The global Jewish community continues to grieve following yesterday’s news that Hamas cannot identify and return forty living Israeli hostages that meet the proposed ceasefire exchange criteria, specifically women and ill or elderly men. This suggests that more hostages may have perished than previously revealed.
This tragic news serves as a stark reminder of the dual threats facing Israel at this very moment—the pressing need to safeguard its western border as well as the imminent need to recover Israeli citizens still held captive in Gaza. Only by accomplishing the former may Israel know peace—Shalom. Only by accomplishing the latter may Israel once again know wholeness—Shleimut.
Derived from the same Hebrew root, shalem, peace and wholeness represent two equally significant components of the harmony we wish for everyone. And so, as Israel and Hamas determine their next steps, we steadfastly continue to pray that all Israel quickly realizes both shalom and shleimut.
— Rabbi Josh Knobel
