American Jewish Committee Welcomes First Stage of Agreement Securing Release of 33 Hostages

American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, welcomes the first stage of an agreement that will facilitate the release of 33 of the remaining hostages brutally abducted from Israel during Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. It also outlines a path forward to secure the release of all remaining hostages held in inhumane conditions in Gaza and potentially end more than 15 months of war and suffering for Israelis and Gazans.

"AJC is grateful to the Biden Administration, the incoming Trump Administration, and other global partners for working together to secure the first stage of the agreement," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. "We cannot wait to see the first hostages come home to their families, but the critical work to free every hostage - regardless of age, gender, or nationality - must continue. The international community must persist in its efforts to ensure that every hostage is reunited with their loved ones."

While AJC is relieved by the news of the imminent release of 33 hostages-and remains hopeful for the release of the remaining 65 hostages in the months ahead-we continue to mourn the many hostages who were murdered on October 7 and during their captivity in Gaza. We also honor and mourn the brave Israel Defense Forces soldiers who sacrificed their lives to help secure their freedom and defend the Jewish state.

Since October 7, 2023, AJC has mobilized its entire global advocacy operation to work toward the release of the hostages. We have worked closely with the families of hostages - many of whom are dual nationals - to facilitate meetings with community and government leaders in the U.S. and worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need to bring home every person kidnapped on October 7. During visits to Washington, D.C., New York, Miami, Paris, Brussels, Rome, and other cities around the world, AJC has assisted more than 50 families of hostages in sharing their stories with more than 200 Members of Congress, media outlets, the State Department, high-level administration officials, diplomats, the ICRC, UN officials, and Jewish communities.

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org .

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