Ahead of Yom Kippur, the Chief Rabbis of Israel call for the entire Jewish world to pray for the release of the 48 hostages, who remain in captivity in Gaza.
By Rachel Avraham
Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Rabbi David Yosef and Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber, have addressed a letter to the country’s Jewish communities, urging them to pray for the 48 people held hostage in Gaza. The letter states that during this year’s Yom Kippur services (prior to the Kol Nidrei prayer), a special space must be dedicated for prayers specifically focused on the release of the hostages.
This initiative has gained support not only within Israel but also among Jewish communities around the world; the Chief Rabbis have appealed to world Jewry to join in this special prayer The letter instructs that before Kol Nidrei, in synagogues and communities, prayers must be recited specifically for the hostages’ safe release.
It also emphasizes that in the Selichot (penitential prayers), special remembrance should be made for the victims of the atrocities committed on October 7, and prayers should be offered for the recovery of the wounded. Rabbi Yosef wrote: “We rely only on our Creator … let us pray that the Almighty will deliver us from darkness into light.” The Chief Rabbis also requested prayers for soldiers, that they may return home safely.
The Chief Rabbis of Israel had previously, for example during Passover, called upon Jewish communities worldwide to dedicate prayers for the hostages. In early 2025, one of the Chief Rabbis proposed a national day of fasting and prayer for the hostages — aiming to focus both public and spiritual attention to the crisis.
Such initiatives strengthen solidarity within religious communities and draw the world’s attention to the plight of the captives.
Dozens of families are waiting day after day, month after month, for the return of the hostages. For each family, this is not just a political issue — it is the deep agony of not knowing whether their loved ones are alive.
These prayers and public calls serve as a source of hope: families feel that their suffering is not forgotten, and that their anguish resonates spiritually and socially.
Such calls also serve as a form of diplomatic pressure — pushing states and international actors to keep the hostage issue on their agendas.
The Chief Rabbis’ appeal adds moral responsibility to political leaders and international organizations.
However, prayers alone cannot replace practical measures — political negotiations, human rights campaigns, and international law must continue to be upheld in parallel.
It is expected that in synagogues and communities, these prayers will be recited aloud, turning into a symbol of solidarity. The dissemination of this initiative in the media and across social platforms will increase public awareness. The involvement of Jewish communities worldwide — through both spiritual and material support — could elevate the issue to a truly international dimension.
However, prayers by themselves do not produce physical outcomes — their impact is primarily spiritual and symbolic. Without public and diplomatic pressure, political and military realities may overshadow the prayers. Some critics may view such initiatives as ritualistic or as a substitute for practical political action.
The Chief Rabbis’ call may serve as a spiritual signal: if the global Jewish community unites in prayer and compassion for the release of the hostages, it can inspire people’s hearts while also applying pressure at the political and diplomatic levels.
In conclusion, let us say: We — brothers and sisters — must not abandon one another. Let us not lose hope. Let us pray and demand concrete action.
Photo from James MacDonald: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shofar#/media/File:Frank-oil-shofar_(14088680963).jpg
