The release of the final 20 Israeli hostages marked the end of 737 days of anguish for those with personal connections to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Though for Oklahomans watching from afar, the emotions are complex.

"The last two years have been a feeling of not breathing," said Miriam Belmaker, a longtime University of Tulsa professor who grew up in Israel.

Belmaker, who has taught at TU for 14 years and is deeply involved in Jewish studies and practice on campus, felt the October 7, 2023 attack personally.

"Not breathing because October 7th," she said. "I know people that were lost, I know people that were kidnapped."

When she heard that the remaining hostages had been released and reunited with their families, Belmaker said reaction she got emotional.

"I cried," she said. "I just

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