Today, I write with a heart full of gratitude, relief, and cautious hope. The agony of our nation, as we prayed for the return of our hostages, is nearly over.
Thank you, thank you, thank you President Donald J. Trump. For your tireless leadership and determination in delivering on your promise: an agreement to return our hostages, and potentially, bring this devastating war to an end.
As we wait through these (hopefully) final hours, an entire nation holds its breath. The families who have endured two years of unimaginable pain dare to hope again. The people of Israel, united in grief, love, and longing, are praying that this moment marks the beginning of redemption and the return of light to our land.
If this agreement succeeds, it will be remembered not just as a ceasefire or a political deal, but as a turning point in modern history. It can lay the foundation for a new era in the Middle East, one in which Jews, and our nation state of Israel, are finally accepted in the region. An era where Hamas has been removed, Hezbollah is curtailed, and Iran’s imminent nuclear threat has been thwarted.
It can be the spark that reignites the Abraham Accords, expanding them to include six, eight, or even ten new signatories. It could open doors to new relationships with Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, Yemen, Iraq, Indonesia and others who may one day choose peace over conflict.
For over one hundred years, Jews in the Middle East have lived under siege. Perhaps this is the moment when one hundred years of war will finally give way to one hundred years of peace. A moment when Israel’s good name is restored throughout the world, and the flood of antisemitic hatred and disinformation is finally stopped at its source.
None of this is a fantasy. It is within reach, made possible by courageous leadership. President Trump has shown, once again, that he has the clarity to see what others cannot, and the resolve to act when others hesitate.
Let history be honest: this is not the first time President Trump has changed the Middle East. But it may be the most consequential. The Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 should, without question, go to President Donald J. Trump. At this pace of conflict resolution in various geographies, President Trump’s future achievements might also merit the prize again in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
I also want to acknowledge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Leading a nation through war is never easy. Holding firm until a deal was possible has come at great cost. But if this truly brings all our people home, then that stubborn perseverance, in the face of enormous pressures, will have resulted in the return of all remaining hostages, while leaving us the military latitude to ensure that Israel remains safe.
Even as we hope for peace, our eyes must remain open. The threats of Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis have not disappeared. Deterrence must remain strong.
But, bombs and daring military manoeuvres will not end our conflict with Iran and its proxies. No, we need to see a new regime in Iran, one that is not loathed by more than 80% of its people, a fanatical, Messianic regime whose ambitions are cruel, nuclear, totalitarian, genocidal, and expansionist. Regime change in Iran, to a representative democracy, will return the great Persian nation to the family of peace loving, prosperous countries. And why not, as a signatory to the Abraham Accords?
Diplomacy and strength must walk hand in hand. With President Trump’s vision and courage, we will perhaps enter the long-awaited peaceful next chapter in our story.
So once again, thank you Mr. President. The people of Israel are watching. The world is watching. And we are eternally grateful.