NEWTON, Mass. —

A wall of photos of the hostages taken by Hamas has been a symbol of activism and hope for the Newton community over the past two years.

It was surrounded by large posters and flags of Israel until Monday.

In a symbolic act toward closure, Jeff and Miriam Kosowski, who put the picture wall up, decided to take it down in celebration of the 20 living hostages released by Hamas.

"It's time, it's time for them to come home; it's time to take it down," Jeff said. "And the fact that they all came home together gives a special spirit to it."

The hostages had been held captive since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

For two years, the Kosowskis' display honored the hostages and created a place for the community to collectively push for their return and process loss.

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