Richmond synagogue reacts to Israeli-Hamas ceasefire, hostages freed

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – A Richmond synagogue is reacting after hostages held by Hamas and prisoners held by Israel in Gaza were set free.

On Monday, Oct. 13, as part of a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Israel and Hamas released 20 remaining living hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

In Richmond, Keneseth Beth Israel rabbi Dovid Asher said members of the Jewish community are relieved to see loved ones returning home. 

"It’s been hell and a horror story for two years, knowing that our fellow Jewish brothers and sisters were held hostage and kidnaped,” Asher said.

Asher said antisemitism had increased since the war in Gaza started in 2023, particularly near the synagogue. He hopes this latest deal will spawn peace for everyone overseas. 

“There have been verbal attacks at our parishioners and people coming to services here, it's concerning, and we're hoping for peace,” Asher said. “We’re all against terrorism, and we want freedom and democracy and want to move on from this war that Hamas started on October 7th. We want peace for Palestinian families and for Israeli families as soon as possible.”

The rabbi celebrated, along with others, the freedom of hostages.

Hamas said they will release 4 of the 28 deceased Israeli captives. While Israel said it freed more than 1900 Palestinian prisoners.