Israel Marks First Rosh Hashanah Since Oct. 7 Without Hostages Remaining in Gaza
Israel entered Rosh Hashanah with a significant change from the previous Jewish New Years since the October 7 attack: no Israeli hostages remained in Gaza.
JERUSALEM — Israelis began observing Rosh Hashanah at sunset Friday, marking the first Jewish New Year since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack without hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip.
The final 20 living hostages had returned to Israel following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement after Rosh Hashanah in 2025.
Former hostages were among those celebrating the holiday with their families. Matan Angrest, who was released last year, returned from traveling abroad to spend Rosh Hashanah with his parents and described the experience of finally celebrating the holiday at home as a deeply meaningful moment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the return of the hostages in his Rosh Hashanah message, recalling that bringing them home had been one of Israel's greatest hopes during the previous year.
Netanyahu called for national unity as Israel prepares for elections next month, saying the Jewish New Year should be a time to remember what connects the Israeli people despite political disagreements.
President Isaac Herzog also issued a holiday message, remembering Israeli soldiers, victims of terrorism and Jews killed in antisemitic attacks around the world. He pointed to the sound of the shofar as a reminder of both reflection and those who have been lost.
The holiday arrived during a period of reduced major combat, but Israel continues to face security concerns on several fronts.
The Israeli military remained alert for possible escalation involving Iran, while fighting and military operations have continued at lower levels in Gaza and Lebanon.
For many Israelis, this Rosh Hashanah therefore begins with a combination of gratitude, remembrance and continued uncertainty, but without families waiting for loved ones to return from captivity in Gaza.
Reference: timesofisrael/israel-celebrates-first-rosh-hashanah-in-three-years-without-hostages-in-gaza/
