As the world watches a fragile cease-fire unfold between Israel and Hamas, details of the agreement have drawn intense global scrutiny. Under the reported terms of the deal, its first phase will last 42 days and will see the Israeli military withdraw from portions of Gaza. During that time, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for a much larger number of Palestinian prisoners convicted of terrorism by Israel. Approximately half of the Israeli hostages in Gaza are thought to be dead, and the initial group of 33 is expected to include hostages who have been killed.
Amid these developments, renowned Israeli humanitarian Eli Beer finds himself far from home but deeply engaged with the struggles of his country. The founder and president of United Hatzalah, Israel’s largest volunteer emergency medical service, Beer is in St. Louis as a guest speaker for a community event yet the cease-fire loomed large in his thoughts.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” Beer said, reflecting on the agreement. “On one hand, it’s something we need to do because so many people are suffering. The Israeli people are united with the hostages—we all want them home. But not all the hostages are coming back, and that’s very hard.”
Beer, who has spent decades saving lives and fostering unity through humanitarian work, is no stranger to moments of crisis. United Hatzalah, which he founded to revolutionize emergency response, has played a critical role throughout the conflict, providing lifesaving care under some of the most dangerous conditions.
“Every time we see hostages coming home, it’s going to be the happiest moment. But between those times, there will be sadness and anger,” Beer remarked. His organization has been directly impacted, with one of its volunteers, Bar Cooperstein, kidnapped while saving lives at the Nova Festival. “He’s not coming back in this first part of the deal, and that’s something we carry with us every day.”
A ceasefire and a new beginning
While Beer acknowledges the emotional toll of the past 15 months, he remains cautiously optimistic. “Definitely glass half full. I think the world—and America—realizes that Israel needs to win this war. Winning means not just a ceasefire, but eliminating our biggest threats,” he said, referencing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a continued danger.
In his remarks, Beer didn’t shy away from expressing his hopes for long-term peace. “This is a step forward, but it’s bittersweet. The goal must be to ensure this never happens again—for my children, my grandchildren, and all future generations.”
A humanitarian at heart
During his visit to St. Louis, Beer emphasized the power of humanitarianism to bring people together, regardless of background. United Hatzalah’s 8,000 volunteers include 750 Muslim Arabs. “We’re united by one thing: saving lives. It doesn’t matter your religion or background. That’s what we need to focus on—not divisions, but humanity,” he said.
Beer’s presence in St. Louis serves as a reminder of the global reach of his mission. Whether speaking to supporters or reflecting on the ceasefire, his message is clear: unity, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the value of every human life.
