WEST PALM BEACH, Fla (CBS12) — As hostages return home after nearly two years in captivity, members of the Jewish community are reflecting — not just on the joy of reunion, but on the pain of loss, the strength of unity, and the need for healing.
In Boca Raton, preschoolers at B’nai Torah Congregation danced in celebration on Monday, marking the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. But for South Florida resident, Ceci Azus-Serphos, the moment was bittersweet.
Azus-Serphos is a cousin of the Bibas family — Israeli civilians who were among the victims. Two young children, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, along with their mother were killed. Their maternal grandparents, Margit and Yossi Silberman, were murdered in their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The boys’ father, Yarden, was released in February after 484 days in captivity.
“Even though we are extremely happy and we can’t wait to dance for those that came back. We are happy but we are also mourning for all the people that we lost,” Azus-Serphos said. “It’s a bittersweet day.”
She says the pain is deep, but the unity of the Jewish community has been a source of strength.
“We call it Am Israel — one union, one family,” she said. “We are all brothers and sisters, and we feel what each and every person feels.”
That unity has been felt globally, through organized walks and runs in support of the hostages and their families. Locally, organizations like Alpert Jewish Family Service have played a vital role in offering counseling, senior services, and support for people with disabilities.
Marc Hopin, CEO of Alpert Jewish Family Service, says the recent release of hostages has lifted a heavy emotional burden.
“It’s certainly a feeling of relief,” Hopin said. “It seems to be a miracle. It is wonderful news and a day for a lot of hope and a lot of optimism.”
Alpert Jewish Family Service provides counseling, senior services, and support for people with disabilities.
Hopin also noted the significance of the timing, coinciding with the Jewish holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah — a period of renewal and healing.
“It is particularly significant that this miracle is taking place on the eve of these two holidays,” he added.
For Azus-Serphos, healing begins with remembrance. “It is going to be a very, very long process a painful process but we are together,” she said.
She recently traveled to Israel to visit the kibbutz and the Nova festival site, where so many lives were lost. Her hope is that by sharing her story, others will find strength in unity — and never forget.
