Santa Fe Community Reacts to Hostage Release and Ceasefire

The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has prompted varied responses from Santa Fe residents with connections to the Middle East. As the last 20 living Israeli hostages were returned home, nearly 2,000 Palestinians were released from Israeli prisons, creating a complex emotional landscape for those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Said Assali, a Palestinian American residing in Santa Fe, expressed deep concern for the Palestinians returning to Gaza, describing an atmosphere of panic and destruction. “It’s not an equal situation between what Palestinians are experiencing and what Israelis are experiencing,” Assali stated. He emphasized that Palestinians remain “under occupation” and lack freedom of movement. Despite the staggering death toll, some members of the Santa Fe community find moments of quiet optimism, while others remain skeptical.

The ceasefire, established following Hamas’ deadly attack on October 7, 2023, has been a focal point for discussions in Santa Fe. Pro-Palestinian protests have become common in front of the Roundhouse, highlighting the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Jewish groups have raised awareness regarding the plight of the Israeli hostages. The ongoing debate around resolutions supporting a ceasefire has intensified at City Hall.

Santa Fe resident Alonet Zarum Zandan, who was in Israel this week, shared her emotional experience during the hostage return. “It was very emotional. People are crying; they’re hugging; they’re happy; they’re sad,” Zandan remarked, reflecting the mixed feelings prevalent among families. She noted that in Israel, “there wasn’t one family that wasn’t touched by what happened on October 7.”

Prominent voices in the community are also addressing the situation. Peter Beinart, an American writer and political commentator, will speak about his recently released book, *Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning*, at the United Church of Christ in Santa Fe. Through his work, Beinart explores the implications of justice in the aftermath of the conflict. He described the return of hostages as a significant emotional moment for Jewish Israelis, stating, “It was a huge emotional catharsis.”

Beinart also commented on the diplomatic efforts surrounding the ceasefire, which were brokered by former President Donald Trump. While acknowledging the complexities of the situation, he suggested that any U.S. president could have exerted similar pressure for a ceasefire. “It seems remarkable when any American president puts any pressure on Israel at all,” he said.

As Zandan traveled through Israel, she noticed a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the hostages’ return. “It’s joyous, but it’s also sad at the same time,” she explained, lamenting the loss of lives during the conflict. Her elderly mother, who resides in an assisted living facility, has faced considerable anxiety amid the ongoing violence, grappling with the sounds of sirens and the fear they instill.

The recent prisoner release has also sparked discussions among the Palestinian community. Assali criticized the media’s portrayal of the released individuals, noting that Palestinians are often referred to as “prisoners” while Israelis are labeled “hostages.” “They are still being dehumanized in the media,” he said, calling for a more equitable understanding of the terminology used.

As Santa Fe grapples with the repercussions of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the community continues to process the complexities of grief, relief, and hope. The fragile ceasefire has provided a moment for reflection, but the path toward lasting peace remains uncertain.