After more than two agonizing years in captivity, the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released Monday, signaling the initial phases of the end of the Israel-Hamas war, a conflict that rocked communities across the world. The release marks a significant milestone, hopefully closing a painful chapter in world history that began on Oct. 7, 2023.

New Yorkers from all backgrounds and faiths reacted to the emotional news with a mix of tears of joy, cheers and somber tones of relief.

“I’m very grateful the 20 living hostages are home and pray they will slowly heal,” said Lyss Stern of the Upper East Side. "It's an amazing historic day. They’re home just in time for the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah.”

Another New Yorker, getting coffee at a Queens deli, shared similar sentiments.

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