SCRANTON, Pa. — A local Jewish community leader celebrated the return Monday of nearly two dozen living Israeli hostages held in captivity by Hamas, a first step in a ceasefire deal halting the Isreal-Hamas war that left tens of thousands dead and made a ruin of northern Gaza.

Daniel Chejfec, PhD, the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, said the local Jewish community rejoiced at their return and hoped the missing remains of the dead will soon be returned as well.

"We also hope that this will be the first step in ending the unnecessary war started on October 7, 2023, with Hamas' invasion of Israel, the killing of over 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 251, some of whom are also American citizens," said Daniel Chejfec, PhD, in a statement. "As we

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