ST. LOUIS – An emotional day across Israel as recently-released hostages return home from Gaza after more than two years in captivity, with scenes of tearful reunions playing out over and over.

As part of the ceasefire agreement between Israeli and Palestinian leadership, Hamas also began releasing the bodies of the 28 dead hostages. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were freed.

The move will end a chapter of anguish and violence that gripped families across the world. Here at home, FOX 2 News spoke with the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and elected leaders as emotion, pride, and hope ripple through the local community.

Pictures released by the Israel Defense Forces show hostages, finally free, reunited with families who never stopped praying for their return, sparking an

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