ST. LOUIS – For over 15 months, B’Nai Amoona Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham has kept a visual reminder for his congregation of the conflict between both Israel and Hamas.

“Since October 2023, we put the pictures of the hostages in our sanctuary,” Abraham said.  “They’ve sat beside us for 15 months now.”

It is still early in this ceasefire agreement that aims to offer an olive branch to both sides.

The three-phase deal promises the release of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and it will allow hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes.

“I think it’s time for us to put whatever differences aside for these past 15 months,” Abraham added. “I’d ask the other side to stop their unlawful protests. But hopefully this can bring some peace to the Middle East but the whole world.”


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“I know it’s going to be difficult for everyone,” Olive Grill restaurant owner David Simmons said. “A lot of lives lost, and a lot of infrastructure is damaged. I hope the deal goes through.”

Simmons is hopeful for the 42-day cease-fire agreement. 

“Whoever wins, they tell the story,” he said. “They make who is right and who is wrong, and that’s one major issue. Whoever is the winner, they decide who is right and who is wrong.”

The details still need to be ironed out, but the process is expected to begin Sunday.