October 10, 2025

Just two days after the anniversary of October 7, there is news that a U.S. brokered agreement between Israel and Hamas may bring an end to this war. The proposed plan includes the return of all hostages still held in Gaza, the living and the bodies of those who were murdered, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed positions, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. We remain cautiously optimistic and will be holding our collective breath until our people are home.

For Israelis, this war began with unspeakable violence on October 7, 2023. And for two years, Jews around the world have lived with the ache of what was taken, the rage of what was destroyed, and the unbearable weight of waiting for the release of the hostages.

This agreement does not restore what was taken from us. But it may begin the work of turning ruin and grief into life and joy for the people of Israel and for the civilians in Gaza who have endured profound loss and hardship. True lasting peace isn’t just the absence of war. It’s the presence of music, culture, and meaning.

As the poet Yehuda Amichai wrote:

Don't stop after beating the swords into plowshares, don't stop! Go on beating and make musical instruments out of them.

We do not mistake quiet for peace. But we recognize the sacredness of quiet after years of terror. We know what it means to sing again, even in mourning. To imagine again. To make space again for joy and for rebuilding.

May this moment hold. May the hostages come home. May Israel and Gaza begin to heal. May the Jewish people and the Palestinian people thrive. May we make music from the pain.

With strength and care.