The Rabbinical Assembly is grateful and elated to learn that some of the surviving Israeli hostages may soon return home and reunite with their families after more than 467 long days in captivity. We pray for their safe return, their ongoing strength, the health of those who remain in captivity, and for true healing to begin throughout Israel in the coming days, months, and years.
After the first phase of this deal is complete, it will be just as imperative to move on to the second phase, so all 98 abductees —Israelis and foreign citizens, living and dead - may return, some to their families and some for burial.
We also continue to grieve for the 1,200 Israelis who were murdered by Hamas on October 7, the unknown number of hostages who have died in captivity, and the 840 Israeli soldiers who have given their lives since then.
As we wait — hopefully but nervously—for the hostages’ return, we pray for a full and final resolution to the war, a return to normalcy in Israel, ending the suffering in Gaza, and for a future that allows Israelis and Palestinians, their children and grandchildren, to live with dignity and safety.
We thank Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Biden and his diplomatic team, and incoming President Trump and his staff for bringing these negotiations to fruition in recent days and for their recognition of the moral imperative to save lives and redeem hostages.
May we soon experience these comforting words from Jeremiah:
“And there is hope for your future —declares God: Your children shall return to their country.” (Jeremiah 31:17)
“Be not dismayed O’ Israel, I will deliver you from far away, your folk from the land of captivity, and Jacob again shall have calm and quiet, with no one to trouble them.” (Jeremiah 46:27)