Liberation in Israel: A Day of Faith, Gratitude, and a Call for Freedom

Chicago, Illinois, United States – January 19, 2025

A day marked by hope, the release of the first three female hostages in Israel made an impact across the geopolitical sphere, awakening a deep emotional and spiritual response in communities that have closely followed the development of the conflict.

The confirmation that the first women released were in the hands of the Red Cross was received with relief and gratitude. In this context, Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos expressed the sentiment of those who have accompanied these events through prayer and constant monitoring:

“We feel the joy of the families, and we feel it as if they were our own families.”

Beyond the diplomatic and operational aspects, the message emphasized the spiritual dimension of the process. As he expressed, their release was a response to a long-standing plea:

“The God of Israel, who is also our God, has answered our prayers in favor of the hostages. The agreed upon phase of their release begins today, and we thank the Eternal One for hearing our cry.”

Dr. Pérez Matos reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing support for the people of Israel, highlighting the emotional bond with the impacted families and the hope that the rest of the hostages return under similar condition:

“We feel the joy of the families, and we also rejoice that these women are free and alive. We hope that the others [who are still held hostage] are also alive.”

Later that day, he recalled previous statements that reflect the enduring call for the hostages’ release. In this regard, Dr. Pérez Matos recalled his words addressed to a Knesset member: “May they be released!”

The message was not limited to the Middle East. In a shift towards Latin America, Dr. Pérez Matos connected his appeal to the situation in Venezuela, incorporating a regional dimension into the statement:

“Pray for Venezuela as well, for that people whom we love and wish to see liberated as well. We declare freedom for Venezuela!”

Finally, he emphasized the need for a firm response from the international community:

“May God work and governments move; may it not be just a facade, but real action: may they move in favor of Venezuela, and may the Venezuelan people be set free!”

The day concluded with a vision of unity that integrates faith, solidarity, and action, linking in a single horizon the peace in Israel and the appreciation for freedom in other regions of the world. His message reaffirmed a continuous line of support, where the spiritual dimension and the analysis of international events converge into a single narrative.