The long-awaited cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Jan. 19. More than 15 months after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, three more Israeli hostages were released from Gaza in what is the first pause in military action since a weeklong cease-fire and hostage exchange in Nov. 2023.
The hostages released were Romi Gonen, 24, Doron Steinbrecher, 31 and Emily Damari, 28. This release is the first of several planned to take place over the next six weeks, until a total of 33 of the 97 hostages still in Gaza have been freed. City officials and organizations in Beverly Hills have reacted to the news.
“We are grateful to see hostages released thus far from Hamas after spending an unimaginable amount of time as prisoners. We look forward to seeing every hostage safely return home and keep them in our thoughts and prayers,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman.
The Museum of Tolerance, which is located on the border of Beverly Hills at S. Roxbury Drive, honored the return of the hostages by lighting up in blue on Jan. 19. The blue light represents hope, healing and solidarity, and the museum will continue with this tribute each time additional hostages are released.
The museum told the Courier, “We join the global community in praying for the safe return and recovery of all the hostages, for those who perished to receive a proper burial in the land of Israel, and for an end to the suffering of civilians throughout this war. This light is our message: we welcome them home, and we will never forget.”
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, which oversees the Museum of Tolerance, said in a statement, “We shed tears of joy for those freed, while our hearts remain heavy with anguish for those still held who continue to endure unimaginable suffering and those who did not live to see this day. We remain resolute in our pursuit of justice and our unyielding demand for the safe return of every hostage. May their freedom come swiftly, and may peace and security be restored to all.”
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents the 51st Assembly District which includes Beverly Hills, expressed cautious optimism and relief at the cease-fire and hostage deal. He said, “After 15 months of unimaginable pain and devastation, there is finally a glimmer of hope. The hostages who have endured unbearable and unspeakable cruelties may soon be reunited with their families. While this moment offers relief, it also serves as a stark reminder of the suffering endured by both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.”
Zbur continued, “The horrors we witnessed on Oct. 7, 2023, will never be forgotten, nor will the consequences, including the displacement, suffering, and deaths of so many innocent Palestinians. This war has been a tragedy for so many, and while today brings hope, it also reminds us how much work remains to be done. We all want this to end. The world must come together to support a lasting and just peace; one that ensures safety, security, and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
As part of this first phase of the cease-fire, Israel also released 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The cease-fire is expected to last for six weeks.
