A sign in the lobby of the Katz Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill says it all: It has been more than fifteen months of worries and prayers since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.
Now says Jen Dubrow Weiss, CEO of the center news of a ceasefire gives her hope.
“Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Israel, and the atrocities that followed have kept our hearts many, many miles away,” said Dubrow Weiss.
Dubrow Weiss led a group to Israel last February. She says they witnessed the terrifying images of destroyed homes and spoke to families torn apart.
“To know that families have been broken and families have been destroyed and that people can now go home to their families, to their loved ones, is something that gives us hope for the first time in a very long time. Dubrow Weiss said.
Ahmet Tekelioglu is executive director of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
“For us, the last 15 months have been very difficult,” Tekelioglu said.
He says thousands of Palestinians, Muslims and allies of all faiths in Pennsylvania who advocated for peace and justice are relieved. He mentioned the news of a ceasefire and hostage agreement much earlier.
“While there is cautious optimism, I think the overwhelming feeling right now is one of relief for people who can slowly try to regain a sense of normalcy, but with all the devastation in Gaza, normal looks very different.” he said.
People on both sides said they know everything cannot be solved overnight, but they continue to pray for peace and hope it will lead to a more positive outcome for everyone in the Middle East.