Tucson’s Jewish community reacts to Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – As the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas spreads globally, members of Tucson’s Jewish community are reacting with a mix of relief and cautious optimism.

“It’s a very fragile moment,” said Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, CEO of Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona. “We are all very emotional about it. As we’ve seen, these ceasefire and hostage negotiations have broken apart at various moments. This seems closer to reality than it’s been in a long time.”

The community, deeply affected by the prolonged conflict, has been holding onto hope for peace and the safe return of hostages.

Rabbi Sam Cohon of Congregation Beit Simcha shared how his congregation has been incorporating prayers for hostages since the initial attacks in October 2023.

“In my congregation, we’ve been saying a prayer for the release of the hostages since the first Shabbat after the attack and at every service and gathering since then,” Rabbi Cohon said.

While the ceasefire has sparked hope, many remain cautiously optimistic, mindful of the complexities and uncertainties of peace efforts in the Middle East.

“We’ve all been hoping and praying and working for this to happen,” Rabbi Cohon continued. “But we don’t want to get too excited because things can go wrong. This is a moment of really great, powerful hope.”

The Tucson Jewish community has also reaffirmed its connection to Israel and its commitment to unity during this time.

“We will continue to be who we are in all these spaces,” said Leipzig Holzhauer. “Including our connection to the Jewish homeland, our family there—which represents half of the world’s Jewish population—and many relatives here at home. We will work together to rebuild.”

The Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona plans to send a volunteer mission to Gaza in the coming months to assist with rebuilding efforts.

We did reach out to the Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance for comment on the ceasefire deal but have not heard back at this time.