WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- The news of a reported ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is welcome news for many communities in the DMV. It's cause for some excitement and also for some hope for those who want to see healing after more than a year of fighting. "We were so excited to hear that there was a hostage deal," said Gil Preuss, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. US says Israel accepts latest Gaza cease-fire deal, putting onus on Hamas Hani Almadhoun, whose brother was killed in Gaza while running the Gaza Soup Kitchen, said the news brings bittersweet emotions. "We have to celebrate and mourn at the same time," he said. "Nobody's going to feel safe unless the other party feels safe. And the sooner we realize this, the less bloodshed we will see." Right now for Preuss, the focus is on the immediate release of the hostages. "I can only imagine the level of excitement and energy after all these many, many, many days that people have been counting one by one," he said. "I hope that, by seeing the joy of the returning hostages and hopefully a long-term ceasefire ... there'll be a focus on what does a better future look like." Almadhoun referenced the need for the rebuilding of Gaza, in addition to his efforts to help feed Palestinians before he wanted to shift to taking care of orphans - both through care and education. "We suffered more than enough," Almadhoun said. "We suffered a lifetime. We already have more than enough victims. And I do think this is an opportunity for a change. Despite our grief and trauma that we've seen."