GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Organizations around West Michigan are expressing relief as they see hostages being released in Gaza.

For the Jewish community, this week is a celebration in observation of Sukkot, a holiday that marks the end of harvest and Israelites traveling through the desert from Egypt. Monday night's gathering at Chabad of Western Michigan will be extra meaningful for worshippers.

"It's bittersweet. We're commemorating the 1,200 souls that were lost and killed on Oct. 7, exactly two years ago but at the same time it's the most joyful Jewish holiday," Rabbi Saadia Weingarten, Chabad House of Western Michigan, said.

People have been praying for peace in Gaza for the past two years.

"Jewish people are a family so whenever we know someone personal or not, ... anytime it'

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