Hopeful New Yorkers joined leaders and citizens across the world in praise of a long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that would end more than a year of bitter bloodshed in the turbulent Middle East.
For New Yorkers, the news that the war in Gaza that sparked division, anger and violence across the city might be close to an end sparked relief and joy — but also concern about what comes next.
“It is welcome news that there is an agreement that will free many of the hostages,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a statement. “A ceasefire is very good news for Israel, for America, for the Palestinian people and particularly for the hostage families who have waited so long in agony
“A ceasefire will reduce violence in Gaza and harm to innocent civilians. It couldn’t have happened without steadfast diplomacy and until the potency of Hamas was radically reduced.”
Few were more hopeful about the agreement than the families of kidnapped hostages.
“We are overjoyed for the families who will soon reunite with their loved ones,” New York City resident Moshe Lavi, whose brother-in-law Omri Miran was kidnapped when the war started Oct., 7, 2023, said in a statement.
“But the work does not stop here. We must continue to fight tirelessly for the freedom of those still held captive, both in Israel and through advocacy efforts worldwide. Their lives and futures depend on our unwavering commitment to bringing them back safely. The world must not look away until every single hostage is free.”
Lavi pointed out that Miran, who is 47, is not expected to be in the first wave of hostages who are released, which reportedly will include women, children and men over age 50, plus the wounded and sick.
Lavi, a native of Sderot, Israel, is a former captain in the Israel Defense Forces. He now works as a management consultant in New York.
Even though there was skepticism in some circles, particularly over the pace of hostage release — which reportedly could see only a few Israeli hostages released each week and stretch out over three phases — many were happy that this day had finally arrived.
“Millions of New Yorkers have strong ties to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with many having family and loved ones who are directly impacted by the hostage crisis and resulting war,” State Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. “We have all watched in horror as, for more than a year, the conflict has raged, hostages have been kept from their families, thousands of lives have been lost, and communities have been torn apart. It is my deepest hope that this ceasefire deal will not only end this current conflict, but also help bring about a lasting, fair peace in the region.”
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