Outside Bala Cynwyd’s Adath Israel Synagogue, family and friends gathered this week to celebrate the long-awaited release of Alon Ohel, writes Annie McCormick for 6 ABC.

 The 22-year-old classically trained pianist from Israel was among 20 hostages freed by Hamas on Monday.

In a moment filled with relief and reverence, Benjamin Mittman removed a poster of his cousin Ohel that had hung for months, marking the emotional milestone with prayer. “We’re just overjoyed,” Mittman said. “He seemed to be in good spirits, according to his grandfather.”

Ohel, who sustained shrapnel injuries during his captivity, was seen walking with a limp but is otherwise recovering. “He was in the dungeons for over two years,” Mittman added.

Across Montgomery County, the news resonated deeply. Gladys Fink Senderowitsch, owner of Nana’s Kitchen in Narberth, called the day “the moment we were waiting for so much.” The restaurant plans to host a community celebration this weekend honoring Ohel and other released hostages.

For Dafna Ofer of Bala Cynwyd, who’s organized numerous vigils for hostage families throughout the region, the moment was both hopeful and sobering. “We’re not there yet,” she said. “We still have 28 more hostages’ bodies to be returned to their families.”

To learn more about the community’s ongoing advocacy and celebrations, visit 6ABC Action News.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO.Today in October 2025.