JCRC Statement
January 15, 2025
The following is a statement from Ron Halber, chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, in response to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
“Following Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, when they slaughtered 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians, kidnapped hundreds and injured thousands more — precipitating a devastating war — the ceasefire agreement announced today offers real possibilities and hope for the eventual return of all remaining hostages and an end to hostilities. We extend our deep appreciation to officials in the Biden administration for working relentlessly over many months to finalize this agreement. We also thank officials from the incoming Trump administration, Egypt, and Qatar who have worked diligently to achieve this breakthrough.
As soon as this weekend, innocent Israelis held by Hamas in unspeakably inhumane conditions for more than 460 days are poised to finally start regaining their freedom. Alongside our joy that these individuals will be reunited with their loved ones, however, is the recognition that these captives and their families have endured an unimaginable trauma. To them we pledge our unending love, support, and hope for a swift recovery.
In this moment, our hearts are also with the families whose loved ones have been killed by Hamas over the past 15 months — it is sadly anticipated that many of the individuals being returned via this agreement are no longer alive. Our thoughts also extend to the families of those who will remain in captivity for at least several more months while this multiphase agreement plays out. For these individuals and families, the nightmare of Hamas’ unconscionable assault goes on. Our community will not rest until every man, woman, and child unjustly held by Hamas for far too long has been returned home.
The international community must now ensure that all parties honor their obligations under each phase of this agreement, including that humanitarian aid is quickly distributed and that Hamas is not permitted to repeat its past pattern of breaking ceasefire agreements or moving to re-establish its authority over Gaza. The JCRC remains ironclad in our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself from any terrorists or strategic threats and will continue to advocate this position with lawmakers.
Much work remains to be done. But we pray that the hope we feel today will continue to build in the days ahead.”