Like all Israelis and Jews the world over, the Simon Wiesenthal Center is relieved that the first of the innocent hostages arescheduled to be released by the Hamas terrorist organization in exchange for a five-day ceasefire. If initial reports play out, we pray for the safety of all surviving hostages.
Tragically, this deal provides this terrorist group with a temporary, limited lifeline. If there is to be any hope for peace inthe Holy Land, Hamas must be removed permanently.
It is important to note that the international community, led by the United Nations, including agencies that are supposedly devotedto the well-being, safety and rights of women and children, have failed to do anything to try to help the hostages for the past 6 weeks, since October 7th.
We hope and pray reports that the International Red Cross will now be able to visit with all the remaining hostages and provide themmedical care turns out to be true.