Former Gaza Hostage Matan Angrest Celebrates Rosh Hashanah at Home

Matan Angrest Celebrates Rosh Hashanah at Home After Captivity

Last year, Anat and Hagi Angrest did not buy holiday groceries, plan meals, or know where they would spend Rosh Hashanah eve. Their son, Matan, was still held captive by Hamas in Gaza, leaving the family suspended in time and grief.

This year, the Angrest family table is set again. Matan returned from a five-month trip to South America just in time to celebrate the holiday with his parents and three siblings. "My mind is only now processing that this is really happening tonight," Matan says. "Thank God I am here after a year, celebrating Rosh Hashanah for the first time with everyone close to me. Free, happy. This is our victory."

"I tried to hold onto hope that one day I would get out and celebrate the holiday with my family. It is hard to describe the depth of the sadness and pain, surviving the days while strongly feeling my parents and siblings." — Matan Angrest

The National and Personal Toll

Reflecting on the months of agonizing uncertainty over captive release deals, Anat notes the cruel dilemmas they faced. While overjoyed to have their son home, the family lives alongside the grief of those who did not return. "We learned how to be happy and sad at the same time. I didn't even know that was possible," Anat says.

Looking forward, Matan plans to focus on his rehabilitation and reconnecting with friends and family. Anat hopes Israeli society will embrace the values of unity and mutual responsibility demonstrated by the young generation during the war.