Statement on Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal

The Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh welcomes the news of a ceasefire deal for the release of 33 hostages from captivity by Hamas. We want to thank all of the parties involved in arranging for this hostage release as the first phase of a ceasefire deal which will include the creation of a framework for releasing all the hostages, and allow Israel a path forward to protect the safety and security of its citizens.

“The coming release of some of the hostages is a prayer answered for so many in our community and around the world,” said Jewish Community Relations Council Chair Mark Goldhaber. “We pray for the rapid release of the rest of the hostages.”

Our thoughts have stayed with the hostages and their families for the last 15 months. We hope that the families of the soon-to-be-released hostages can begin their journey of healing. We continue to call for the prompt release of all remaining hostages, alive and well, and for this to be the first step in bringing a lasting peace to the region.