As I write this, I, along with millions of people throughout the world, am awaiting final confirmation of the ceasefire agreement which would result in the return of the Israeli hostages and an end to the fighting in Gaza. It is by no means a “done deal” and we must hold our collective breaths as the final details are worked out.

I have so many mixed emotions at this time.

I believe that the return of the hostages to Israel should have been a priority from the moments after the horrendous Hamas attacks of October 7. I also believe that Israel had an absolute obligation and responsibility to do as much damage as possible to Hamas to prevent future attacks.

While Israel has continuously claimed that the best solution to the hostage crisis was a military one and that it was not wise to reach a ceasefire agreement until Hamas was completely destroyed, each and every day the hostages have remained in Gaza must have been a nightmare. And, the horrible destruction in Gaza has caused such unimaginable suffering to innocent Palestinians who are also victims of decisions and priorities set by Hamas.

But, now we are here, on the verge of an agreement which would return the hostages- sadly, not all at once- and in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have committed acts of terror in the past. One could argue that it is not a “good deal” for Israel but with an opportunity for the hostages to return and an end to the slaughter in Gaza, it is long since time that such an agreement be made.

I do have many concerns about the days to come. I would like to share one of them.

While Israelis, Jews and lovers of Israel throughout the world wish to celebrate the return of the hostages, I pray that their return, God willing, will be marked with quiet appreciation, private reunions and a recognition that while so many of us have been praying and working for their release, it is not the time for unbridled joy.

These individuals have been through hell. Their lives will never be the same. And, while so many of us will be so thankful that their capture will come to an end, families of those who come back alive will face so much difficulty in the days ahead. And we must keep in mind those families who will receive the remains of their family members and be sensitive to their mourning.

It is easy to say that this deal should have happened months ago. Perhaps it wasn’t the right time. Perhaps opportunities were missed because of the intransigence of one side or the other. But, what is important is that we are closer now to seeing the beginning of the end to this horror than anytime since October 7 and, God willing, so many who have suffered for so long may see at least better days ahead.