th. These pictures serve as a painful reminder of the darkest times in our history, where we swore – Never Again!
Or, Eli, and Ohad after being brutally abducted, starved, and tortured.
Or Levy was taken from the Nova music festival, where he had gone with his wife, Einav, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists. Their three-year-old son, Almog, left with no parents on that fateful day and spent nearly half of his young life without his father. Or and Einav’s love story began in high school, leading to marriage and the birth of their beloved son. They had only just arrived at the festival when the terror unfolded. Einav was murdered while Or was taken captive alongside others, including Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ahiel, and Elia Cohen.
Eli Sharabi was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri at the age of 52. His wife, Lian, originally a volunteer in the kibbutz who fell in love with the community, was murdered on October 7 along with their two daughters, 13-year-old Yahel and 16-year-old Noya. His brother Yossi, who lived nearby, was also abducted. It remains unclear whether Eli knows the tragic fate of his family or his brother’s current condition.
Ohad Ben Ami, 55, was abducted alongside his wife, Raz, from their home in Be’eri. The couple hid for hours in their safe room as terrorists initially believed their house was empty and moved on, only to return later. Their daughter, Ela, frantically sought help, making desperate calls that were broadcast live on Israeli television, capturing the horror in real-time. Eventually, Ohad was seen being led away by Hamas terrorists, barefoot, in blue underwear, a black shirt, and sunglasses. Ohad and Raz have three daughters.
While we rejoice in the return of Or, Eli, and Ohad, we remain gravely concerned for the fate of the 73 remaining hostages still held in the clutches of Hamas. The American Jewish Congress reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for their immediate release. Every hostage must be brought home.
