‘Hope is finally within reach’: Jewish organizations cheer Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal

Jewish groups across the world welcomed the announcement of a deal to secure the release of all hostages, in the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, two years and a day after Hamas started the war with its invasion and massacre in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

“For two years, our hearts have ached alongside the families of the captives,” the Jewish Federations of North America said in a statement. “We have prayed, rallied, and spoken their names, refusing to let the world forget them. Today, our prayers are answered — not completely, for the pain of loss remains — but with the long-awaited promise of healing, renewal, and hope.”

Thanking Trump, the umbrella organization said it looked forward to the agreement’s implementation and the return home of every last hostage.

“Hope is finally within reach,” the American Jewish Committee declared.

“As we await the details, we look forward to the day we can finally say every hostage is home. We are grateful to the President and his Administration for their leadership in helping bring about this pivotal moment,” the AJC posted on X.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Launder said the agreement marks a historic turning point.

“It should never have taken this long — but today, hope is finally becoming reality,” he said in a statement posted on X. “Hamas must now be disarmed and excluded from any future role in Gaza. Only then can there be lasting peace and security for Israel and for the region.”

The European Jewish Congress commended Trump’s leadership and determination in advancing the deal, and called on Hamas to ensure that it is implemented without delay.

“Nothing can undo the pain of these 734 days, but bringing every last hostage home is the first step toward healing and justice,” it said in a statement.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, which represents the UK’s Jewish community, wrote on X that “for the first time in two years, we can dare to hope for the release of all the hostages, and the conclusion of this terrible war.”

“We will celebrate the return of those living and praying for their swift recovery and care, and we will mourn the returning dead, thinking of their loved ones in their time of grief,” board president Phil Rosenberg said.

Canada’s Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said it had been waiting for two years for the hostages to be returned to Israel.

“We hope that they will soon be reunited with their families, and that this war – started by Hamas – will come to an end, with the US-led initiative providing lasting peace and security,” the organization said.

The South African Zionist Federation welcomed the announcement with “deep relief,” saying that “after more than two years of anguish, fear, and longing… the prayers of Israel and the Jewish people are finally being answered.”

“It is deeply painful that this agreement includes the release of Palestinian terrorists who have committed heinous crimes, but it stands as a stark reminder of the price Israel is willing to pay for the sanctity of life,” the organization said.

The New Zealand Jewish Council noted that the sensitive nature of the announcement heralded a time for unity, reconciliation and healing.

“This is a moment that calls for empathy, not ego; for bridge-building, not posturing,” it said in a statement.