AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - News of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners on Monday has many in Maine feeling relieved.

Rabbi Erica Asch at Temple Beth El in Augusta says the last two years have been very difficult for the Jewish community.

She says members of the synagogue have really been struggling to make sense of what happened on October 7th, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, and what those in Gaza have been experiencing.

She says seeing the reunion videos this week was truly incredible.

Starting last year, Temple Beth El began hosting dialogues with members welcoming different views on the situation.

“Really with the feeling that we all have very different feelings about what is happening, and despite our differences that we m

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