Jewish Atlanta Reacts to Ceasefire Agreement

Editor’s Note: This story will likely be updated for the print edition next week.

Israel and Hamas having agreed to a ceasefire and phase one of the deal is currently in motion.

Details of the ceasefire include: the return of all 48 hostages still in captivity in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and the retreat of Israeli forces to just over half of the Gaza Strip territory. After the retreat, the IDF will be in control of a buffer zone along the entire Gaza border, including the Philadelphi Corridor — the Egypt-Gaza border area — along with Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya in the Strip’s far north, a ridge on the eastern outskirts of Gaza City, and large portions of Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the Times of Israel.

Jewish Atlanta spiritual and community leaders shared their thoughts and feelings concerning the deal.

“Today, as news emerges of the release of hostages and the long-awaited end of the war in Gaza, we stand at a moment of relief and gratitude,” said Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple. “As Jews, we are commanded to redeem the captives — pidyon shvuyim — among the highest of all mitzvot. The return of innocent lives held in terror is not only a cause for gratitude but a sacred affirmation of life itself. We pray for their healing — body, mind, and soul — and for the families who never gave up hope.”

Rabbi Berg continued, “At the same time, we mourn the countless lives lost — Israeli and Palestinian — and the deep pain that has scarred both peoples. The end of fighting does not end our responsibility. It calls us to recommit to the hard, sacred work of rebuilding: rebuilding homes, rebuilding trust, and rebuilding faith that peace is still possible in our lifetime.

“Our tradition teaches, ‘Seek peace and pursue it,’ not only when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. May this fragile ceasefire be more than a pause. May it be the first step toward a future rooted in justice, compassion, and the dignity of every human being created in the image of G-d. Today, we thank G-d for life restored. Tomorrow, we begin again — working, praying, and believing that peace is not just a dream, but our shared destiny.”

Rabbi Ari Kaiman of Congregation Shearith Israel shared, “For two years, we have been sowing in tears — praying each day for the return of the hostages. We have prayed for all who are held in Gaza, and especially for those directly connected to our Shearith Israel family: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was murdered by Hamas and whose body has now been recovered by the IDF; Omer Neutra, who was killed on Oct. 7, and whose body remains in Gaza; Elkanah Bohbot and Evyatar David, whom we continue to pray will be able to share Shabbat dinner with their families this coming week.

“Our hearts hold both gratitude and grief,” said Rabbi Kaiman. “We are grateful for the tremendous efforts of the Trump administration and all who have worked tirelessly to bring the world together in demanding that Hamas recognize what Israel’s resilience has already made clear: progress cannot come through terror. On this festival of Sukkot, the Torah commands us to rejoice — v’samachta b’chagecha … v’hayita ach sameach — to feel “only joy.” How can we possibly do so while so much pain still fills the world? Perhaps the answer is: only for a moment.”

Rabbi Kaiman continued, “When the hostages come home, let us allow ourselves — if only for a moment — to feel only joy. When our brothers and sisters in the IDF are no longer called to fight, let us feel only joy. When Hamas lays down its arms and the Palestinian people are free from their reign of terror, let us feel only joy. When peace, even fragile and incomplete, draws a little nearer, let us feel only joy.

“And then, as this holiday ends and the fullness of our complicated emotions returns, may that fleeting moment of joy give us strength for the long work of healing — to mend what is broken and to help bring about the world G-d still dreams for us.”

Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, CEO of Hillels of Georgia, said, “Today and always, Hillels of Georgia stands with Israel as we pray for the long-awaited return of hostages and for safety, healing, and renewal for all of our brothers and sisters in Israel.

“On our campuses, Jewish life continues to be vibrant, safe, and deeply rooted in dialogue and bridge-building. We are proud to stand alongside thousands of students nationwide who, since Oct. 7, have spoken up with courage and conviction in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel.”

Rabbi Sernovitz continued, “Our mission to connect students to Israel remains unwavering. Even throughout this conflict, Hillels of Georgia has continued sending students on immersive Israel experiences; journeys that are transformative, educational, and deeply personal. We will continue to do so this winter and summer, helping students strengthen their Jewish identity, build lifelong ties to Israel, and inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders.

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to cultivating vibrant Jewish life on every campus, grounded in our values of learning, leadership, and peace. May this moment mark the beginning of a safer, more hopeful future for Israel and the Middle East, our students, and the entire Jewish people.”

Terry Nordin, Hadassah Greater Atlanta president, shared Hadassah’s response, “Hadassah welcomes the announcement that Hamas — the terrorist group that savagely attacked Israel in a murderous rampage and took 251 men, women and children hostage  — has agreed to the first phase of a plan to end the war and to free all of the remaining hostages, whom they tortured and starved for an agonizing two years. Our hearts remain with the hostages and their families, who have been living in a nightmare and fighting to be reunited with their loved ones.

“We hold our breath until all of them, living and deceased, are returned home. May the road to rehabilitation and healing begin. Hadassah continues to support Israel’s right to exist and responsibility to defend itself and its citizens from attack. We thank our leaders in the United States and those around the globe who have worked to bring about this path to peace for Israel and the entire Middle East. We are grateful for the enduring friendship between the United States and Israel.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta issued the following statement, “Today is a day of hope and, we pray, the beginning of healing for the hostages, their families, and all of Israel. For 737 days, 49 of the original 250 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas have been held in captivity in horrific conditions.

“Through 18 major Jewish holidays and 105 Shabbat dinners, Jewish families in Israel and around the world had empty chairs at our tables, yellow ribbons on our lapels, and fractures in our hearts. Each of those one million minutes was filled with anguish and uncertainty — wondering if the hostages would live or die, knowing that the Jewish people were incomplete without them.

“Today, we rejoice as the 20 surviving hostages come home to their loved ones — finally filling the empty chairs at our tables and beginning to mend our broken hearts. Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and Jews everywhere celebrate this long-awaited moment of relief and joy, standing in solidarity with the families and the people of Israel. Now, as we turn toward healing, we invite you to join us in person — to stand together as a community, bear witness, and reaffirm our collective strength and hope.”

Hadara Ishak, president & COO of Jewish Future Promise, shared, “Today, as we welcome the safe return of hostages who have endured unimaginable suffering, we feel deep relief, gratitude, and humility. This moment is one of profound significance, a testament to the strength of faith, the power of persistence, and the impact of courageous leadership. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Trump for his decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to securing the release of the hostages and advancing the peace process.

“Yet our celebration is tempered by remembrance. We will never forget the hostages who did not return, the atrocities they endured in captivity, or the families who continue to wait. We honor Israel’s fallen and wounded soldiers, heroes whose courage, sacrifice, and resilience will forever live in the heart of the Jewish people. This is not an ending, but a moment of renewal, a call for vigilance, accountability, and enduring unity. True peace requires both justice and memory.

Ishak continued, “At Jewish Future Promise, we reaffirm our mission: to secure the Jewish future through action, education, and purpose. Our promise begins in remembrance but lives in what we teach, how we give, and the legacy we build for those who follow. We invite our allies of every faith and background to stand with us in ensuring that justice, compassion, and human dignity prevail. ‘Never Again’ must be more than a vow across time; it must be a living promise, acted upon with courage, gratitude, and unwavering belief in a shared humanity.

“May this moment renew our hope, strengthen our unity, and inspire us to build a safer and prouder Jewish future, together. Am Yisrael Chai.”

Beth Gluck, of the Sandy Springs Walk for Their Lives Sunday walking group, shared, “Just like that, we never thought we’d see this day. After a meaningful night last night, I was up at it again early this morning. We gathered for what is likely going to be our last walk. We walked with hope and ambition, eagerly awaiting the return of our hostages within the next ~10 hours (based on Israeli reports). To everyone who made this dream finally come true, we cannot thank you enough. Thank you for showing up, week after week, for the past 13 months of our chapter. We deeply appreciate you … We look forward to sleeping in next Sunday, we’ve all earned it!”