Leander man's family among hostages released in Hamas-Israel truce, continues fight for remaining captives
The Hamas-Israel truce was extended by two days, set to end tomorrow with more than 80 hostages released so far.
Those hostages released include three from the family of one Israeli man who lives in Leander, Dori Roberts.
"I feel pretty scattered," Roberts said. "It's been a roller coaster of emotion."
It's been a trying month for Roberts, who has done countless media interviews and even two weeks ago - all to advocate for his missing family in Israel.
Friday he got word that his cousin and her two daughters were released by Hamas.
"That really gave us a lot of optimism or boost of confidence that our efforts throughout the last month were definitely paying off," Roberts said.
However, on Monday he learned that one of his cousins, who was fighting against Hamas and was declared missing, had been found dead. He also lost his aunt in Hamas' initial October 7 attack.
"I still feel optimistic. I still feel hopeful that there is a way - there's a path that we can follow that will allow us to release more hostages." Roberts said.
There are still more than 150 hostages being held in Gaza, including his aunt's partner of 20 years Gadi Mozes.
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"Our mission is not to complete and it seems like we were able to get the hostages released by a ceasefire, not by military force," Roberts said. "Therefore, this method works. We want that to continue so we can get more and more hostages released."
Shalom Austin's CEO Rabbi Daniel Septimus says he hopes the international community stands up for Israel and the remaining hostages.
"We need to all be working towards that goal together," Septimus said. "And hopefully, the world will understand that and be a part of that as well."
Shalom Austin has already raised more than $1 million dollars towards relief in Israel, and he says donations are still being accepted. He says one benefactor to J.C.C. is pledging to match every donation up to $1.8 million.
"We want them to know we stand side by side with them in solidarity," Septimus said. "And we want them to know that we're going to do everything in our power to help."
Thankfully, Dori says his cousin and two daughters are already back in Israel, though recovering in the hospital.
He hopes the ceasefire is extended once again so the work can continue.
"Our message is very clear. We will not stop, we will not rest," Roberts said. "We will not be quiet until every single one of those hostages is back home."