Youngstown Area Jewish Federation statement on the agreement between Israel and Hamas:

“Two years and one day since Hamas carried out the deadliest massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust, the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation celebrates the news of an agreement between Israel and Hamas.

“For two years and one day, we have prayed with the families and loved ones of the hostages. Today, we celebrate with them.

“As the remaining 48 hostages, living and deceased, return home, we know there’s a long road ahead. We also still bear the pain of profound loss. But throughout this ordeal, we have witnessed the incredible resilience of both the Israeli people and our Jewish community here at home. The same resilience will get us all through the next chapter.

“While much work remains, we hope this moment marks the beginning of the end of this horrific war, and lays the necessary groundwork for a lasting peace. We pray for further success in the next phases of the process which hopefully leads to full comprehensive peace in the region, rebuilding of Gaza, and a future for Gazans who will no longer be living under the grip of tyrannical Hamas terrorists.

“We are grateful to President Trump for his role in helping bring about this deal. We also thank Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his leadership. And we are appreciative of Turkey, Qatar and Egypt, as well as the entire Arab League for their mediation help. Finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the security forces of the State of Israel, who defended our land with bravery and paid a heavy price to protect Israel.”

— Lisa Long, CEO, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation