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Toronto’s Jewish community ‘thrilled’ at news of hostages rescued

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Toronto’s Jewish community ‘thrilled’ at news of hostages rescued

Published Jun 08, 2024  •  2 minute read

People gather with Israeli national flags outside Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre in Ramat Gan on Saturday, June 8, 2024 where Israeli hostages were transferred after being freed from captivity in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 attacks, amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP /Getty Images

As participants gear up for the United Jewish Appeal’s Walk With Israel event Sunday morning, reports that four Israeli hostages were rescued from Gaza and reunited with their families was welcome news for Toronto’s Jewish community.

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On Saturday, Israel said its army freed Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41 after they were held captive by members of Hamas following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack.

“The community is thrilled at the news of the four hostages being rescued in Gaza by the Israelis,” said Steve McDonald, communications VP at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

“It’s been, for the families, eight months where they’ve had loved ones missing in Gaza with no access to Red Cross, no confirmation of their condition. It’s been a nightmare.”

McDonald said the organization is expecting the five kilometre walk, which begins 9:30 a.m. on Bathurst St. near Lawrence Ave. W., to be the largest in the event’s 55-year history in the wake of the attack.

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He also expects a lot of people will be talking about the rescue mission during the walk.

“On top of the fact that people were already quite excited about the walk … the news (Saturday) is going to make people feel even more lifted,” McDonald said.

Toronto Police say there will be a heightened police presence as some protesters of Israel’s war against Hamas are expected to show up to possibly disrupt the event.

Police say officers will be present along the route alongside cops from Hamilton, Niagara, York, Durham and the Ontario Provincial Police.

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Among the thousands of people from the Jewish community and allies participating in the walk will be former Israeli hostages, their family members, survivors from Kibbutz Be’eri and others affected by the attack.

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Funds raised by UJA will be used to support the work of partner non-governmental organizations in Israel, including programs to help victims of terrorism and those struggling with mental health.

Following the walk, the UJA will have exhibits at its Sherman Campus on Bathurst St., which will include a tribute to the victims of the massacre at the Nova Music Festival.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to send messages of hope to Israelis and honour the victims of Oct. 7.

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