Community members on both sides expressed cautious optimism that this could lead to a lasting peace, despite an admitted long road ahead.
In Cleveland, a ceasefire agreement has been achieved between Israel and Hamas, ending months of conflict and immense suffering for many people.
In Northeast Ohio, members of the Jewish and Palestinian communities are cautiously hopeful about the deal brokered by President Joe Biden. This agreement comes as a source of solace after enduring over 400 days of relentless fighting.
The prolonged conflict in Gaza has stirred emotions among Palestinians in the region, with many expressing relief and joy at the news of the ceasefire. There is optimism that the agreement will bring an end to the hardships faced under the severe conditions of war.
“This is going to be relief for the people of Gaza — not even Hamas; the people of Gaza,” said Chance Zurb, a pro-Palestinian advocate. “There’s about two million people there that have been living through unbearable conditions for the last 15 months.”
The ceasefire deal, outlined by Biden, includes three phases, beginning with the release of dozens of hostages including American citizens. However, some Jewish leaders expressed disappointment that such action had not come sooner.
“They (several hostages) were murdered in captivity over the summer,” Erika B. Rudin-Luria, president of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, told 3News. “Had this deal gone through last May, then they would have been released.”
A senior Hamas official issued a statement affirming the group’s commitment to the agreement. Cleveland voices echoed a desire for a lasting peace.
“We would like to see this be a long-term solution for our people in Gaza, for the Palestinians that have had to live not just through the past 15 months, but for the past 18 years of a siege that started in 2007,” Zurb said.
Jewish community leaders shared similar hopes.
“My hope is that this is something that ultimately is able to bring peace to the region, to allow both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,” Rudin-Luria added. “There’s no healing or recovery until the 98 (hostages) come home.”
The deal is expected to initiate a six-week halt to fighting, along with further negotiations aimed at ending the war altogether.
