As news broke this week that the Israel–Gaza war had come to an official end after two years of fighting, relief and reflection rippled through Jewish families in Minnesota who’ve spent months watching loved ones serve and live in Israel.
For many, the cease-fire marks not just the end of a devastating chapter in Israel’s history — a conflict resulting from the horror and grief of October 7th that resulted in a worldwide smear campaign against Israel and Jews across the diaspora — but also a deeply personal reckoning with identity, resilience, and faith.
“Israel is like a home to me,” said one parent of a Lone Soldier. “I lived there. I spent a lot of time there.”
This parent said the war has only deepened her family’s connection to the country and to Judaism.
“There’s no doubt our ties are stronger and our appreciation for the entire culture,” she said. “What’s important in life, what makes us a family, and the importance of how we live here. What’s important to me now is much different. I want to have a community that’s close.”
For Amy Cytron of Plymouth, the war has been both a defining and transformative experience. Her daughter Mia, 24, serves in the IDF overseeing the military’s social media platforms. Mia made aliyah in 2023, began her service in early 2024, and is set to finish this coming January — her entire military experience bookended by war.
“The morning that I woke up at like 6 a.m. on October 7, 2023, when I got a text that said, ‘I’m sure you’ve already heard what’s happening — I am safe,’” Cytron recalled. “That was a defining moment. I jumped out of bed and started looking to see what was going on. That still causes me pause.”
The war has tested her emotionally, but it has also reaffirmed her beliefs.
“My Judaism has always been strong, and it remains strong,” she said. “But Israel is different. I am a stronger, unapologetic Zionist. I love Israel with all my heart. I may not agree with everything, but I stand behind Israel no matter what.”
Even as the war ends, Cytron says Mia plans to stay in Israel. “She now calls Israel home,” she said.
And the family has found strength not only in their faith, but in their local Jewish community.
“The Minneapolis Federation, P2G, the support of other lone soldier families — they’ve all been incredible,” Cytron said. “We have WhatsApp groups, and people are always there for each other. It’s an incredible community to have a lone soldier in Israel. We’re incredibly grateful.”
Steven Shoenberger of St. Louis Park has also watched his son Micah grow through the turbulence. After graduating from St. Louis Park High School, Micah interned with “Stand With Us” in Israel and is now studying at Yeshiva Ma’ale Gilboa.
“It certainly makes me feel proud that he’s there,” Shoenberger said. “It’s a strong demonstration of our commitment to Israel that we let our kids go and be there. That’s important — and it’s appreciated by Israelis.”
Shoenberger said Micah’s experience has given him a profound perspective.
“He’s been there under the threat of war, under the prospect of peace, when hostages are coming home,” he said. “Seeing the whole spectrum, it shows that even when horrible things are happening, Israel goes on. That resilience is a cornerstone of Israel.”
According the proposed 20-point peace plan, which is not yet finalized, the agreement provides for the return of all hostages within 72 hours and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a partial withdraw from the IDF and a boost in humanitarian aid for Gazans.
As the cease-fire takes hold and talks of reconstruction and reconciliation begin, Minnesota’s Jewish community is taking stock: of loss, faith, and enduring connection.
For families like the Cytrons, and Shoenbergers, the end of the war doesn’t close a chapter as much as it deepens one.
“After all this,” the first parent said, “our ties to Israel — and to each other — are stronger than ever.”