Madeleine Dean: “After more than a year in captivity, 15 months of pain, fear, and horror, Israeli hostages are finally coming home. The…”

“After more than a year in captivity, 15 months of pain, fear, and horror, Israeli hostages are finally coming home. The first three to finally return to their families' arms are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher. Relatives worked tirelessly to get their loved ones home, and I have had the heart- wrenching privilege of meeting with many of them. Just last month, I met with Yarden Gonen, Romi's sister, and Aviva Siegel for the third time since October 7. Aviva was taken hostage with her husband, Keith. Aviva was released between the pauses of 2023, 51 days later, but Keith remains in Gaza. He is expected to be released in this phase of the ongoing cease-fire. After 15 months too many, Romi, Emily, Doron, and, God willing, 30 others will return home and then the remaining 70. We must see this bilateral cease-fire through. We must ensure all hostages return home. God bless the people of Israel. God bless the hostages, living and dead. May they all come home soon. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. ____________________”