Rabbi Elie Weinstock told Newsmax on Monday that despite the uncertainty surrounding the Israel-Hamas peace talks, hope must prevail, and the light must win over the darkness.
Weinstock, senior rabbi of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach on Long Island, spoke to "American Agenda" as negotiators in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt worked to complete an agreement that could end the war as early as Thursday.
He said the mood among Israelis and Jews worldwide is one of "hope fraught with anxiety."
"The horrific events and atrocities of Oct. 7th gave way to the strength and resilience of the state of Israel, the soldiers of Israel, and supporters of Israel around the world," Weinstock said. "There's hope, there's uncertainty, and we hope that the good wins — that the light wins out over the darkness."
The latest phase of peace talks has centered on a thorny issue: Hamas' inability to locate or verify the remains of the 28 hostages believed to have been killed in captivity. That impasse has slowed progress toward a full exchange deal that negotiators hoped would accompany a ceasefire this week.
Weinstock acknowledged that parts of the plan, including reported amnesty and relocation for Hamas leaders, will be painful for many Israelis, but he urged a focus on the ultimate goal.
"Anytime you make a deal, there will be things difficult to swallow," he said. "If the hostages come home and Hamas is defeated, then the good will win out, and we can begin to find peace."
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