Dear USCJ Community,
Our hearts are filled with relief and joy for the planned return of 33 of those held hostage by Hamas. The past 15 months have been an unbearable ordeal for those who were captured and their loved ones, who endured the torment of uncertainty every single day. We are hopeful for their reunion and the love that binds them. We pray for r’fuah sh’leimah, a complete and total healing, of their physical, mental, and emotional wounds.
Our hearts ache profoundly for the families who, after all of this time, will receive the remains of their loved ones. Every family has the right to mourn and to find peace in burial. We pray that those who mourn find some measure of comfort and solace. We also acknowledge the deep pain of the families who are not receiving their loved ones back in this stage and we call upon all those in power to tirelessly work for their speedy release.
We hold in our thoughts and prayers all the families who have lost someone in this conflict. We also pray that this ceasefire will relieve the suffering of innocent people in Gaza and that humanitarian aid will be swiftly distributed to those in need. The pain of war is immeasurable, leaving deep scars that impact lives for generations. We recognize that each loss is felt deeply within our community, and we honor the sorrow that many carry with them.
As previous hostage deals have unfortunately demonstrated, this one will also come with a steep price: Palestinian prisoners who have perpetrated previous acts of terrorism and violence will be released, causing anguish and pain and re-opening wounds for those grieving from prior losses and suffering. Our hearts are with those families at this time as well.
Two of Judaism’s highest values are the redemption of captives, pidyon shevuyim, and the pursuit of peace, redifat shalom. As we move forward, let us be united in compassion and connection. As we await the return of all 98 remaining hostages, we stand in solidarity with Israel.
L’Shalom,
Andy Schaer
President
Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal
CEO
