Rabbi calls for peace amid new ceasefire to end Middle East conflict

ST. LOUIS - For over 15 months, B'Nai Amoona Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham has kept a visual reminder for his congregation of the conflict between both Israel and Hamas.

“Since October 2023, we put the pictures of the hostages in our sanctuary,” Abraham said.  “They’ve sat beside us for 15 months now.”

It is still early in this ceasefire agreement that aims to offer an olive branch to both sides.

The three-phase deal promises the release of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and it will allow hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes.

“I think it’s time for us to put whatever differences aside for these past 15 months,” Abraham added. “I’d ask the other side to stop their unlawful protests. But hopefully this can bring some peace to the Middle East but the whole world.”

“I know it’s going to be difficult for everyone,” Olive Grill restaurant owner David Simmons said. “A lot of lives lost, and a lot of infrastructure is damaged. I hope the deal goes through.”

Simmons is hopeful for the 42-day cease-fire agreement. 

“Whoever wins, they tell the story,” he said. “They make who is right and who is wrong, and that’s one major issue. Whoever is the winner, they decide who is right and who is wrong.”

The details still need to be ironed out, but the process is expected to begin Sunday.

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis also released a statement on the ceasefire agreement:

"Jewish Federations welcome news of a deal to release dozens of hostages, create a framework for releasing all the hostages, and allow Israel a path forward to protect the safety and security of its citizens.

Every day for over 15 months, our community has held the hostages in our hearts, wept for their plight, prayed for their safe return, and mourned for those who we lost.

We've held close our Israeli brothers and sisters who have suffered, been displaced, fought in reserves, struggled to keep their businesses afloat, and worked to keep their families and communities alive.

There is much work to be done and significant uncertainty ahead, but we are hopeful that the first phase of this agreement will pave the way for the remaining hostages to be reunited with their family, for hostilities to end, and for an era of security and rebuilding for both Israel and her neighbors.

We must also thank President Biden and President-elect Trump, for their unprecedented coordination to bring both sides together to get a deal done."