FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2025
Below please find a statement from Joy Sisisky, President and CEO of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of the Bay Area, in response to the announcement that Hamas has agreed to release hostages from Gaza and Israel has agreed to a temporary ceasefire:
“The Federation rejoices with the people of Israel that a deal has been reached and many of the hostages will finally return home. At the same time, we remain concerned about the 65 hostages still held captive after this first phase and strongly urge their prompt release.
“Since October 7, 2023, Jewish communities across the Bay Area have rallied for the release of the hostages, who have endured the unimaginable for 15 months. Redeeming captives is one of the most important commandments of Judaism and we commend and thank the U.S. leaders who never gave up on bringing them home. In this deeply emotional moment, we also remember the hostages who were murdered in Hamas captivity, as well as all those killed on and since October 7.
“We are hopeful that every phase of this deal will go through, and we will not rest until all the hostages have been returned to Israel. Going forward, we hope that Gaza will no longer be at the mercy of Hamas, and that, one day, there will be a more peaceful and prosperous shared future for the region and us all.”
ABOUT JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION AND ENDOWMENT FUND
For over a century, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund has harnessed innovation, collaboration, and investment to shape diverse and dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities where people find a meaningful connection to Judaism and one another; and where we work together to better lives and communities locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at jewishfed.org.
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