We express our profound sorrow and sadness in learning of the murders of six hostages – Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi. We join with Israelis and the Jewish people globally in expressing our condolences, love, and support to the families amidst the horror of Hamas' ongoing brutality and violation of morality, decency, and international law.

At such a complex moment of negotiation for a potential ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages, we pray that God will provide Israel's leaders, international leadership, and all of us with dai'a, binah, v'heskel - knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

We also pray for, and demand, the immediate release of the remaining hostages as we stand together in solidarity with Israelis and the Jewish People at this moment.

As always, the Spiritual Leadership of Beth Tzedec is available to those in need of pastoral support.