Thoughts on the return of the hostages in Israel
[On October 19th, 2025], I attended a celebration of the release of the hostages at Neveh Shalom. The sanctuary was almost full and we enjoyed singing songs, listening to local Rabbis and connecting as a community. We gave thanks for the release of the last group of living hostages — a moment of long-awaited relief. At the same time, we mourn deeply as we await the bodies of those who were killed and that they be returned to their families.
We rejoice for those who came home, and we grieve for those who did not. May their memories be a blessing, and may this painful chapter bring renewed hope for healing, unity, and peace for Am Yisrael.
President Mark Berkovitch
We rejoice for those who came home, and we grieve for those who did not. May their memories be a blessing, and may this painful chapter bring renewed hope for healing, unity, and peace for Am Yisrael.
President Mark Berkovitch
With deep gratitude “al Todopoderozo”, to the Almighty!
The release of the remaining living hostages has touched the hearts of our entire community. It is a moment of profound relief and gratitude — a long-awaited sign of life, courage, and resilience amid so much pain. We give thanks for every soul that has returned home, for every family that can once again embrace their loved ones. El Dio ke los guadre!
At the same time, our hearts ache for those who were taken and did not return alive. We continue to pray fervently that the bodies of all the hostages be recovered and brought back to their families for proper burial, comfort, and closure. Their memories shall forever be a blessing to our people. Ke repozen en Gan Eden!
As we share in both joy and sorrow, may this moment inspire a renewed longing for healing and unity within Am Yisrael. And above all, may it awaken a collective prayer for true and lasting peace in Israel — a peace that brings security to every home, compassion among all its people, and hope for generations to come. Am Yisrael Hai!
Rabbi Nissim Elnecavé
The release of the remaining living hostages has touched the hearts of our entire community. It is a moment of profound relief and gratitude — a long-awaited sign of life, courage, and resilience amid so much pain. We give thanks for every soul that has returned home, for every family that can once again embrace their loved ones. El Dio ke los guadre!
At the same time, our hearts ache for those who were taken and did not return alive. We continue to pray fervently that the bodies of all the hostages be recovered and brought back to their families for proper burial, comfort, and closure. Their memories shall forever be a blessing to our people. Ke repozen en Gan Eden!
As we share in both joy and sorrow, may this moment inspire a renewed longing for healing and unity within Am Yisrael. And above all, may it awaken a collective prayer for true and lasting peace in Israel — a peace that brings security to every home, compassion among all its people, and hope for generations to come. Am Yisrael Hai!
Rabbi Nissim Elnecavé
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Mailing address: 5150 SW 85th Ave. Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503.227.0010
[email protected]
