Jacksonville’s Jewish & Palestinian communities are reacting with a mix of relief, skepticism and cautious hope following the new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville residents are expressing a mix of relief and caution following the new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as locals with ties to the region consider what it could mean for the future.
Senior Rabbi Yaakov Fisch of Etz Chaim Synagogue described the moment as the culmination of years of prayer and hope.
“We prayed for this day for many days, weeks, months, just about two years. Want to thank the president and his administration for working tirelessly dedicated to getting the hostages out and we’re grateful and indebted to them,” Fisch said.
He also reflected on how his congregation has grown closer to their faith and identity amid ongoing tensions.
“Many people have really embraced their faith, really leaned into their identity, what it means to be Jewish to be connected to Israel. Whereas before, we took it for granted. Now, we understand a little better what it means to be a Jewish person,” he said.
At the same time, Dina Zakaria, Outreach Coordinator for Jacksonville’s Palestine Solidarity Network, emphasized ongoing concerns for Palestinians in Gaza.
“There also cannot be peace without justice, and my biggest concern right now is that Israel still occupies over half of Gaza and have violated many ceasefire agreements in the past and especially escalate violence in these supposed times of peace. So holding them to their promise and the US’s role in making sure that they uphold their promise is very important,” she said.
Zakaria also called on local leaders to take action. “We call on our local leaders to support JPSN’s genocide out of JAXPORTS campaign, ending contracts with Zionist logistics companies Maersk and Zim, and demand an arms embargo against the occupation because as long as American taxpayer money is materially supporting genocide, ethnic cleansing, and forced starvation, there cannot be peace in the region,” she added.
While the ceasefire has brought a sense of relief, many in the community remain cautious, aware of how fragile such agreements can be. Residents and advocates alike hope this truce marks a meaningful step toward lasting peace in the region.