(The Center Square) – Three months ago, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp met with the family of hostage Evyatar David, pleading for his release.
On Monday, the governor celebrated his release, along with 19 other hostages who were held by Hamas for more than two years.
“Along with Israelis and members of the Jewish faith from around the world, we are truly thankful today for the peace that has returned to the Holy Land and for the long-prayed for return of the hostages,” Kemp said in a social media post. “At long last, Evyatar David and others who were taken by evil men two years ago have returned where they belong – at home with their loved ones.”
Evyatar was forced by his captors to watch accounts of other hostages’ releases, Kemp said at a July 10 news conference with Evyatar’s brother, Ilyah and other family members. He was kidnapped with a childhood friend from a music festival on Oct. 7, 2023.
Georgia lawmakers from both sides of the aisle praised the hostages’ release.
“I join all Georgians in celebrating the release of the remaining living hostages from Gaza,” U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., wrote on social media. “Strength to them and their families. I pray for the return of the remains of the deceased to their families, and for a lasting peace that protects Israeli and Palestinian children.”
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., called it a moment of hope and renewed purpose.
“We celebrate the safe return of the freed Israeli hostages who have endured unimaginable hardship in Hamas’ captivity. Their resilience and strength are a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit,” Loudermilk wrote on social media.
Second-term Republican President Donald Trump said in a speech to the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem that it is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.
“After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today, the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace,” Trump said.
