US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff was met with thunderous applause Motzei Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos as he opened the weekly rally calling for the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

He was followed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, both of whom also received a warm welcome from the massive crowd gathered at what organizers expressed hope would be the final rally of its kind. Under the US-brokered ceasefire agreement signed Thursday, all hostages are expected to be returned by Monday.

Addressing the crowd, Witkoff proclaimed, “Miracles can happen,” and directed an emotional message to the hostages: “You are coming home.”

According to an unverified estimate from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which organized the event, more than 500,000 people attended the rally.

“Tonight we celebrate something extraordinary, a moment that many thought was impossible. Yet here we stand, living proof that when courage meets conviction, miracles can happen. A peace born not out of politics, but out of courage, the courage of those who refuse to give up hope…..

“to honor the people of Israel. Your strength, your resilience, your unwavering spirit through unimaginable pain and loss…..

“You’ve shown the world that peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength. Through heartbreak and fear, you never let go of the faith. Your courage and endurance inspired the world, and it was your belief, joined with the bold leadership of my friend and President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, that made this piece possible….

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…,” he continued before being interrupted several times by a loud chorus of boos from the crowd that has been demonstrating against the premier for two years.

He pressed on: “I was in the trenches with the prime minister. Believe me, he was a very important part here. The prime minister and his staff, Ron Dermer, have both sacrificed so much for this country and devoted their lives to the service of Israel.”

Jared Kushner followed Witkoff to address the massive rally.

“October 7 for me was a shattering day,” Kushner recalled. “Seeing these horrific, barbaric acts shocked me to my core… Since then, my heart has not been complete.”

“to see the hostages come home, to see their families get the closure they deserve, and to end this nightmare. Also, to see the suffering end for the people in Gaza who, for most of them, were experiencing this through no fault of their own, other than being born into a situation that was horrific.”

“We’re not going to celebrate tonight. We’re going to celebrate on Monday,” he said to applause. “I couldn’t be more proud to see the way that the State of Israel and its people have carried themselves through this traumatic, unthinkable, horrific experience. Instead of replicating the barbarism of the enemy, you chose to be exceptional.”

“I just want to thank the amazing soldiers of the IDF. Without their heroism and brilliance and bravery, this deal would not have been possible.”

Ivanka Trump also gave a brief address in which she spoke on behalf of her father.

“The president wanted me to share, as he has with so many of you personally, that he sees you, he hears you, he stands with you always, always,” she said.

“The return of each hostage is not only a moment of homecoming and relief. It’s a triumph of faith, of courage, and of our shared humanity,” she says. “We pray, and so many people are working so hard, so hard to ensure this coming week is one of healing for you all.”