Conversations about support for students affected by the war

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After spending 583 days as a hostage in Gaza, Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli citizen, was released. A moment of relief rippled through Gainesville, where some Jewish students say the moment brought a sense of healing and hope.

Alexander’s release was part of an agreement organized by the U.S. and international leaders. At the University of Florida, home to one of the largest Jewish student populations in the country, students say the conflict between Israel and Hamas feels personal.

“I waited so long for his release, I was ecstatic,” said Elizabeth Feldman,...