American hostage with strong ties to CT released by Hamas

An American citizen whose family lives in Waterford and are active members of eastern Connecticut’s Jewish community has been released by Hamas, according to U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney.

Liat Beinin, who is a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was released after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the attack on October 7, according to Courtney.

“My Beinin family from Israel spent five days in eastern Connecticut with us this August. We grew very close to them as they walked with us in Harkness Park, dined with us, and shared birthdays with us over lobster in Noank,” said Jerry Fischer of Waterford, the former executive director of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, in a statement

“As soon as we heard of their capture we reached out to our Congressman, Joe Courtney and he did everything possible to keep Liat and Aviv’s capture high on the agenda of the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. We cannot thank him and his staff enough for their dedication and diligence in the efforts to free the hostages.”

Courtney said, “After several weeks in captivity, it is a relief to see Liat Beinin back in safe hands. I applaud President Biden and his Administration for their steadfast commitment to brokering the deal that made Liat’s release possible.

“While this is surely joyous news to her loved ones in eastern Connecticut, who my office connected with the US State Department, we will continue assisting the family with locating and returning her husband Aviv Atzili who was also kidnapped,” Courtney said. “I am wishing Liat and her family comfort as they reunite and join them in praying for Aviv’s safety.”

Four-year-old American girl is among hostages released from Gaza

International mediators on Wednesday worked to extend the truce in Gaza, encouraging Hamas to keep freeing hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and further relief from Israel’s air and ground offensive. The cease-fire will otherwise end within a day.

Two Russian-Israeli women freed by Hamas entered Israel Wednesday evening, the military said. The release was expected to be followed by the swap of 10 more hostages in Gaza for 30 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Israel has welcomed the release of dozens of hostages in recent days and says it will maintain the truce if Hamas keeps freeing captives. Still, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored on Wednesday that Israel will resume its campaign to eliminate Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for 16 years and orchestrated the deadly attack on Israel that triggered the war. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.