FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2025
Below please find a statement from Tyler Gregory, CEO of JCRC Bay Area, in response to the announcement that Hamas has agreed to release hostages from Gaza and Israel has agreed to a temporary cease-fire:
“Since October 7, 2023, the Bay Area Jewish community and Jews around the world have been in anguish over the mass murder of Israelis, the hostage crisis and ongoing war in Gaza, and the global surge of antisemitism. We hope this hostage deal — if executed in full — will mark the beginning of the end of this 15-month nightmare. If enacted, we will rejoice with the families welcoming loved ones home and weep for the many hostages who were murdered in the tunnels.
“Just as we hope this deal will end the agony of many hostages and their families, we also hope that it will lessen the immense suffering Palestinians have experienced under Hamas’ rule and throughout the war. While we recognize that there is a long road ahead, we join millions around the world fervently hoping this announcement is the beginning of much-needed healing for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
About JCRC
JCRC Bay Area is the largest collective voice of Bay Area Jews, working in pursuit of a more just world where Jewish identity is embraced and all people thrive. By building bridges and working in coalition with diverse ethnic, faith, political, and civic communities, we foster partnerships, provide meaningful educational and engagement opportunities, and build consensus for actionable solutions to real-world challenges. www.jcrc.org.
