COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The relief and joy surrounding the return of Israeli hostages home is being felt all the way to the Fountain City.
Rabbi Laurence Schlesinger, leader of Temple Israel in Columbus, says his congregation has kept the hostages in their prayers since the attacks began back in 2023.
He called the day a moment of happiness for families being reunited and for the worldwide Jewish community.
"So it's a day of joy," Schlesinger expressed.
Schlesinger expressed gratitude for the efforts of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in working toward a ceasefire, but said he remains cautiously optimistic about what lies ahead.
He added, "At the same time, we're cautious because this is just the first step and it's a 20-point plan. We appreciate the President and Mr. Netanyahu working together on this. There are still major steps to go. We cross our fingers and knock on wood with the hope that the plan will ultimately be put in place."
Schlesinger added that some members of his congregation are originally from Israel, though their families were not directly affected by the Hamas attacks.
He plans to share more of his thoughts this evening on President Trump's promise of what he calls a "new era of peace in the Middle East."
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