Dear Friend: 

Last week, as news broke of an agreement to release 33 hostages still held by Hamas and a ceasefire, I held very mixed emotions. After 15 months, I am sad to say that my first response was concern and skepticism. Would the deal actually be approved? Would Hamas release the hostages? Will this really mark the end of the fighting? Throughout the week, I heard from many people outside of our Jewish community, who often said how happy and relieved I must be that the hostages are coming home. 

And I am happy. I am elated that Romi, Doron, and Emily have been reunited with their families, and that 30 other hostages will be coming home soon. I am grateful that the fighting has stopped in Gaza, and that the families of Israeli soldiers can breathe just a little easier. I am grateful that innocent Palestinians in Gaza will be able to return home and to receive aid and begin to rebuild. 

As I write this, the ceasefire is holding. But the fact that I worry about that is telling. The fact that I worry about the fate of the other hostages that are not part of this deal is telling. The fact that the response to this agreement within our own community has been mixed is telling. 

We live in a time of conflicting thoughts and emotions. A single moment can be met with both joy and relief as well as concern and trepidation. I share this with you, because I know I am not the only one experiencing this. In the coming years, both in Israel and here at home, there will be more of these moments. I take comfort in knowing that our community will find a way through them together. 

Until next time, I wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyous Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom,
Adam Greenman
President & CEO