Today, as we celebrate the long-awaited return of the 20 living hostages, our joy is tempered by profound sorrow. Jewish Federations of North America stand in solidarity and in prayer with the families of the four hostages whose bodies are being returned to Israel.
 

Today, pending positive identification by Israeli authorities, we remember:
 

Guy Illouz, 26, from Ra’anana, who was known for his love of music and was a sound technician for several Israeli musicians.
  

Yossi Sharabi, 53, from Kibbutz Be’eri, who had strong ties to his faith, observed religious tradition and played a role in the kibbutz’s synagogue. 

Capt. Daniel Perez. 22, a platoon commander in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion, from Yad Binyamin, who was killed battling Hamas on October 7 and his body kidnapped to Gaza.
 

Bipin Joshi, 23, who was from the outskirts of Nepal, was in Kibbutz Alumim for only three weeks before being taken captive on October 7.
 

For more than two years, their loved ones have lived through unbearable uncertainty, clinging to hope amid heartbreak. Today, that hope gives way to mourning. We pray that these families may find comfort in the embrace of the Israeli people, and that they can finally lay their loved ones to rest with dignity.
 

Their memories will forever be a blessing — a reminder of the devastating toll of terror and of the resilience of the Israeli spirit.
 

Jewish Federations join with Israelis and Jews around the world in both gratitude and grief — united in our prayers for peace, healing, and the safe return of all who remain in captivity. We continue to pray for the speedy return of all remaining hostage bodies.