Friends,
If you’re anything like me, you may find yourself asking the same question: Is this really happening?
After two devastating years of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a US-led peace plan to end the fighting. If it holds, the hostages will come home and Palestinians in Gaza will finally be able to breathe again.
But questions are already swirling. Will this last? How did Trump lock this in? Is this moment truly different from the false starts before?
Join us at 4pm Eastern today for a rapid response briefing. We’ll be joined by Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami and Chief Policy Officer Ilan Goldenberg to discuss their understanding of this moment. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to hear from someone who’s been speaking with contacts on both sides throughout these negotiations. Register for the 4pm Eastern call >>
As we absorb today’s news, we also continue to confront the immense loss of the past two years – and the shared struggle for a better future. We’ll be holding two further calls this week to hear from both Israelis and Palestinians on the impact of October 7 and what this moment means for them.
🗓️ Today | 1pm Eastern: “Remembering the Victims, Fighting for the Hostages”
This call will feature Sharone Lifschitz, whose parents were taken hostage, Elana Kaminka, whose son was killed by Hamas on October 7, and Israeli journalist Emmanuelle Elbaz-Phelps. Register here >>
🗓️ Tomorrow | 1pm Eastern: “Life & Death in Gaza Since October 7”
Palestinian voices from Gaza and Israel reflect on survival, loss and the struggle for justice and dignity. This call will feature Kareem Alsalqawi, a doctor working in Gaza’s hospitals, Angela Mattar, a coexistence activist, and Khalil Sayegh, a Gaza-born policy expert. Register here >>
Yours in hope,
Adina Vogel Ayalon
Vice President and Chief of Staff, J Street
