BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Members of the local Jewish community joined millions worldwide Tuesday in celebrating the release of hostages, marking the end of a two-year ordeal that began during one of their most sacred holidays.

The release comes as the Jewish community observes Sukkot, the same holiday that was interrupted by the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. For local religious leaders and community members, the timing carries deep significance.

“It’s nothing but happiness,” said Ryan Goldin, president of Congregation Beth Israel. “We’ve been going through this for a couple of years now, and every day we never lose hope. We pray each and every day, and today it’s — I would say, in my opinion, it’s like celebrating the New Year times a million.”

Rabbi Akiva Hall described the emotional wei

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