Today, we breathe such a deep sigh of relief at the news of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal. For over 15 months, the people of the Middle East have endured unimaginable pain, horror, fear, and profound loss that has reverberated across the region. 

Many of those affected are not just individuals but our friends, people we love, whose struggles have weighed heavily on our hearts and on the shoulders of our committed and resilient team. We think of our regional Coordinators, Mohammed and Eran, and the many other Israeli and Palestinian speakers we work with, their families, friends, colleagues, and fellow citizens, and we rejoice at the news.

This moment brings immense relief, but it also ignites a sense of urgency. Now, more than ever, we must amplify the voices of Palestinian and Israeli civil society. Their perspectives are essential to deepening our understanding and moving towards real, lasting solutions - solutions that uphold their human rights and security.

Education rooted in solutions and driven by the rejection of hate is a powerful tool. By fostering peace, justice, and active citizenship, we can empower people to hold failed leadership accountable and begin to rebuild on a foundation of shared humanity, non-violence, and equality for all.

Let this ceasefire not be a temporary respite, but the start of something transformative. Now is the time to listen, learn, and act for a future built on hope and justice.