Yair Lapid: ‘Tears fill my eyes; finally, air fills our lungs, our children are coming home’

Opposition Leader and Yesh Atid party chief Yair Lapid expressed deep emotion on Monday as Israeli hostages were released under the US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Lapid wrote:

“Tears fill my eyes; finally, air fills our lungs. Our children are coming home.”

The opposition leader’s message reflects the wave of relief and joy sweeping across Israel following confirmation that 13 hostages had been freed and were on their way back to Israeli custody.

Lapid, who has been a vocal supporter of efforts to secure the hostages’ return while calling for unity during the crisis, also extended his thoughts to families who have suffered devastating losses.

In a subsequent post, he wrote:

“Strength to the bereaved families, to the IDF wounded, to those who paid the highest price of all.”

His words come amid scenes of celebration and tears across the country, as relatives and citizens gathered in public squares, synagogues, and outside the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem to watch live broadcasts of the hostages’ return.