Israeli hostage’s family thanks Trump, people of Israel after her release

The family said in a statement released through the Hostages and Missing Families’ Forum, “After an unbearable 471 days, our beloved Dodo has finally returned to our arms. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and accompanied us along this journey.”

The statement continued “A special thank you to the people of Israel for their warm embrace, unwavering support, and the strength they gave us during our darkest moments. We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us.”

"Our heroic Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, begins her rehabilitation journey today. We will continue to stand with all the families and do everything in our power until all of their loved ones return home,” the statement concluded.

Steinbrecher, a veterinary nurse, was kidnapped along with fellow hostage Emily Damari on Oct. 7 by Palestinian terrorists who attacked their Kfar Aza kibbutz near the Gaza border. Steinbrecher is an Israeli-Romanian dual citizen who turned 31 while in captivity.

On Sunday, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of an Israeli American hostage, said he has “immense gratitude” for President-elect Trump’s team following the ceasefire deal. Dekel-Chen, who will be attending Trump’s inauguration on Monday, told This Week host Jonathan Karl, that President Joe Biden’s “team absolutely did extraordinary work in getting the superstructure of this deal together.”

“However, it took a tweet and subsequent statements from President-elect Trump to get this home. And what we ask of President Trump and his team is to keep their finger on this because it is the Middle East. It’s a volatile place.”

He added that his sone Sagui is on the list of the 33 hostages scheduled to be released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement, in exchange for over 1,000 terrorists.