MIAMI — A song of rejoice rang out from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation following the freeing of innocent people taken hostage by Hamas.

It was a moment two years in the making.

“On one hand, after two years, there’s a loss of reunions that will never take place,” said Greater Miami Jewish Federation CEO Scott Kaufman.

There is a unique relationship between the Jewish community in Miami and Israel.

As the living hostages are reunited with their families, the connection between South Florida and Israel is ever present.

“We are so grateful for freedom,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Counsel General Ayellet Black.

For two years, photos of the hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 have plastered the walls of the federation. On Monday they were taken down.

The faces and names were in daily prayers.

Monday was an emotional day as many celebrated the lives who are coming home, and mourning the lives who were lost.

Emotional moments as Greater Miami Jewish Federation celebrates release of hostages

Rosh Lowe