Amal Welcomes Home the Returned Hostages

Amal Educational Network joins the people of Israel in heartfelt relief and emotion following the return of 20 live hostages from Gaza! Among them was Matan Zangauker, a former student of the Amal school in Ofakim, whose story has touched the hearts of our entire educational community. Matan was kidnapped from his modest home in Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his girlfriend Ilana. Matan’s mother, Einav Zangauker, has become a symbol of the struggle to return all hostages. Ilana was released in December 2023, while Matan endured 738 days in captivity under severe and inhumane conditions.

The release of Matan and fellow hostages brings a moment of solace to their families and to the entire nation after two long years of anguish and uncertainty. Yet it also reminds us of the moral responsibility that continues : to act and advocate until all hostages, including the remaining deceased hostages, are returned home.

From the earliest days of the abductions, Amal Educational Network made a clear moral commitment: the sanctity of human life stands above all other considerations. Our policy and our actions reflect an unwavering dedication to the return of all hostages, alongside our constant efforts to instill in our students the values of solidarity, compassion, and civic responsibility.

Amal educators have engaged students across the country in dialogue, learning, and remembrance to strengthen empathy and unity during this national ordeal. The leadership of Amal has carried this message beyond classrooms and borders.

In September, Amal Director General, Karen Tal, held a poster of Matan during her visit to a conference in New York, where, on her Saturday off duty, she joined New Yorkers in their weekly protest in Central Park calling for the hostages’ release. We welcome Matan and all other returned hostages and convey our deepest commitment to their rehabilitation and well being from now on. Now we can hopefully focus on rebuilding Israeli society through education.