A group of 100 Jewish clergy from across the United States signed a statement calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal that would free the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
The signatories of the clergy statement include well-known rabbis spanning the country and the Jewish denominational spectrum. The list includes Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Renewal and Secular Humanistic leaders.
“We urgently call upon the Israeli Prime Minister and all relevant parties to finalize the deal on the table — outlined by President [Joe] Biden and endorsed by Qatar, Egypt, and the UN Security Council — and to bring much-needed relief to those suffering,” the statement reads.
“We can’t start healing as the Jewish people in Israel and the global diaspora until our brothers and sisters are home: We are compelled by the mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim [the redeeming of captives] to take decisive action and ensure the safe return of all 115 hostages,” the statement continues. “Time is running out, and we must seize this opportunity to restore hope to the region.”
