An Urgent Call for Action: Hamas Must Accept the Deal and Release the Hostages

Israel’s war against the Hamas terror army continues to grip the world’s attention, still dominating headlines nearly a year after its tragic beginning. Amid the devastation, and now with the distinct possibility of escalation with Hezbollah on the northern front, there is a sliver of hope: the Biden administration’s proposal aimed at securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, in conjunction with a temporary ceasefire, might have a chance.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s support of the Biden administration’s proposal signals Israel’s ironclad commitment to rescue its people, even as it battles existential threats. The international community, and particularly those with influence, must now work together with relentless determination to ensure that Hamas accepts this proposal and releases the hostages without delay. Each day in captivity, their lives are at risk, and our pain continues.

For the American Jewish community, the issue of the hostages is not just a diplomatic or strategic concern; it is a deeply moral and religious imperative. Pidyon shvuyim, the mitzvah of redeeming captives, is one of the highest commandments in Judaism. This core value resonates through centuries of Jewish history as communities always prioritized the freedom and safety of their people, often at great personal and communal cost. While all the hostages weigh equally heavily on our minds, American Jewry also remembers we are incomplete without the six American Jews still held in Hamas’s dungeons.

Today, this ancient commandment takes on a profound urgency. The hostages in Gaza are not merely bargaining chips in a political game; they are beloved family members, friends, fellow Jews, and others whose lives hang in the balance. Their safe return is a matter of life and death, a test of our collective humanity, and a measure of our resolve to uphold the values that define us as a people. We were all blessed to experience the joy of another hostage released by the IDF this week, Farhan al-Qadi. His emotional reunion with his family moved us all, and we pray to see many more such reunions soon.

The American Jewish community consistently stands with Israel throughout its struggles, recognizing that the security of the Jewish state is intertwined with the safety of Jewish communities worldwide. We understand that Israel’s fight against terrorism is not only a battle for its own survival but also a defense of the Jewish people’s right to live in peace and security. Simultaneously, we never lose sight of the immediate and pressing need to bring the hostages home.

We call upon all relevant parties—international leaders, diplomatic channels, and humanitarian organizations—to prioritize this issue with the urgency it demands. The Biden administration’s proposal offers a concrete opportunity to move toward a resolution that could save lives and ease the suffering of countless families. We must seize this moment to push for the hostages’ release.

At the same time, our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Israel who are enduring unimaginable hardships. We stand in solidarity with those serving in the Israel Defense Forces, the families who have been evacuated from their homes, and those who anxiously await the return of their loved ones. Their courage and resilience inspire us all.

As we look to the future, we must hold onto the hope that peace is possible. The release of the hostages is an essential first step toward a lasting peace. But peace cannot be built on the backs of the innocent or at the expense of justice. It must be premised on the elimination of those elements who carried out the October 7 attacks and now fire on Israeli civilians from all directions.

The American Jewish community remains unwavering in its support for Israel and its commitment to the principles of justice, freedom, and peace. We will continue to advocate for the hostages’ release and for an end to the aggression of the Iranian terror axis. May we soon witness the day when all can live in safety and peace, and may the hostages be returned to their families without delay.

Source » timesofisrael.com