FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2025
Below please find a statement from Tyler Gregory, CEO of JCRC Bay Area, in response to the announcement of Israeli hostages being released from Gaza:
“Today, we join the citizens of Israel, the Jewish people, and all of humanity in celebrating the release of the final living hostages, who are returning home after enduring unimaginable torment. At the same time, we mourn the men and women whose lives were taken by Hamas during 736 days in brutal captivity, and pray that the remaining bodies will soon be brought home.
“We hope this moment also brings some relief to the civilians of Gaza, who have endured immense hardship. They deserve to rebuild their neighborhoods and livelihoods after being caught in two years of crossfire between Hamas and Israel.
“Finally, we thank President Trump and the delegations from the United States, Israel, and the region, whose pivotal efforts made this agreement possible. While we cannot predict the future, we hope this agreement will lead to lasting peace and security along Israel’s southern border, the disarmament and removal of Hamas from power, and a new beginning for Israelis and Gazans. May today begin a long overdue healing process for us all.”
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.
