(RNS) — This coming week, a group of rabbis who had been pushing for a ceasefire in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza will gather online for a town hall meeting.
Over the past two years, the group, Rabbis for Ceasefire, has grown to 420 rabbis and cantors and become a powerful force on the American Jewish left since Israel launched its retaliatory attack on Gaza in response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Now that a ceasefire has been declared between Israel and Hamas, the group has no plans of disbanding.
In fact, it plans to redouble its efforts.
Jews around the world rejoiced earlier this week after the release of the final 20 living hostages to Israel from Hamas captivity. On Wednesday (Oct. 15), Simchat Torah, the holiday marking the end of the High Holiday season, many celebrated with an extra dose of joy. But for all the relief and exultation, many American Jews are concerned the ceasefire remains tenuous. Hamas has yet to return some 20 bodies of hostages who died in captivity, and Israel appears ready to retaliate with restrictions on humanitarian aid. Beyond that, there is deep concern for the fate of Palestinians, who face bleak prospects in a completely devastated Gaza Strip.
Rabbi Alissa Wise. (Pho …