Israel transfixed as freed hostages embrace tearful families

(JNS) - "My life, my life," cried out Einav Zangauker, embracing her son, Matan, for the first time in one of many emotional moments, as the 20 living hostages embraced their joyful families upon their return to Israel after 738 days in Hamas captivity.

Hamas kidnapped Matan and his girlfriend Ilana Gritzewsky from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7, 2023.

On Dec. 7, 2024, Hamas published a letter that it said was from Matan.

"We are still alive. We want to return safely before we go crazy," the letter stated. "Isolation kills, and the darkness is frightening. We die 1,000 times a day."

Tz...