Reform Leaders Statement on Hostage Release and Ceasefire Agreement

וְיֵשׁ־תִּקְוָ֥ה לְאַחֲרִיתֵ֖ךְ נְאֻם־יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁ֥בוּ בָנִ֖ים לִגְבוּלָֽם׃

"And there is hope for your future declares Adonai: Your children shall return to their country." (Jeremiah 31:17) 

Today is a moment we have prayed to see for more than 15 months. We welcome today's news of a ceasefire and hostage agreement with bittersweet joy: with open arms to embrace and welcome home the hostages, with hearts filled with deep appreciation for all those who made this ceasefire possible, and with heartfelt prayers that, from the ashes of this enormous tragedy, a process might finally emerge that leads to true and lasting peace with security for all.

Since October 7, 2023, we have held close to our hearts the Jewish obligation to prioritize redeeming of the captives. We are hopeful that the agreement announced today will ensure the return of all hostages to their loved ones and look forward to the joyful reunions of those who have been separated for so long. We pray that all those displaced from their homes in the Gaza envelope and the north will be able to return and rebuild their lives among their beloved friends and neighbors. We also take solace in the fact that the ceasefire begins an end to the suffering of all Israelis and Gazans impacted so terribly by the war. To prevent further suffering and death of additional IDF soldiers, hostages, and innocent Gazans - now is the time for those who have consistently blocked this agreement, especially Hamas, to steadfastly uphold this accord.

The wounds of October 7th will remain forever: the lives taken so violently; the families torn apart; the physical and sexual violence; the mental and emotional tolls; the homes and communities destroyed; the hostages who will never return; the hostages who have returned and will return with scars both visible and invisible; the sacrifices of IDF soldiers and their families; and the innocent Gazans who have suffered horrific losses of lives, homes, and communities.

President Biden and Secretary Blinken, along with so many others in the Administration, have been tireless in their efforts to free the hostages and end the war. They have opened their doors and their hearts to the hostage families and used every lever at their disposal to hasten this day. We are deeply appreciative of all they have done to bring this ceasefire to fruition. We are thankful as well for the constructive role played in recent days by members of the incoming Trump administration, who helped make this elusive agreement a reality. We continue to pray for the hostages and their families, for the healing of Israelis wounded and displaced, for unimpeded humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza, and for a future of safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Union for Reform Judaism 
Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her) 
Chair

Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him) 
President

Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA)
Daryl Messinger (she/her) 
Chair 

Rabbi Josh Weinberg (he/him) 
Executive Director

American Conference of Cantors 
Cantor Seth Warner (he/him) 
President

Rachel Roth (she/her) 
Chief Operating Officer

Central Conference of American Rabbis 
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her) 
President

Rabbi Hara E. Person (she/her) 
Chief Executive

Men of Reform Judaism
Rob Himmelstein (he/him)
President

Steven Portnoy (he/him)
Executive Director

Reform Jewish Community of Canada
Len Bates (he/him)
President

Women of Reform Judaism 
Karen Sim (she/her) 
President

Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (she/her) 
Chief Executive Officer

Women's Rabbinic Network (WRN)

Rabbi Lisa Delson (she/her)
Co-President

Rabbi Beth Klafter (she/er)
Co-President

Rabbi Mary L. Zamore (she/her)
Executive Director