- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO

In a world increasingly defined by conflict, news of a ceasefire brings a fleeting sense of hope. This week, as reports surfaced of a temporary halt in violence between Israel and Hamas, many of us exhaled deeply — relieved but cautious. For the Jewish community in Greater Philadelphia, the armistice is more than just a diplomatic agreement. It represents a profound opportunity to reflect, advocate and act to ensure a safer and more secure future.

The ceasefire is not the end of the story. It is, at best, a pause in a long and painful narrative of violence, loss and profound insecurity. We have seen these temporary pauses before, and we know they can be fragile. However, even temporary relief from rockets raining down on Israeli cities offers a chance to save lives, to heal and to recalibrate efforts toward peace. See an exclusive briefing from Jewish Federation of North America on the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire with Israeli journalist Haviv Rettig Gur and ITC founder and CEO Taly Levanon. 

As an organization deeply committed to supporting the people of Israel and Jewish people worldwide, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia views the ceasefire through the lens of human dignity and resilience. This pause offers a critical opportunity to address the humanitarian crisis. The road to recovery is long. Our work — whether through emergency funding, advocacy or coalition-building — focuses on rebuilding lives and supporting communities in their moments of greatest need.

The release of all hostages must remain an absolute priority. These individuals are innocent victims caught in the crossfire of a devastating conflict. Their freedom represents a moral obligation and a critical step toward restoring a sense of justice and humanity amid the pain.

Ultimately, the ceasefire is not the solution — it is the beginning of a longer, harder reconciliation process. True peace requires courage: the courage to listen, to empathize and to compromise. It also requires vigilance. Those who threaten Israel's existence and perpetuate violence against civilians cannot be allowed to use this pause to rearm and regroup. As we advocate for humanitarian aid and the rebuilding of communities, we must also ensure that resources are used for peace, not war.

I am reminded of the words of Golda Meir, who famously said, “We can forgive [our enemies] for killing our children, but we can never forgive them for forcing us to kill theirs.” These words capture the moral tragedy of the conflict but also point toward a higher aspiration — a world in which forgiveness and reconciliation are not just distant ideals but achievable realities.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will continue to stand with the people of Israel, advocate for the release of all the hostages, and work tirelessly to promote peace, security, and understanding. This ceasefire gives us a moment to hope, a moment to reflect and a moment to act. Let us use it wisely.

***