Staff Writer Reflects on Recent Hostage Deal

by Rebecca Bazini, SSLI '26

Editor's Note: For today's article, PPN staff writer Rebecca Bazini reflects on the recent hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Her views and opinions are her own and do not necessarily mirror the views and opinions of Paw Print Now or Schechter School of Long Island.

Wednesday night, Jews around the world returned from the holy days of Sukkot and opened their phones to the news that many of us have been praying for these last two years: The first phase of agreement to end the war between Israel and Hamas has been reached, meaning all hostages could be released very soon. And while the Jewish community has not lost spirit during these trying times, the agreement for peace and the return of the hostages could not make our hearts more full of hope.

The ceasefire has officially come into effect as of this morning as part of President Trump's proposed first phase to end the war. There are still 48 hostages in Gaza, 20 believed to be alive, and 28 believed to be deceased. Hamas claims it does not know the whereabouts of nine of the hostage’s bodies. As part of the deal, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian terrorists from Israeli prisons, 250 of whom are serving life sentences, and they will partially recede from the Gaza Strip. According to The Times of Israel, the hostages are to be released in the next 72 hours.

The release of the remains of the hostages would also mean the return of Schechter alumnus Omer Neutra’s body for a proper burial.

Personally, I’m hopeful but also a bit scared. This peace deal promises security, but after a difficult two years, how do we know if it is genuinely going to happen? How can we trust Hamas, who attacked us so brutally, to hold their end of the bargain? We've had several victories throughout the war, such as the release of 81 hostages in November 2023, the elimination of Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist heads, and the release of 33 hostages in January 2025. These feats make me believe that this peaceful end to the war truly is possible, and while I am scared of any false hope, my excitement to witness the hostages come home is stronger.

Protest in NYC for the release of the hostages. (CBS News)

My heart is with Israel and the families of the hostages always, hoping that peace efforts will succeed and that this war will be over. And, hopefully, the families of the remaining hostages can celebrate Simchat Torah as they should have been able to two years ago: in spirit, in celebration, and in rejoicing.

Rebecca Bazini is a staff writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since January 2023. Rebecca is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: rbazini26@schechterli.org.