COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - The return of 20 Israeli hostages, after years of uncertainty held by Hamas, is connecting with people across the world and in South Carolina. Members of both the Jewish community and state leaders said it's a special moment.

When news broke that hostages were being released as part of a brokered peace deal in the Middle East, celebrations of hope and relief spread — even thousands of miles away in the Palmetto State.

Jessie Dowsakul, Executive Director of the Columbia Jewish Federation, said the moment is deeply personal - not only as a Jew, but as part of a tight-knit community.

"If you hurt one Jewish individual, you hurt an entire community. We all stand up and stand proud together," Dowsakul said.

For many, including Dowsakul, the release marks a step towar

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