Today has brought a measure of hope to the Jewish community.

Just as we learned that the NSW Court of Appeal has prohibited another anti-Israel protest from taking place on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, reports have emerged suggesting that a deal may finally see hostages in Gaza brought home. Together, these developments have filled our community’s hearts with cautious optimism.

Over these past months and years, families have been torn apart, hearts have been broken, and lives have been suspended in limbo. Meanwhile, the scourge of antisemitism has surged across the world — including here in NSW — unleashing hate and vitriol that has deeply affected our community.

If these reports prove accurate and hostages are indeed coming home, it would mark a moment of profound relief and healing. Not only for the individuals and families directly impacted, but for Jews everywhere. It would be a step toward restoring trust, affirming the dignity of those held captive, and acknowledging the pain borne by so many.

We understand that anti-Israel protests are still expected to go ahead in Sydney over the weekend, though thankfully not at the Opera House. The hope represented by this potential breakthrough deal stands in stark contrast to the motives of those who persist in protesting against Israel, even as peace and the release of innocent civilians may finally be within reach.

As we have said for almost two years now, the greatest barrier to ending this conflict, and the inevitable misery of war, has always been the continued captivity of hostages.

Let’s hope we can celebrate the end of the war in the coming days.