American Jews and Muslims Celebrate Ceasefire Deal, But Cautiously
While we’re all celebrating the immediate win, to really have a long-run success here is going to require probably not just months but years of work ahead. It’s going to take real dedication. So, we’re cautious and optimistic at the same time.
The exchange of hostages and prisoners and end to military hostilities, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump over the past week, is expected to be ratified on Thursday (Oct. 9) in a vote by Israel’s Cabinet. If the Cabinet approves the deal, it would end two years of devastating bloodshed and free some 20 living hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
✡️ Jewish Community Response
Jewish organizations and leaders from around the world celebrated what they hoped were the first steps toward ending the war permanently.
Organizations Expressing Support:
- American Jewish Committee
- Jewish Council for Public Affairs
- National Council of Jewish Women
- Anti-Defamation League
- Conservative Movement
- Reform Movement
- Board of Deputies of British Jews
- World Jewish Congress
⚖️ The Context: Deep Division Within American Jewry
American Jews have been torn apart by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in which Hamas infiltrated Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage.
61% of American Jews believed Israel had committed war crimes, according to a recent Washington Post poll.
Most sharply disapproved of Israel’s retaliatory incursion in Gaza, according to surveys.
According to Gazan officials, the Israeli military has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of them women and children, and its chokehold on the coastal strip has provoked a massive humanitarian crisis, including starvation.
☪️ Muslim Community Response
American Muslims have sided with Palestinians and are highly critical of the war and the United States’ support for it.
Key Organizations:
- Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
- Muslim Public Affairs Council
- Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
📊 American Muslim Perspectives
“There’s even higher levels of exhaustion and worry for our communities than immediately following 9/11.”
The Israel-Gaza war has not only been a foreign policy issue for Muslim Americans, who have seen members of their community detained for speaking out against the war and expressing pro-Palestinian sentiment. It has also become a domestic issue involving the First Amendment cause.
“The world must ensure that the next stages of this agreement lead to the reconstruction of Gaza free from Israeli occupation or Western colonial oversight, as well as a clear path to ending the broader occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people so that a just, lasting peace can be established.”
⚠️ Voices of Skepticism
Muslim Community Concerns About the Deal
Mistrust of Intentions: While celebrating the deal, Muslims voiced mistrust of Israel’s intentions.
“Many members of the community are viewing this deal with a great deal of caution and skepticism because promises have been made before, and have been broken by Israel and Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu, especially regarding the actual cessation of violence and the allowance of aid to enter.”
Lack of Trust in Netanyahu Government: The question of the Israeli government’s reliability was raised by multiple leaders.
“The challenge is that there’s not a lot of trust in the Netanyahu government in actually fulfilling their end of the commitment.”
🤝 Surprising Unity: Muslim and Jewish Attitudes Converge
A new ISPU poll of the American Muslim community to be released later this month shows that American Muslim and American Jewish attitudes toward the war and the rights of Palestinians are indistinguishable when it comes to the war in Gaza.
This finding reveals unexpected common ground between two communities often portrayed as at odds over Middle East policy.
✝️ Christian Community Response
Christian Groups Salute the News
“We call upon the entire Church — across the United States and around the world — to stand in steadfast prayer: that this ceasefire holds, that all hostages are safely returned, that further phases of the agreement are honored, and that this agreement will open the door to enduring peace, justice, and security for both Israel and her neighbors.”
The statement hailed the agreement and congratulated Trump for pushing it forward.
“For sure, there will be other obstacles. But now we have to rejoice about this important step that will bring a little more trust for the future and also bring a new hope, especially to the people, both Israeli and Palestinians.”
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