Today, as the world absorbs the news of a newly signed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, we join our community in holding a collective breath – with deep emotion, reflection, and with cautious hope. We await the return of every hostage – both those who are still alive and those whose families await the dignity of their return in death. Their absence represents the devastation that has marked these last two years.
For 735 days, our hearts have ached, carrying the pain of loss and the anguish of waiting. Both of us, each in our own way, have chosen to explicitly demonstrate our support for the hostages taken on October 7, 2023 and their loved ones. One of us wears a piece of tape on our chest marked with the number of days in captivity and the other wears two ribbons on the left side of every garment worn – one blue ribbon and a yellow ribbon inscribed with the words, “Bring Them Home.” Each symbol is a daily reminder to never forget and to never lose hope, and we are committed to wearing them each day until every one of the hostages returns home.
One of us is from Israel and the other was born and raised in the United States. Both of us are proud Jews, and sharing hope is the oldest tradition of our people. Hope, the belief that even in the face of all that is broken, our story is not yet over. Hope – fragile, human, enduring – is the dream of what still might be.
Today, as we wait for the hostages’ return, we cling to hope. Not because we believe everything will be okay, but because hope is part of who we are. It calls us to keep moving forward, even through the ache of uncertainty.
And much like the sukkah we dwell in is fragile by design – reminding us that safety is rarely permanent – so too must we recognize our shared responsibility to strengthen what is delicate and protect what is sacred.
Our hope now is that this ceasefire marks not only the end of violence, but also the beginning of renewal: a time to heal wounds, to restore strength, and to build a future rooted in peace, security, and mutual humanity for Israel and for all who call the region home.
May our collective hope carry us through the days ahead and guide us toward peace and a better tomorrow. Od lo avdah tikvateinu – our hope is not lost.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom and modim l’simcha,
Jason Kunzman, President & CEO
Merris Groff, Board Chair
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