‘Cautiously optimistic’: Cultural leaders in Fresno on Gaza ceasefire deal

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Following the announcement of a ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas, cultural leaders in Fresno shared words of reflection and hope for the future.

Temple Beth Israel Rabbi Rick Winer and Layla Darwish, President and CEO of the Palestine Freedom Project, both expressed relief but said only time will tell.

“We’re cautiously optimistic, there are a whole lot of steps, it’s a very complicated equation that they’re putting together,” said Rabbi Winer.

A halt to the 15-month war in Gaza. 

A war started by the horrific events of the Oct. 7 terror attack led by Hamas on Israel. More than 1,200 men, women, and children were brutally murdered. 

The retaliatory war that followed left tens of thousands of Palestinian men, women, and children dead, and much of the Gaza Strip in ruins. 

“It’s important for my people to be jubilant,” Darwish said.

Darwish said the peace may be fleeting, but it brings hope. 

“The reality remains that numerous cease-fires have been established throughout the years, yet the violence has persisted,” she shared. 

Winer is optimistic that the ceasefire can bring a time of healing. 

“One of the things that is especially helpful in Israel is that it is one community,” he said.

But Darwish said it will take both time and effort for the wounds left by the savage war to heal.

“In terms of rebuilding Gaza, it’s going to take a lot, but I am sure and I know that my people can do it,” she explained.

In the meantime, Winer said the local Jewish community will remain vigilant. 

“I know at least from the Jewish community, this has always been a concern. It’s been more difficult in recent months, but there has not been a time in in my life, growing up that I haven’t had a concern for security because of these ongoing issues,” he added.

Darwish added that some Palestinians believe President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should face charges for war crimes.