Two Israeli cousins of Needham man among hostages released by Hamas in latest exchange

NEEDHAM, Mass. — Two relatives of a Needham man were among the 11 hostages released from Hamas captivity on Monday, the final day of a four-day truce between the warring sides.

For nearly two months, Jason Greenberg has waited for any news about his three Israeli cousins who were taken hostage by Hamas, and on Monday Greenberg confirmed to Boston 25 News that 16-year-old Shahar Kalderon and 12-year-old Erez Kalderon, his two cousins, were released.

The fate of 53-year-old Ofer Kalderon, Erez’s and Sahar’s father, remains unknown at this time. Greenberg believes he is still in Hamas’ custody.

The Israel Defense Forces said the 11 released hostages are currently inside Israeli territory and will undergo an initial medical assessment. After those medical assessments, forces will accompany them until they are reunited with their families.

“My heart just went through the ceiling,” said Greenberg Monday night.

He first learned his cousins were freed through his family’s WhatsApp group chat. A video showed his cousin and mother of the two hostages rejoicing over the news.

He added, “I can’t count the number of emojis that were sent back and forth because people had no words.”

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been extended into Tuesday. Greenberg and his family are now aimed to bring Ofer home, along with all other hostages.

“It has really been a rollercoaster,” he said. “Right now, we are riding a high and we hope to be riding more highs.”

Greenberg was visiting family in Israel on October 7th when Hamas launched multiple attacks. Greenberg got his father on a flight out of Israel and brought him back to Massachusetts, but five of his family members were among the roughly 240 hostages captured by Hamas.

“It has been 51 days since 200-plus people have not seen the light of day,” said Greenberg. I don’t want people to forget that.”

Two of his relatives, 80-year-old Carmela Dan and her 13-year-old granddaughter Noya, were killed during the attack.

Greenberg said, “[Ofer] would readily sacrifice himself for the result that happened today. I would do the same for my children … I know inside he knows his children are safe, and he can go to sleep tonight.”

The release came hours after Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend their truce for another two days.

Of the roughly 240 hostages captured by Hamas in its Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel that ignited the war, 62 have been released, one was freed by Israeli forces and two were found dead inside Gaza.

Israel is set to release 33 Palestinian prisoners later Monday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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