A Grim Milestone: 250 Days Since October 7th

Today marks 250 days since Hamas abducted hundreds of innocent hostages from southern Israel, plunging their families into a seemingly endless nightmare. The world’s silence and inaction on this matter are not just failures; they are moral betrayals. As we mark this grim milestone, we must renew our commitment to bringing hostages home and dismantling the terrorist infrastructure that perpetuates such atrocities.

Standing in unity and solidarity with the hostages, their families, and the soldiers on the front lines is not just an obligation; it is a profound expression of our Jewish values. Our tradition places immense importance on the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim—the redemption of captives. This practice, rooted in millennia of Jewish law and ethics, mandates that we spare no effort in securing the freedom of those unjustly held.

Pidyon shvuyim, one of the highest mitzvot in Jewish tradition, is not just a historical mandate but a living, breathing call to action. The Talmud teaches us that redeeming captives takes precedence over feeding and clothing the poor. This underscores the severity and urgency with which we must address the plight of those in captivity.

Our stance is clear: we will not rest until every hostage is freed, every soldier is safe, Israelis can return to their homes in the Gaza envelope and near the northern border, and Hamas is dismantled. The evil wrought by Hamas is a blight not only on Israel but on humanity. Their actions violate every tenet of human decency and international law. We must hold them accountable, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and ensuring that they bear the full weight of justice for their crimes.

The release of captives is a top priority, and we stand ready to support any efforts that align with this goal. Every week in our synagogues, we are praying for the release of our kidnapped compatriots. American Jews count among the victims several men and women born and raised in our communal fold.

Every effort must be made to ensure the safe return of our people, including military intervention. Israel’s rescue last week of four hostages, an operation for which a brave commander, Amon Zamora, gave his life, is a testament to the nation’s dedication to rescuing those who have been abducted.

Hamas bears sole responsibility for the wellbeing of the hostages. We demand their immediate release and will continue to apply pressure on all relevant parties to achieve this end. Our resolve is unwavering. We will not relent until justice is served, and our people are brought home.

Moreover, we reaffirm our steadfast support for Israel as it navigates these perilous times. The nation’s right to defend itself against any and all threats is indisputable. We back any negotiations and measures aimed at bringing our hostages home, standing united in our common purpose.

In these trying times, it is imperative that we maintain our unity and resolve. The hostages’ plight is a stark reminder of the brutal reality faced by those who live under the constant threat of terrorism. It is a call to action for us all to stand together, unwavering and determined.

We must channel our collective anguish into action, ensuring that the hostages’ families know they are not alone. Their suffering is our suffering. Their fight is our fight. And together, we will prevail.

On this 250th day, let us not be deterred by the challenges but be inspired by our shared values and commitment. The road ahead may be long and arduous, but our resolve is stronger. We will continue to fight for the freedom of the hostages, the safety of our soldiers, and the dismantling of the terrorist networks that threaten our existence.

In solidarity, in action, and in unwavering commitment to justice, we march forward. The hostages will come home. Hamas will be defeated. And our community will emerge stronger, united by the enduring values that have guided us through millennia.