With tears of joy and profound hoda'ah to the Ribono Shel Olam, the Jewish world has received the incredible news out of Iraq: After 11 long and bitter years languishing in a prison in the Kurdistan region, Binyamin (ben Limor) Chasin has finally been freed.

The moment of his release was deeply emotional for everyone involved. With tear-filled eyes, a visibly moved Binyamin recited the bracha of Shehecheyanu, thanking Hashem for his miraculous yeshuah after more than a decade of suffering.

The complex saga of Binyamin's imprisonment began several years ago during the fierce battles in the Middle East. Binyamin had originally joined Kurdish military forces to help fight the brutal ISIS terror group, which was terrorizing the region at the time. During a military operation, a local Arab was accidentally killed by Binyamin's hands. As a result, he was arrested by local Kurdish authorities in Iraqi territory. Following a trial, he was tragically handed a terrifying death sentence, leaving his life hanging by a thread.

Upon hearing of the devastating ruling, a dedicated group of askanim and professional attorneys threw themselves into a massive, complex pidyon shvuyim operation to save a Jewish life. Last year, following grueling negotiations, the legal team and askanim managed to arrange a traditional Arab "sulcha" (a procedure for peace and financial compensation). As part of the agreement, the askanim had to raise an astronomical sum of $250,000 to pay the family of the deceased. wich was raised through the amazing abcharity.org platform 

Klal Yisroel responded with tremendous warmth, raising the funds during Aseres Yemei Teshuvah last year immediately after the campaign was launched. Thanks to this massive effort, the death penalty hovering over him was completely annulled, paving the way for his ultimate release this week.

Taking his first breaths of freedom outside the Iraqi prison, the lead attorney on the case, Mr. Allen Lowy, expressed immense gratitude on Binyamin's behalf to the askanim who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. He specifically highlighted the heroic and relentless efforts of:

Askan Hershy Gottdiener

Askan Shimon Rolnitzky

Philanthropist and businessman Meir Zvi Tauber

The Dayan, HaGaon Rav Chida Weiss Shlit"a

With his paperwork now fully in order, Binyamin is currently making last-minute preparations to travel to Eretz Yisroel. According to Mr. Lowy, the plan is for Binyamin to arrive home before the upcoming Shabbos Kodesh.

His family in Eretz Yisroel is waiting with indescribable anticipation, having not seen their son and brother for over 11 years. They are eagerly awaiting the joyous moment when they will finally be reunited under one roof. Hodu L'Hashem ki tov, ki l'olam chasdo!