After devoting considerable energy to praying for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, Rabbi Shai Held felt grief upon learning that the deal required the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners, including the man convicted of murdering his rabbinical school roommate, Matt Eisenfeld. Eisenfeld and Sara Duker were killed in a terrorist bombing in Jerusalem in 1996.
Many leaders of contemporary American liberal Judaism, such as Rabbi Shai Held, have been emotionally impacted by the recent release of prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The release of high-profile prisoners, including those convicted of murder, has reopened wounds for those who lost loved ones in terrorist attacks.
For individuals like Rabbi David Wolkenfeld, news of the release of prisoners responsible for the deaths of their friends has stirred up intense emotions and memories of past terrorist attacks. The ceasefire deal, while aimed at easing the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians, has brought back feelings of loss and grief for those affected by acts of terrorism.
Among those released under the ceasefire agreement were individuals responsible for the 2002 bombing at the Hebrew University cafeteria in Jerusalem, which claimed the lives of several Americans, including Benjamin Blutstein and Marla Bennett. The news of their killers’ release has reignited feelings of pain and anger for their friends and loved ones.
Despite the mixed emotions surrounding the prisoner release, many individuals, including Rabbi Ed Bernstein, are hopeful for the safe return of all hostages and the healing of both Israeli and Palestinian communities. The complex feelings of anger, relief, and sadness are being navigated by those directly impacted by acts of terrorism as they process the implications of the ceasefire agreement.
As they grapple with the conflicting emotions brought about by the prisoner release, individuals like Amanda Pogany are focusing on finding moments of joy and continuing the work of promoting kindness and compassion in the world. The ongoing navigation of joy and sorrow is a familiar experience for the Jewish community, who seek to find balance in the midst of challenging circumstances.