The Meaning of October 13

October 13 was a celebratory day in Israel when 20 hostages held by Hamas over the past 24 months were released from their imprisonment. I am happy for the hostages and their families and communities, but it is a feeling mixed with sadness for those whose loved ones have not returned and may never have peace of mind. I also harbor doubts that the hostage release––in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners—will meaningfully improve the prospects for real peace in that troubled region. I sought some comfort and clarity from friends, who shared with me their thoughts on the events of the day, and found most have the same conflicted feelings:

“I am elated and at the same time suspicious… Based on 77 years of there being a State of Israel, it is hard not to be cautious with almost eight decades of false starts. I do hope my worry unjustified… Having many nations involved, including those in the Middle East, strengthens my hope…Future success is dependent on Donald Trump staying with this and not continuing his pattern of moving on to new things to the detriment of the old.” — AG

“I am elated this agreement is going into effect, but how many ceasefires have we seen dishonored in the past? As much as I dislike Trump, he was able to gain Netanyahu’s confidence and be forceful enough to make this happen. I hope the next US President will have the same commitment. It will be interesting to see if this will have any effect on the antisemitism problems the world is seeing…” — BB

“The great thing is that these 20 persevered and came home. The sad thing is that half the hostages died needlessly. Hamas is shown to be a renegade organization. Hopefully, they will not be permitted to prevent peace in the Middle East.” — HM

“Juxtaposed the horrific attack of October 7 and watching the homecoming videos of hostages reuniting with loved ones forces one to consider the existence of good and evil, love and hate, war and peace. ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ – Jesus (Jn. 16.33)” — EP

“Trump and Netanyahu are unlikely architects of a lasting peace. Coercion and humiliation are strategies that do not usually result in lasting peace. While Trump may be trying to make peace internationally, at home he is at war with the Constitution, due process, the rule of law, a good segment of the American people and Democracy itself…That being said, the more players involved in the peace process, the more likely a successful outcome…Peace, however it comes about, it preferable to mass killing.” —JG