In its coverage of American Jewish organizations’ responses to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage-release agreement, JNS highlighted B’nai B’rith International’s statement. The statement welcomed the agreement, urged the immediate return of all hostages and warned of the ongoing threats that Israel continues to face.
American Jewish organizations largely lauded the ceasefire and hostage-release dea, which U.S. and Israeli officials announced on Wednesday, though noted that it was insufficient.
“There is much work to be done and significant uncertainty ahead, but we are hopeful that the first phase of this agreement will pave the way for the remaining hostages to be reunited with their family, for hostilities to end, and for an era of security and rebuilding for both Israel and her neighbors,” the Jewish Federations of North America stated.
The Federation thanked U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump “for their unprecedented coordination to bring both sides together to get a deal done.”
Harriet Schleifer and William Daroff, chair and CEO, respectively, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, stated that the umbrella group receives news of the deal “with a mix of relief, heartache and continued outrage.”
“Relief because now 33 men and women will be returned to their families. Relief because at last those who have died while in the dungeons of the Hamas terrorists will at least be afforded a decent and respectful burial,” the duo stated. “We know the announcement today of a deal is just the beginning of a process that will hopefully bring home all of the hostages.”
The group also expressed “heartbreak” for the hostages who were killed in captivity and on Oct. 7, 2023, and “outrage that the plight of our kidnapped friends, family, and community members has too often been minimized and even dismissed,” the two leaders said.
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“The return of all of the hostages—kidnapped by Hamas and held in horrific conditions for 466 days and counting—and the reunification with their families is the top priority. We will not rest until all hostages are home,” stated B’nai B’rith International. “Hundreds of Palestinian criminals will be released from Israeli jails in exchange for the hostages.”
“We remain concerned that under the current terms, Hamas—with the assistance of its patron Iran—may be able to reorganize, regenerate and sow unrest in Israel and across the region,” B’nai B’rith added.