After two years of war, a peace plan between Israel and Hamas, brokered by President Trump, was signed on Oct. 9. At home in Queens, residents, activists and elected officials celebrated the return of hostages, release of detainees and ceasefire.
Gov. Hochul said she’s grateful to the Trump administration for its role in securing the hostages’ release, and added, “With their return and a permanent ceasefire, I’m hopeful that vital aid will soon reach families suffering in Gaza and that today marks the beginning of a new chapter of lasting peace and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Among those to react were the candidates for mayor. The Democratic nominee, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) in a statement said the scenes of Israelis and Palestinians were “profoundly moving.”
Mamdani said, “There is finally a glimmer of hope that this ceasefire will hold and the long difficult work of reconstruction can begin. I also know this news brings solace to millions of New Yorkers, who’ve felt the pain of the past few years. We have watched as our tax dollars have funded a genocide. The moral and human cost will be a lasting stain and requires accountability and real examination of our collective conscience and our government’s policies. The responsibility now lies with those of us who believe in peace to make sure it endures, and that it is just.”
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running for mayor as an independent, said on X, “This is more than a diplomatic success; it is a moral moment, a reminder of our shared humanity and the sacred value of every life. We must never forget the terrorist act that brought us here, and we must stand together to say, with one voice: never forget and never again. Terrorism has no place in Gaza, in the Middle East, or anywhere in the world.”
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa said the end to war is something to be celebrated.
“The 20 surviving hostages are reunited by families and loved ones after 738 agonizing days in captivity. 7+3+8 = 18, which means Chai, which means ‘life’ in Judaism,” Sliwa said. “A number that embodies life, hope, and blessing. We pray that these hostages coming home can recover, and live peacefully again.”
Mayor Adams said, “Our hearts are filled with joy as an end to the war in Gaza appears to be on the horizon and families have finally been united. … We pray that this news will bring lasting peace, justice, and prosperity to Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) in a statement said the ceasefire is “a moment of great hope” and that she is thankful hostages are returning home.
“This agreement is an important step toward peace, but we cannot forget the atrocities of October 7th and the years that followed. Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, countless families destroyed, most of the population forced from their homes, and Gaza reduced to rubble. Much of this violence was enabled by U.S. weapons and a policy of impunity. I will continue to press for the Block the Bombs Act so that American-made weapons never again fuel this kind of devastation.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said she is encouraged by the deal and added, “This is also the best approach to surging resources and food into Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinian families. Now, we can turn to our Arab partners to help with the long and important work of rebuilding Gaza, working toward a two-state solution, and establishing an enduring security and economic alliance in the Middle East.”
Assemblymember Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) on X said, “After 738 days, they are finally home. The images and videos of the Israeli hostages reuniting with their loved ones are incredibly emotional. Today I’m thanking the advocates for never giving up hope. I remain hopeful that this news can bring a lasting peace to the region.”
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) said the peace deal offers a “long-awaited glimmer of hope” and added, “Here’s to American diplomacy and leadership paving the way for healing, safety and a lasting peace — as families reunite and the world bears witness.”
Borough President Donovan Richards took to X to write, “An emotional day as hostages are reunited with their families. Let’s continue to pray and work for peace in the Middle East. May peace prevail, for all people.”
Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) wrote, “This is an enormous day not just for Israel, but for the entire Middle East as well, as we step forward into what is hoped to be a new era of peace between Israel and Palestine. President Trump promised to end the suffering that engulfed the Gaza Strip, and today it seems that — under his 20-point peace plan — he is doing just that.”
On Facebook, Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) said, “As a Jew, October 7, 2023, was heart breaking and mind numbing. Since that fateful day, I have been working with several organizations, including #BringThemHomeNow, to advocate for the release of the hostages. This day has finally arrived! I pray for the well-being of those who were released today and for the families of those who didn’t make it but who will be able to finally lay their loved ones to rest. Am also hoping for lasting peace in the region.”
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) said it’s the “moment we have been waiting for.”
She added, “Around the world, and here in New York, we never stopped fighting, praying, and outwardly demanding for their release — and it has finally happened. Welcome home! May this next phase lead to a true and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Within Our Lifetime, a Palestinian-led New York City-based advocacy group, on X celebrated the freedom of what it labeled nearly 2,000 Palestinian political prisoners, but called for the release of “nearly 10,000 Palestinian political prisoners.”
The group added, “The struggle to free our prisoners in Palestine is part of the same struggle to free all political prisoners from the U.S. to the U.K. to everywhere free people continue to resist zionism, imperialism, colonialism, and the machinery of racism and oppression. Until every cage is broken and every captive is free, our fight for collective liberation continues.”
Ashreynu, a Jewish community in Astoria led by Rabbi Jonathan Pearl, wrote on its Facebook page, “This time two years ago, we sat together singing and weeping; last year, we danced through our mourning; this year, we begin to piece back together the joy and healing as our people return home.”