Today Agudath Israel of America hailed the release of Alan Gross from a Cuban prison where he had been held for five years.

Just last week, the organization’s executive vice president, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, sent President Barack Obama a letter in which he wrote, “Mr. President, we again thank you for your work on behalf of Alan Gross and urge you to continue, even intensify, these efforts, so that he may greet the new year a free man at home with his family”.

Following is the statement issued by Agudath Israel upon Mr. Gross’ release:

Chanukah is a time when we offer praise and thanks to the Almighty for His blessings and miracles. The release and return of Alan Gross from Cuban incarceration is truly a modern day Chanukah miracle, and it fills us with deep gratitude to, in the words of the Amidah, “He Who frees captives.” Mr. Gross’ expedited liberation seemed a distant dream, and now it is a dream come true.

We express our heartfelt thanks to President Obama, whose dedicated and determined efforts led to Mr. Gross’ release. And we pray that Mr. Gross will adjust to his return to freedom enveloped in the love and support of his family and friends.