New Orleans Jewish community reacts to hostage release

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Jewish community in New Orleans is celebrating what they call a long-awaited moment of relief, as all the remaining Israeli hostages were released.

At the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, prayers turned into tears of joy. For the first time in more than two years, Israel says there are no living hostages in Hamas’ hands, a milestone community members say they’ve been praying for since Oct. 7, 2023.

Sherri Tarr, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, said the news brought overwhelming emotion.

“It’s really a joyful day,” Tarr said. “I have to tell you. We’ve waited 738 days for this day, and our hearts are just overflowing.”

But Tarr says that relief is mixed with sadness, as many families continue to mourn those who never made it home.

“There’s a lot of trauma right now, not only for the hostages and their families, but for the entire state of Israel. We learned today that only four of the 28 deceased hostages will be going home, and we hope that by Thursday the rest of them will be at home as well.”

The federation plans to hold a community celebration on Thursday at the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie with live music from the Panorama Jazz Band, a second line and food to “dance with joy in our hearts,” Tarr said.

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