Difference between revisions of "Swords of Iron: sources IIIII"

From Conservapedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(41 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
Continuing from [[Swords of Iron: sources| Part 1]],  [[Swords_of_Iron:_sources_II| Part 2]],  [[Swords_of_Iron:_sources_III| Part 3]] and  [[Swords_of_Iron:_sources_IIII| Part 4]].
 
Continuing from [[Swords of Iron: sources| Part 1]],  [[Swords_of_Iron:_sources_II| Part 2]],  [[Swords_of_Iron:_sources_III| Part 3]] and  [[Swords_of_Iron:_sources_IIII| Part 4]].
  
 +
Next [[Swords_of_Iron:_sources_IIIIII| Part 6]].
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
 +
  
 
Oct 7, 2023 atrocities, the thousands of "[[Palestinian]]" Arab [[Muslim]] barbarian ([[Hamas]]/[[PIJ]], [[PFLP]] & ordinary [[Gaza]]ns) onslaught on southern [[Israel]] - under Allah Akbar cries: massacring youth at a festival, torching families alive at their homes, suffocating shelters with people in them, mass torture, mass rape - some even post mortem - all while laughing, slaughtering children in front of their parents - parents in front of their children, beheading babies, dismembering bodies, kidnapping kids, men women into Gaza while parading them to cheers of other racist Arab masses.   
 
Oct 7, 2023 atrocities, the thousands of "[[Palestinian]]" Arab [[Muslim]] barbarian ([[Hamas]]/[[PIJ]], [[PFLP]] & ordinary [[Gaza]]ns) onslaught on southern [[Israel]] - under Allah Akbar cries: massacring youth at a festival, torching families alive at their homes, suffocating shelters with people in them, mass torture, mass rape - some even post mortem - all while laughing, slaughtering children in front of their parents - parents in front of their children, beheading babies, dismembering bodies, kidnapping kids, men women into Gaza while parading them to cheers of other racist Arab masses.   
Line 13,615: Line 13,617:
 
Most Israelis, of course, pray this exodus from slavery to freedom will continue into phase two. One can only shudder when imagining the diabolical displays Hamas is already planning.
 
Most Israelis, of course, pray this exodus from slavery to freedom will continue into phase two. One can only shudder when imagining the diabolical displays Hamas is already planning.
 
[https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-843585 JPost]
 
[https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-843585 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Arab-Israeli comedian arrested for jokes about hostages, Oct. 7 during standup.
 +
By Keshet Neev. Feb. 25, 2025.
 +
 +
Police reportedly called Badarny in for questioning. However, when he delayed coming to the station, police arrested him.
 +
Israel Police arrested Arab-Israeli comedian Nidal Badarny on Monday after he made jokes about the hostages held in Hamas captivity during his recent standup performances.
 +
 +
The arrest comes after several of Badarny's standup shows were canceled recently due to jokes made about the hostages and the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-843615 JPost]
  
 
____
 
____
Line 17,608: Line 17,622:
 
____
 
____
  
−
==Mar 17, 2025 (Ceasefire ends)+==
+
==Mar 17, 2025 (Ceasefire ends) - Apr 7, 2025==
 
Trump blames Iran for Houthi attacks, vows 'dire consequences' for Tehran.
 
Trump blames Iran for Houthi attacks, vows 'dire consequences' for Tehran.
 
Lior Brn-Ari, News Agencies | 03.17.25.
 
Lior Brn-Ari, News Agencies | 03.17.25.
Line 19,758: Line 19,772:
  
 
Gritzewsky told the Times that the terrorists who invaded Nir Oz beat and molested her as they drove her to the coastal enclave. A gunman burned her leg by pressing it against an exhaust pipe, and another kidnapper groped her repeatedly, she said.
 
Gritzewsky told the Times that the terrorists who invaded Nir Oz beat and molested her as they drove her to the coastal enclave. A gunman burned her leg by pressing it against an exhaust pipe, and another kidnapper groped her repeatedly, she said.
−
[https://www.jns.org/former-hostage-tells-times-about-being-sexually-assaulted-in-gaza/JNS]
+
[https://www.jns.org/former-hostage-tells-times-about-being-sexually-assaulted-in-gaza/ JNS]
  
 
[Graphic].
 
[Graphic].
Line 19,929: Line 19,943:
  
 
Ziv was working as a security guard at the Nova Music Festival, and fended off terrorists and evacuated civilians before being captured and taken to Gaza. He was held hostage for 246 days before being rescued alongside three other captives in a June IDF operation.
 
Ziv was working as a security guard at the Nova Music Festival, and fended off terrorists and evacuated civilians before being captured and taken to Gaza. He was held hostage for 246 days before being rescued alongside three other captives in a June IDF operation.
−
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-847516
+
[https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-847516 JPost]
  
 
Palestinian Authority antisemitism resembles Nazi ideology - opinion.
 
Palestinian Authority antisemitism resembles Nazi ideology - opinion.
Line 19,973: Line 19,987:
 
Itamar Eichner | 03.25.25.
 
Itamar Eichner | 03.25.25.
 
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkdtzaj61l YNet]
 
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkdtzaj61l YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Al Jazeera takes down video falsely alleging IDF rapes in Shifa Hospital.
 +
Qatari network’s ex-director says ‘Hamas investigations’ have debunked claim broadcast by news channel hours earlier; claimant wanted ‘to arouse the nation’s fervor’.
 +
By ToI Staff . 25 March 2024.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/al-jazeera-report-alleging-idf-rapes-in-shifa-hospital-retracted/ TOI]
  
 
____
 
____
Line 20,096: Line 20,118:
  
 
____
 
____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Chicago PD Still Hasn’t Disciplined Cop Who Pled Guilty To Vandalizing Rabbi’s Car.
 +
By Kassy Akiva, Daily Wire, March 24, 2025.
 +
 +
A Chicago police officer has yet to face any disciplinary action from his police force after pleading guilty to vandalizing an elderly man’s car, according to the victim’s family, who believe the car was targeted because it belongs to a Jew.
 +
 +
Mohammed Khan, 35, [http://publicsearch1.chicagopolice.org/Arrests/Details/18284442] was arrested last March after he broke the side mirrors off of the vehicle of 77-year-old Rabbi Abraham Wineberg who was visiting his granddaughter and great grandchildren in Chicago’s West Rogers Park Neighborhood.
 +
 +
Khan was seen in surveillance footage from around 2:30 a.m. on March 3, 2024, where he first issued a parking ticket to Wineberg, who was illegally parked in Khan’s private handicapped spot, issued to accommodate Khan’s handicapped family member. Khan was off duty at the time and driving his personal vehicle.
 +
 +
Footage shows Khan peering through the rear window at Jewish and Hebrew prayer books and paraphernalia. He then returned on foot, and was seen in the footage kicking off one of the vehicle’s mirrors, which was left dangling by its wire. A few minutes later, he is seen from another angle returning again to break the other mirror, which Wineberg’s family says was completely cut off with a tool. The vehicle was then later towed….
 +
 +
Khan was sentenced to 40 hours of community service, 10 hours of anger management, and $800 to pay for damages, according to Wolf.
 +
Wolf receives an email every few months from the Chicago Police Department’s Bureau of Internal Affairs telling him that their investigation into his complaint about Khan is still ongoing, despite Khan pleading guilty.
 +
 +
The family’s patience has run out and they filed a complaint to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division earlier this month to seek action. The complaint seeks damages under the Fourth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, and common law of the State of Illinois for malicious acts that damage property.
 +
 +
The suit alleges that the incident caused Wineberg “a great amount of stress and emotional distress” which was compounded “by the realization that Khan had evidently acted in such a fashion after noticing that the owner of the car was likely Jewish.”
 +
 +
“Why is Khan still in the force? Why are they still investigating? He already pleaded guilty. If this was a Jewish cop and a Muslim victim would this be the same story?”…
 +
[https://www.dailywire.com/news/chicago-pd-still-hasnt-disciplined-cop-who-pled-guilty-to-vandalizing-rabbis-car DailyWire]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
‘Common sense’ arrest of pro-Hamas protester Rumeysa Ozturk, says Homeland Security.
 +
Federal investigations found that the Turkish national and Tufts student “engaged in activities in support of Hamas,” the Department of Homeland Security told JNS.
 +
Izzy Salant.
 +
 +
(March 26, 2025 / JNS)
 +
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested the Turkish national Rumeysa Ozturk, a doctoral student at Tufts University in the Boston area, for supporting Hamas, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 +
 +
Ozturk was “granted the privilege to be in this country on a visa,” a senior spokesperson at the department told JNS. “A visa is a privilege not a right.”
 +
 +
“Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be terminated,” the spokesperson added. “This is common sense security.”
 +
[https://www.jns.org/common-sense-arrest-of-pro-hamas-protester-rumeysa-ozturk-says-homeland-security/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF Denies ‘Entirely Baseless’ Claims of Palestinian Director of ‘No Other Land’ Being Beaten During Detention.
 +
 +
by Shiryn Ghermezian. March 26, 2025.
 +
 +
The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Wednesday morning that allegations of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal being physically assaulted by Israeli security forces while being detained in connection to a rock-throwing incident in the West Bank are “entirely baseless.”
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/03/26/idf-denies-entirely-baseless-claims-palestinian-director-no-other-land-being-beaten-detention/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran’s secret cash pipeline to Hezbollah exposed.
 +
An arrest at Beirut Airport has unveiled a sophisticated smuggling network.
 +
Joshua Marks.
 +
(Mar. 26, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/irans-secret-cash-pipeline-to-hezbollah-exposed/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US files complaint for $47 million in proceeds from sale of 1 million barrels of Iranian oil.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
03/26/2025 11:50 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847759 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
These are the Hamas leaders who fled and who have been killed.
 +
In 2021, just before Operation 'Guardian of the Walls,' the elected members of Hamas' Political Bureau in the Gaza Strip posed for a group photo; Four years later, amid the ongoing war, 11 of them have been killed, and most of the survivors live abroad, with only a few remaining in the Gaza Strip
 +
Einav Halabi | 03.26.25.
 +
[https://ynet-pic1.yit.co.il/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/picserver6/crop_images/2025/03/25/SkWfOJeTJg/SkWfOJeTJg_0_0_850_479_0_x-large.jpg].
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syd4200lake YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
The Yazidi woman freed from captivity in Gaza: 'I realized I would be stuck there forever'.
 +
Fawzia Amin Sido shares the hardships she endured, the pain of leaving her children behind, and the hope that keeps her going: 'I wrote every day—that kept me sane. Now, I need a blank page to start over'.
 +
Zeev Avrahami, Nick Kolyohin | 03.27.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bywvjdbp1g YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Assad-era Mufti arrested in Damascus airport - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/27/2025 01:37 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847763 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US federal immigration agents detain doctoral student at University of Alabama.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
03/27/2025 03:25 AM
 +
...records on the website of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showed that Alireza Doroundi, an Iranian citizen, was detained by the agency. The records did not show which ICE facility he was detained in.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847767 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Israel strikes Lebanon, Syria - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/27/2025 03:54 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847770 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Captivity survivor criticizes Red Cross in German Parliament.
 +
Ohad Ben Ami, who was released in the most recent hostage deal, arrives at the German Parliament and meets with the German President: "I ask you to help us bring everyone home."
 +
Israel National News. Mar 27, 2025, 12:10 AM (GMT+2)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/405985 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou eliminated in Jabalia.
 +
Hamas says its spokesperson, Abdul Latif Al-Qanou, was eliminated in an Israeli strike in northern Gaza.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 27, 2025, 1:53 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/405987 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
After 483 days: Captivity survivors fulfill their promise from the Gaza tunnel.
 +
Omer Wenkert and Liam Or, who were released from Hamas captivity, visit the beach together, as they had planned during their time in the tunnels. "483 days later, our big moment has arrived."
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 27, 2025, 3:22 AM (GMT+2)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/405988 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Sa’ar: 'Israel won’t wait forever on hostage deal with Hamas'.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Mar 27, 2025, 5:21 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/405992 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Two-state solution talk ‘not getting anywhere,’ says Gazan protesting Hamas.
 +
The 25-year-old law student, who has been part of the protests, told reporters that “life in Gaza has always been hard and not very livable.”
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(Mar 27, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/two-state-solution-talk-not-getting-anywhere-says-gazan-protesting-hamas/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 27, 2025, 1:28 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406016 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Tel Sultan
 +
Watch: IDF troops locate 25-barrel rocket launcher.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 27, 2025, 3:48 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406021 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
House Republicans claim Biden used funding to 'undermine' Netanyahu government.
 +
Six Israeli and American nonprofits have been ordered to report on how they used funds they received from the Biden administration during protests against plans for legal reform; 'USAID and the State Department provided direct support to Hamas,' the lawmakers claim.
 +
Daniel Edelson, New York | 03.27.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syu3vx7aje YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu to meet with security officials, ministers Thursday evening.
 +
By Amichai Stein.
 +
03/27/2025 12:51 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847825 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Israel arms sales protest interrupts UK trade minister event.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
03/27/2025 01:36 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847833 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Comptroller, IDF agree on outline for military probe into Oct. 7.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/27/2025 02:13 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847836 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF thwart drug smuggling attempt at Egyptian border.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/27/2025 03:56 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847865 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes two Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/27/2025 06:22 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847891 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu speaks at Israel conference on combatting antisemitism.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/27/2025 07:02 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847894 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
WH withdraws nomination of Elise Stefanik as UN Amb.
 +
The nomination of Rep. Stefanik, known for her stands against campus antisemitism, was withdrawn to preserve the GOP House majority.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 27, 2025, 8:24 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406036 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Erin Molan to Arutz Sheva:
 +
I saw the truth, so I couldn’t stay silent on antisemitism.
 +
Australian television presenter Erin Molan speaks with Arutz Sheva about her fight against antisemitism following the October 7 massacre and why it is so important to speak out for Israel and against Hamas.
 +
Yoni Kempinski.
 +
Mar 27, 2025, 8:26 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406035 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
US proposes new offer to Hamas for release of American-Israeli Edan Alexander - report.
 +
By Walla! 03/27/2025 10:52 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847932 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Turkey deports BBC journalist over 'public order' threat, fines TV channels.
 +
By Reuters. 03/27/2025 11:17 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847938 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Rubio says US may have revoked more than 300 visas.
 +
By Reuters. 03/28/2025 12:45 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847949 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas will not appoint replacement prime minister in Gaza, terror org. says.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 03/28/2025 03:08 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847952 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Gazans protest Hamas, but not October 7 massacre'.
 +
Itamar Marcus says Gazans are not rejecting terror but the war they have endured since the 2023 attack.
 +
Emily Schrader, ILTV|03.26.25 | 23:48
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1us400zt1g Ynet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran’s Quds Force Chief Praises Hamas’s Oct. 7 Attack, Vows Continued Support for ‘Resistance Front’.
 +
by Ailin Vilches Arguello. March 27, 2025.
 +
 +
The head of Iran’s elite military force responsible for overseeing Iranian proxies and terrorist operations abroad praised the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, massacre across southern Israel in new remarks, reaffirming Tehran’s “unwavering support for the resistance front” in a speech marking “Quds Day.”
 +
 +
Iranian Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, who leads the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an internationally designated terrorist organization, on Wednesday commended the Oct. 7 onslaught as “a combination of battlefield and popular resistance,” Iranian state media reported.
 +
 +
During his speech, the Quds Force commander said Hamas’s invasion of southern Israel, in which Palestinian terrorists murdered 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 hostages while perpetrating mass atrocities including rape, “introduced a new phenomenon of unity among resistance fronts,” demonstrating the “strength and solidarity of resistance forces.”
 +
 +
Qaani also reiterated Iran’s “unwavering support for the resistance front,” stressing that it will “continue until the ultimate goal of liberating Al-Quds [the Arabic name for Jerusalem] is achieved.”
 +
 +
On Wednesday, leaders from the so-called “Axis of Resistance” — an Iran-led network of anti-Israel, anti-West militias across the Middle East — delivered pre-recorded speeches in preparation for Quds Day on Friday, broadcast alongside images of three figures killed in the past year: former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
 +
 +
Sponsored by the Iranian regime, the annual Quds Day commemorations event is held in Tehran and several other cities, where Iran and its allies organize marches in support of the Palestinians and call for Israel’s annihilation.
 +
 +
In his remarks, Qaani emphasized that Iran remains committed to supporting the “Palestinian cause” through both direct backing for “resistance forces” and military operations such as “The True Promise” — the regime’s name for its ballistic-missile attack against Israel in October last year.
 +
 +
Iran is the chief international backer of Hamas, providing the Palestinian terrorist group with weapons, funding, and training. According to media reports based on documents seized by the Israeli military in Gaza last year, Iran had been informed about Hamas’s plan to launch the Oct. 7 attack months in advance.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/03/27/irans-quds-force-chief-praises-hamass-oct-7-attack-vows-continued-support-resistance-front/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Sanders moves to block $8.8 billion in US arms sales to Israel.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Mar 28, 2025, 6:10 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406053 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
After a year in hiding: Security forces arrest terrorist who shot at IDF soldiers.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 03/28/2025 09:57 AM
 +
...Palestinian terrorist resident of Tulkarm in the West Bank who shot at IDF soldiers in November 2023...
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847977 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF thwarts drone attempting to smuggle weapons from Egypt.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 03/28/2025 10:40 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847980 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
French Defense Minister Lecornu speaks with Hegseth on Red Sea.
 +
By Reuters. 03/28/2025 03:22 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847987 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Palestinian Authority: Protests in Gaza an opportunity to end Hamas rule.
 +
Dalit Halevi.
 +
Mar 28, 2025, 3:08 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406073 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Released hostage to be honored by USA.
 +
Former hostage Amit Soussana will be honored with the prestigious International Women of Courage Award, presented by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in the presence of First Lady Melania Trump.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 28, 2025, 5:03 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406077 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Australian City Council Pulls Funding for Local Music Awards After Anti-Israel Song ‘River to Sea’ Wins Top Honor.
 +
by Shiryn Ghermezian. March 28, 2025.
 +
 +
The Brisbane City Council (BCC) in Australia pulled funding for the Queensland Music Awards (QMAs) on Thursday effective immediately in response to a controversial anti-Israel song titled “River to Sea” that won an award at the annual ceremony this week.
 +
 +
The BCC also revoked funding for the QMAs after jazz pianist-composer Kellee Green, who won the award for “River to Sea,” made a series of antisemitic and anti-Israel comments in her acceptance speech at this year’s award ceremony on Tuesday night.
 +
 +
Established in 2006, the QMAs celebrate emerging artists based in Queensland, located in northeastern Australia.
 +
 +
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner made the announcement about withdrawing funds for the QMAs in a released statement on Thursday. “The promotion of antisemitism at Tuesday night’s Queensland Music Awards was utterly shameful and divisive,” he said.
 +
 +
“The decision to hand a major prize to an offensively titled anti-Jewish song raises serious questions about whether the awards have been hijacked by extremists,” Schrinner added. “Allowing such vile hate speech to occur shows the awards seem to be no longer capable of achieving their own stated goal to ‘promote diversity and inclusion.’ As a result, we will be immediately withdrawing our funding and support for these awards. I want Brisbane to be a safe and inclusive destination for everyone and the kind of divisive and offensive actions on display at last night’s awards have no place in our city.”
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/03/28/australian-city-council-pulls-funding-local-music-awards-anti-israel-song-river-sea-wins-top-honor/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Still ‘awful’ UN Human Rights Council resolution stripped of its most anti-Israel element.
 +
A diplomatic source told JNS that following vigorous negotiations, the resolution won’t have a perpetual tool to facilitate investigating Israel.
 +
Mike Wagenheim.
 +
 +
(March 28, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The United Nations Human Rights Council removed the most incendiary provision of an Israel-bashing resolution, which is set for a vote next week, but the revised document remains “awful,” a diplomatic source told JNS.
 +
 +
Pakistan put forward the new document, which the Organization for Islamic Cooperation backed, before the council, which considers and passes a large number of resolutions that critique Israel annually.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/still-awful-un-human-rights-council-resolution-stripped-of-most-anti-israel-elements/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Watch: IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 28, 2025
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406080 INN]
 +
 +
IDF strikes Hezbollah’s Beirut stronghold
 +
The Israeli military targeted a UAV storage facility in the Dahiyeh neighborhood.
 +
 +
(March 28, 2025 / JNS)
 +
For the first time in some four months, the IDF attacked Beirut’s southern Dahiyeh neighborhood on Friday, targeting storage facilities housing drones used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization’s air unit (Unit 127).
 +
 +
The strikes came in response to two rockets fired at the Galilee city of Kiryat Shmona on Friday morning, in the third such breach of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon since it went into effect on Nov. 27.
 +
 +
Lebanese civilians were given three separate warnings about the impending Israeli action; Defense Minister Israel Katz issued one at 8 a.m., which was followed by an announcement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit in Arabic at 1 p.m. asking residents to leave the area, and an hour later, the Israeli Air Force undertook “roof knocking” before delivering significantly larger munitions.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/idf-strikes-hezbollahs-beirut-stronghold/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump warns:
 +
'Bad things' will happen to Iran without a deal.
 +
US President says his preference is to work out a deal with Iran on its nuclear program, "but if we don't work it out, bad, bad things are going to happen to Iran".
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
Mar 28, 2025
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406081 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iranian Parliament Speaker Says US Bases Will Be Struck if Trump Attacks Iran.
 +
By Reuters and Algemeiner Staff. March 28, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/03/28/iranian-parliament-speaker-says-us-bases-will-be-struck-if-trump-attacks-iran/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
After a year in hiding: Security forces arrest terrorist who shot at IDF soldiers.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 03/28/2025 09:57 AM
 +
...Palestinian terrorist resident of Tulkarm in the West Bank who shot at IDF soldiers in November 2023...
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847977 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF thwarts drone attempting to smuggle weapons from Egypt.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 03/28/2025 10:40 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847980 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
French Defense Minister Lecornu speaks with Hegseth on Red Sea.
 +
By Reuters. 03/28/2025 03:22 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-847987 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US judge blocks Trump administration from fast-tracking deportations.
 +
By Reuters. 03/28/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848009 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US says it 'fully support Israeli response'
 +
Morgan Ortagus condemns Lebanon for ceasefire violation, supports diplomacy; U.S. imposes new sanctions on Hezbollah
 +
Ynet correspondents | 03.28.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjjlhieaje Ynet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Frequent beatings, prolonged isolation and constant starvation: Omer Wenkert recounts brutal Hamas capitivity.
 +
Wenkert, kidnapped from Nova music festival on October 7, says in interview with WSJ that he was held completely alone for 193 days, trying to stay sane by reciting Israeli rap songs and Psalm passages.
 +
Ynet|03.28.25
 +
 +
Omer Wenkert nicknamed one of his Hamas captors “Tznon,” Hebrew for radish, a nod to his bitterness. Eight months into captivity, Tznon turned violent. He opened the door of Wenkert’s underground cell—less than six feet tall and barely three feet wide—and kicked him three times in the head and twice in the back. The terrorist told Wenkert it was punishment for looking at him.
 +
 +
The next day, Tznon ordered him to perform push-ups, sit-ups and squats—what felt like hundreds. Wenkert eventually collapsed from exhaustion. Tznon spat on him and shouted insults. “Say you are a son of a bitch, say you are a dog,” Wenkert recalled him yelling. When Wenkert thought the ordeal was over and raised his head, he realized Tznon was still there. “Why are you looking at me?” the captor screamed, before striking Wenkert with a crowbar. The beatings continued—including on his 23rd birthday.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/s1gmm14ayl YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Amid deportation battle
 +
Columbia University activist to remain detained.
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
Mar 28, 2025, 11:45 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406084 IMN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
US continues to strike Houthis in Yemen, over 70 attacks reported.
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
Mar 29, 2025, 12:29 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406085 INN]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
French minister: ‘Hatred of Jews comes essentially from the Arab-Muslim world,’ Yossi Lempkowicz. JNS, March 27, 2025
 +
 +
Hatred of the Jews now comes mainly from the Arab-Muslim world, French Minister of Overseas Manuel Valls said earlier this week.
 +
 +
In an interview with CNEWS-Europe 1 on Monday, Valls reacted to anti-Jewish slogans chanted at anti-racist demonstrations over the weekend.
 +
 +
“What has changed over the last twenty-five years is that this hatred of Jews comes essentially from the Arab-Muslim world, in France as elsewhere,” he said. “Islamism makes hatred of the Jews its matrix and its main objective,’’ added the former prime minister.
 +
 +
The statement echoes the words of French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has said that antisemitism now wears a “double face” in France, “Islamism and the far left,” while far-right anti-Semitism has become “residual.”…
 +
[https://www.jns.org/french-minister-hatred-of-jews-comes-essentially-from-the-arab-muslim-world/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
House ed panel demands answers for campus Jew-hatred from five schools.
 +
Reps. Tim Walberg and Burgess Owens wrote to Barnard, Bowdoin, Northwestern, Pomona and Sarah Lawrence for answers about their alleged failure to combat antisemitism on campus.
 +
Vita Fellig.
 +
 +
(March 28, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Leaders of the House Committee on Education and Workforce demanded more robust action to address campus Jew-hatred in letters to Barnard College, Bowdoin College, Northwestern University, Pomona College and Sarah Lawrence College on Thursday.
 +
 +
In a letter to Barnard, Reps. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), chairman of the committee, and Burgess Owens (R-Utah) asked the school to notify the panel by April 10 about what disciplinary actions it had taken against anti-Israel protesters who took over the college’s Milbank Hall on Feb. 26, causing more than $30,000 in damage.
 +
 +
The congressmen also requested information about disciplinary measures related to the March 5 disruption at Milstein Library, where a bomb threat forced the New York City Police Department to evacuate students.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/education-and-workforce-committee-demands-answers-for-campus-jew-hatred/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US says it 'fully support Israeli response'; applies new sanctions on Hezbollah.
 +
ynet correspondents | 03.28.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjjlhieaje YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
UCLA recommends indefinite ban for SJP, 4-year suspension for Graduate SJP.
 +
 +
By Shiv Patel.
 +
March 29, 2025 1:18 a.m.
 +
Correction: The original version of this article, its headline and its caption incorrectly stated that UCLA recommended banning Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA for four years. In fact, it recommended suspending Graduate SJP for four years.
 +
This post was updated March 30 at 9:44 p.m.
 +
 +
UCLA has recommended sanctions for two pro-Palestine student organizations on campus.
 +
 +
The Office of Student Conduct recommended indefinitely revoking the student organization status of Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA and suspending Graduate SJP at UCLA’s status for four years, according to a statement emailed Friday by a UCLA spokesperson. The spokesperson cited a Feb. 5 protest by the organizations outside the Brentwood home of UC Regent Jay Sures – which led to the university issuing interim suspensions of both groups.
 +
[https://dailybruin.com/2025/03/29/ucla-office-of-student-conduct-recommends-bans-for-2-pro-palestine-organizations DailyBruin]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Somalia offers US exclusive control of air bases, ports - letter.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
03/28/2025 10:05 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848069 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Swedish journalist jailed in Turkey on terrorism, insult charges
 +
By Reuters.
 +
03/28/2025 11:28 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848015 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Arabs beat Jewish shepherds on Mount Hebron.
 +
More than 20 rioters were arrested after attacking 17-year-old boys with clubs and stones.
 +
 +
(March 28, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Palestinians attacked two 17-year-old Jewish shepherds in the South Hebron Hills on Friday morning with stones and clubs. The incident took place near the Jewish community of Mitzpe Yair.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/arabs-beat-jewish-shepherds-on-mount-hebron/ JNS]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Unmasking a Pattern: Mahmoud Khalil and the Amplification of Campus Radicalism
 +
March 28, 2025.
 +
A new study published by the Antisemitism Research Center (ARC) by CAM this week exposed a significant wave of inauthentic engagement on the X social media platform surrounding the recent detention of former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil by U.S. federal immigration authorities.
 +
 +
Working with the Cyabra analytics platform, the ARC found that between Feb. 25-March 25, 19% of 5,857 profiles that produced 9,040 posts and comments about the Khalil case (roughly 1,112) were flagged as fake, nearly double the 7–10% typical in organic discussions.
 +
 +
Of the 1,702 posts and comments from fake profiles, 987 demanded Khalil’s release, falsely portraying him as a principled activist, rather than an instigator of campus unrest and fomenter of antisemitism during the anti-Israel protests at Columbia last spring.
 +
 +
([Read the full report – “Unmasking a Pattern: Mahmoud Khalil and the Amplification of Campus Radicalism” – HERE [https://combatantisemitism.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mahmoud-Khalil.pdf]).
 +
 +
Three clear hallmarks of a coordinated effort were detected in the ARC’s study:
 +
 +
Mutual Engagement — Fake profiles boosted each other’s posts through likes, retweets, and comments, fabricating the appearance of organic support.
 +
 +
Recent Account Creation — About 30% of these accounts (roughly 333) were created within the last year, a common trait in influence campaigns deploying new profiles to hijack trending topics.
 +
 +
Synchronized Activity — Bursts of near-identical posts, e.g. “Free Mahmoud Now,” appeared within tight time frames, hinting at automation or centralized orchestration.
 +
 +
Though inauthentic, these fake profiles wielded real influence. Their 1,702 posts amassed over 5,800 engagements — likes, comments, and shares — potentially reaching 630,000 viewers.
 +
 +
While not a viral phenomenon, this reach demonstrates how coordinated fakery can subtly skew narratives, injecting polarizing content into public discourse under the guise of grassroots activism.
 +
[https://combatantisemitism.org/studies-reports/unmasking-a-pattern-mahmoud-khalil-and-the-amplification-of-campus-radicalism/ CAM]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US Embassy in Syria tells citizens to leave immediately.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/29/2025 02:05 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848044 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli aid delegation for Thailand set to take off tonight
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
03/29/2025 04:20 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848050 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Iraq agrees to supply Lebanon with fuel for six months.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
03/29/2025 04:39 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848052 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Amsterdam University alumni return diplomas in protest of anti-Israel decision.
 +
50 alumni, including non-Jews, return diplomas to protest severing of ties with Hebrew University; Dutch-Iranian author Keyvan Shahbazi slams move, saying institution 'surrendered to terror' and praises Hebrew U's research.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 03.29.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1ncuqs6je YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hezbollah’s chief warns Israel after Beirut strike but stops short of escalation.
 +
Lior Ben Ari | 03.29.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjbqek8aje YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Report: Hamas shares medical info on Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.
 +
Ynet correspondents | 03.29.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by1tk0sp1l YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'Israel does not need Erdoğan’s ridiculous moral sermons': Israel, Turkey trade barbs over IDF strike on Beirut.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 03.29.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skf8yrhtyl YNet]
 +
 +
Israel responds to Turkey: Erdogan’s hypocrisy knows no bounds.
 +
Israel’s Foreign Ministry fires back at Turkey which criticized Israel’s strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon: Israel does not need Erdogan’s ridiculous moral sermons.
 +
Israel National News. Mar 30, 2025, 4:45 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406106 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli forces push deeper into Rafah as IDF expands Gaza buffer zone.
 +
Gal Ganot | 03.29.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjoah3b6kg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas releases second propaganda video of captive Elkana Bohbot.
 +
JNS has decided not to publish the footage on its website.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(March 29, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The Hamas terrorist organization on Saturday night released a second propaganda video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, pleading for his freedom.
 +
 +
Bohbot’s family authorized the publication of the footage to the Israeli public.
 +
 +
“For the second time, I am prisoner No. 22. I want to tell you, prime minister …, every morning I wake up without my son! Without my wife! … I want to get out of here!” Bohbot is seen as saying in the video, breaking into tears.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/hamas-releases-second-propaganda-video-of-captive-elkana-bohbot/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Columbia University president resigns.
 +
After succumbing to government demands to combat anti-Semitism, Katrina Armstrong, the interim president of Columbia University, resigned from her position.
 +
Nissan Tzur.
 +
Mar 29, 2025, 9:18 PM
 +
 +
Seven months after taking office as president of Columbia University, Katherine Armstrong announced her resignation.
 +
 +
Armstrong took on the role of interim president of Columbia University last August, after the previous president, Minouche Shafik, resigned following allegations of her mishandling of anti-Semitism on campus.
 +
 +
The resignation of the interim president comes just days after Armstrong announced that she decided to adopt the Trump administration's demands regarding the fight against anti-Semitism at Columbia University. The American government revoked grants totaling $400 million from the university after Columbia's administration failed to protect Jewish students who suffered from violence, intimidation, and discrimination since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. [https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406092 INN]
 +
 +
Columbia board co-chair, who called House Jew-hatred probes ‘nonsense,’ replaces Ivy’s interim pres.
 +
Katrina Armstrong said on Friday that she stepped down after the “singular honor to lead Columbia University in this important and challenging time.”
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
 +
(March 29, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Columbia University announced on Friday evening, after Shabbat had begun, that its board co-chair Claire Shipman, who referred to the House education panel’s probes of Jew-hatred on campus as “nonsense,” is replacing its interim president Katrina Armstrong.
 +
 +
Armstrong, a physician, “has always given her heart and soul to Columbia,” stated the private school’s board chair David Greenwald. The announcement comes shortly after Columbia appeared to agree to Trump administration terms, after the government threatened to cut more than $400 million in federal funding for what it said was the school’s inaction on Jew-hatred.
 +
 +
Subsequent reporting revealed that Armstrong had downplayed the promised changes in a virtual meeting with faculty.
 +
 +
Shipman, a former CNN reporter who, per the New York Post, is married to former Obama administration press secretary Jay Carney, stated that she assumes the interim Columbia presidency “with a clear understanding of the serious challenges before us and a steadfast commitment to act with urgency, integrity and to work with our faculty to advance our mission, implement needed reforms, protect our students and uphold academic freedom and open inquiry.”
 +
 +
“Columbia’s new permanent president, when that individual is selected, will conduct an appropriate review of the university’s leadership team and structure to ensure we are best positioned for the future,” she added.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/columbia-board-co-chair-who-called-house-jew-hatred-probes-nonsense-replaces-ivys-interim-pres/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Nurse who justified murder of Shiri Bibas is fired.
 +
Oregon nurse Camesha Hart, who called Jews 'dogs and vermin', said Bibas family should be 'grateful' bodies of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir weren't returned in blue-zip body bags, is fired from position at OHSU.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 29, 2025, 10:00 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406095 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF and ISA:
 +
Remains of hostage Manny Goddard found in Gaza.
 +
Yoni Kempinski.
 +
Mar 29, 2025, 10:14 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406096 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Report:
 +
Murderers of Chabad emissary in UAE sentenced to death.
 +
UAE sentences to death three Uzbek citizens who murdered Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan late last year.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 29, 2025, 10:32 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406098 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hezbollah leader threatens Israel: 'We have other options'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 30, 2025, 12:03 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406101 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Michael Rappaport at TA rally;
 +
'A piece of my heart lives here'.
 +
Comedian Michael Rappaport spoke to a rally of hostages' families in Tel Aviv and emphasized that he could not possibly stay silent in the face of the hostility he had witnessed against Jews in Israel and around the world.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 30, 2025, 12:06 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406097 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Shabbos Kestenbaum:
 +
'Fight won't end with Columbia - Harvard, UCLA & Yale are next'.
 +
Activist and Harvard graduate Shabbos Kestenbaum addresses the effects the Trump administration has had on antisemitism on US campuses.
 +
Yoni Kempinski.
 +
Mar 30, 2025, 3:31 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406102 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
BBC Director General refused antisemitism training, adviser reveals.
 +
UK Government’s adviser on anti-Jewish hatred says that Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, has repeatedly declined offers for antisemitism training. "Heads should roll".
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 30, 2025, 5:32 AM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, has repeatedly declined offers for antisemitism training, according to the UK Government’s adviser on anti-Jewish hatred.
 +
 +
Lord Mann, an independent adviser to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on antisemitism, disclosed that he had approached senior BBC figures on three occasions since 2019, offering training to tackle growing concerns about anti-Jewish bias within the corporation, The Telegraph reported on Saturday.
 +
 +
However, he revealed that Davie and other top executives rejected his offers despite mounting allegations of antisemitism at the broadcaster.
 +
 +
In a scathing rebuke, Lord Mann accused the BBC of failing to take the issue seriously, pointing to what he described as “arrogance at the top.” He demanded accountability for those responsible for approving a controversial documentary that has fueled accusations of anti-Israel bias.
 +
 +
The documentary, “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone”, purported to show the experiences of children in Gaza during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. However, revelations that its narrator was the child of a Hamas official sparked a wave of criticism.
 +
 +
The BBC has acknowledged that there were “serious flaws” in the program. Starmer later said he is "concerned" by the documentary.
 +
 +
Lord Mann did not mince words, calling for dismissals at the highest levels of the BBC.
 +
 +
“Heads should roll. And the heads that roll shouldn’t just be the little heads,” he stated, as quoted by The Telegraph. “You know that’s always the danger with organizations the size of the BBC. Oh hey, there’s something wrong, let’s get rid of a few of the people at the bottom. No, let’s get rid of some at the top, would be my view.
 +
 +
“Someone at the top should carry the can. It’s not acceptable and I’ve been in there several times, I’ve offered them training, they’ve never accepted it. I think there’s often an arrogance there.”
 +
 +
Lord Mann added, “Tim Davie and others who I’ve met, they’ve had those offers. And I challenge and question why they have not accepted it. More fool them. They haven’t done. They should have done.”
 +
 +
He warned that if senior figures refused to take responsibility, he would push for a full public inquiry.
 +
 +
“If heads don’t roll, there will be [an inquiry],” he said. “They won’t be allowed to sweep it under the rug, by me and others. I will not be ignoring this. I will not be sweeping it under the carpet.”
 +
 +
He also pointed to what he described as a “generational problem” at the BBC, where ignorance of antisemitism has taken root.
 +
 +
“They have got an ignorance. They have got, I think, particularly, a generational problem of people who really don’t understand it,” he said. “I think it’s got a generation who haven’t been challenged with that and haven’t been educated.”
 +
 +
The BBC has long been criticized for its blatant anti-Israel bias. This criticism has increased since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the war in Gaza which followed.
 +
 +
In November of 2023, the corporation published an apology after falsely claiming that IDF troops were targeting medical teams in battles in and around the Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
 +
 +
Before that, the BBC falsely accused Israel of being responsible for an explosion at a hospital in Gaza, which the IDF proved was caused by an Islamic Jihad rocket. The network later acknowledged that “it was false to speculate” on the explosion.
 +
 +
(Related articles:
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/405696]. BBC seeks military voices critical of Netanyahu, then apologizes (03.21.25).
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/405437]. BBC accused of 'puff piece propaganda' for Hamas hostage holders. 03.16.25
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/405421]
 +
BBC sorry for misusing Israeli city in 'settlements' report. (03.16.25)).
 +
 +
In September, a report found that the BBC violated its own editorial guidelines more than 1,500 times during the first four months of the war between Israel and Hamas, and noted “deeply worrying pattern of bias" against the Jewish state during that period.
 +
 +
Earlier this month, the British corporation issued an apology after using footage of the Israeli city of Tiberias - located well within Israel's internationally recognized borders - while discussing "settlements" in the Golan Heights.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406107 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Toronto man: 'I’m going to plant a bomb in every synagogue in Toronto.'
 +
Michael Starr, Jerusalem Post, March 30, 2025
 +
 +
Canadian Jewish groups and politicians have expressed outrage over the recently revealed threats made by a Toronto man who was convicted for threatening to plant bombs in every local synagogue and kill as many Jews as he could.
 +
 +
A Global News report last week highlighted the ruling, which hadn’t received much coverage.
 +
 +
Afghanistan-born shwarma restaurant owner Waisuddin Akbari confided in car salesman Cameron Ahmad about the plot last March, according to the November Ontario Court of Justice ruling. Ahmad notified the police about the threats under the belief that Akbari was serious about the intention to commit a violent attack.
 +
 +
The 41-year-old Akbari had come to 26-year-old Ahmad’s dealership for an oil change and inquired about the possibility of upgrading to a new vehicle. Akbari allegedly expressed concerns about financing a new vehicle because he believed interest payments would be funneled to the Israeli government to finance a supposed genocide[sic] against Palestinians.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-848092 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Death for dissent: The saga of Uday in Gaza.
 +
Itamar Marcus  | Mar 31, 2025.
 +
Hamas kills Jews for being Jews and kills Palestinians for wanting to live.
 +
Uday Al-Raba'i wanted to live, so Hamas fixed him.
 +
This is his story.
 +
 +
Uday used social media to criticize Hamas and its war. In response, Hamas took him and dragged him alive through the streets tied to the back of a car. Hamas then returned him to his family as he took his last breaths. After he died, some Gazans who were sick of Hamas chanted "Hamas, out, out!" at his funeral. Uday's family was livid and called for immediate retaliation against Hamas.
 +
 +
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlZraQm4_ts]. Warning: Extremely graphic video]).
 +
(Uday in hiding: Farewell video shortly before his murder).
 +
 +
Uday Al-Raba'i: "I of course am done with this war, and now Hamas is attacking us. They want me, they want to shoot me. Before they wanted me and wanted to shoot me, they came to me recently also by surprise. A short while ago, they also shot my brother, and we still do not know who shot him. Masked men came to him – I figure they're from [Hamas'] Qassam [Brigades], God knows – they shot him, and I've been running away since this morning... And here Gaza is a ghost town, and I am running away through the streets. I don't know where to go. I don't know what exactly they want from us, I don't know. They've brought us to annihilation. They've brought disaster on us, and I don't know what they want from the young people, what they want from them – they all have metal pins in their legs [are injured]. I swear to Allah, none of us knows what to do. May Allah save us, and that's it."
 +
 +
Uday's tortured body.
 +
 +
⁠Uday's funeral: "Out! Out! Hamas out! Hamas out!"
 +
 +
⁠Uday's family demands retaliation: "A rogue group (really? Ed.) from [Hamas'] Al-Qassam Brigades, a group of sinners, kidnapped my unjustly murdered son, Uday Al-Raba'i, under despicable and false pretexts. They dragged him and tortured him to death with everything they had, without caring about the sacred prohibitions — nor about his mother nor about the family's feelings. They took him treacherously, and murdered him. Therefore, they must be struck with an iron fist, these evil criminals who took this man, a Muslim, and murdered him unlawfully… Retaliation against the murderers. The only consolation will be retaliation against these evil murderers, even if it takes time. We ask Almighty Allah to inflict suffering upon them and to punish them severely... We demand that all human rights [organizations] and institutions stand in support of the residents of Gaza against [Hamas] these criminal evildoers."
 +
 +
[Fatah-run Awdah TV, Telegram channel, March 30, 2025].
 +
[https://palwatch.org/page/37073 PalWatch]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran threatens to strike the UK: Tehran's threat to target British forces if Trump attacks the Middle Eastern nation.
 +
04:23 EDT 30 Mar 2025, updated 05:57 EDT 30 Mar 2025
 +
By Miriam Kuepper.
 +
[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14551809/Iran-threatens-strike-British-forces-Trump-attack.html DailyMail]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
ISIS terrorist with plans for attack arrested near Caesarea.
 +
The minor planned to carry out an attack within the jurisdiction of the Israel Police's Menashe Division.
 +
Akiva Van Koningsveld.
 +
 +
(March 30, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Israeli security forces recently arrested a 17-year-old Arab citizen who was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS, the Israel Police and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said in a joint statement on Sunday.
 +
 +
The suspect, identified only as a 17-year-old resident of the Arab town of Jisr az-Zarqa, located on the Mediterranean coast between Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael and Caesarea, was arrested on March 2 during a joint operation of the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, according to Sunday’s statement.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/isis-terrorist-with-plans-for-attack-arrested-near-caesarea/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Yarden Bibas to 60 Minutes:
 +
'I'm here because of Trump'.
 +
In his first interview after being released from Hamas captivity, Yarden Bibas calls on the US President to stop the fighting and bring home the remaining hostages.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 30, 2025, 7:32 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406141 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Townhall.com @townhallcom :
 +
Unbelievable.
 +
Leslie Stahl looks straight into the eyes of a Hamas hostage and ask him if Hamas really intended to starve him — or whether they just didn’t happen to have that much food.
 +
March 31, 2025.
 +
[https://twitter.com/townhallcom/status/1906825981798867165 Townhall]
 +
 +
CBS Faceplants Yet Again—Lesley Stahl Asks Freed Hamas Hostage Jaw-Dropping Question About His Captivity.
 +
By Bob Hoge  | 3:41 PM on April 01, 2025
 +
[https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/04/01/cbs-faceplants-yet-againlesley-stahl-asks-freed-hamas-hostage-jaw-dropping-question-about-his-captivity-n2187389 RedState]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Erdogan:
 +
'Allah will destroy [sic] Israel'
 +
Tziki Brandwine.
 +
Mar 30, 2025, 7:48 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406142 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Anti-Israel President to Hamas:
 +
'Release the hostage Elkana Bohbot'.
 +
Tziki Brandwine, Yitz Goldberg.
 +
Mar 30, 2025, 9:29 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406149 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
The price of terror: Palestinian Authority to pay Israel for attacks.
 +
Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approves bill that will require the Palestinian Authority to compensate the State of Israel for payments made to terrorists.
 +
Hezki Baruch.
 +
Mar 31, 2025, 12:08 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406155 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Strategic escalation in Indian Ocean signals US seriousness in Iran conflict.
 +
Analysis: US increases military deployment in Indian Ocean to pressure Iran into halting nuclear program, missile development and proxy activities; Bombers and carriers signal readiness, while diplomacy remains a priority amid escalating tensions.
 +
Ron Ben-Yishai | 03.30.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjgto6ua1l YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Israel beats Germany, Spain in 'safe countries' list.
 +
Andorra tops Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index, followed by UAE, Qatar, Taiwan and Oman; Israel ranks 34th,  US comes in 89th.
 +
Asaf Rozen | 03.30.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h15trcit1l YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas Executes Anti-Hamas Protest Leader, Dumps Body with Warning Message.
 +
Mar 30, 2025 | Yeshiva World.
 +
 +
🚨 The Hamas terror group murdered one of the leaders of the anti-Hamas protests that took place in Gaza last week. Over the weekend, Hamas terrorists abducted Odai Naser Saadi, 22, tortured him for four hours and executed him. They then dumped his body at the doorstep of his family’s home with a message: “This is the price for those who criticize Hamas.”  | Read More The Yeshiva World
 +
[https://virtualjerusalem.com/hamas-executes-anti-hamas-protest-leader-dumps-body-with-warning-message/ VirtualJerusalem]
 +
 +
Hamas begins brutal crackdown on Gaza protests with torture, executions.
 +
Residents in the enclave say terror group executed at least six organizers; Gaza City resident returned to his family after four hours of torture and died shortly afterward, while others reported missing.
 +
 +
Einav Halabi|03.31.25.
 +
 +
Hamas has begun cracking down on Gazans who participated in recent protests against the group’s rule, executing six people and publicly beating others, according to Palestinian activists and residents.
 +
 +
Among those killed was Odai al-Rubai, 22, a resident of Gaza City’s Tel al-Hawa neighborhood. Al-Rubai had called for public demonstrations and spoken out against Hamas on social media. He was abducted by Hamas operatives, tortured for four hours, and then returned to his family as he lay dying, witnesses said.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjl5xnua1x YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Keith Siegel:
 +
'My mind is still there, thinking about who's left behind'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 31, 2025, 4:10 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406160 YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump warns:
 +
Tariffs on Iran will be imposed 'in weeks' if no deal reached.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Mar 31, 2025, 5:41 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406162 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'Hamas is starting to blink': Israel increases military pressure amid stalled hostage talks.
 +
Israel demands release of 11 living hostages and return of killed hostages' bodies while intensifying military pressure on Hamas; Netanyahu claims progress in negotiations, as US and Egypt push Hamas to show flexibility.
 +
Itamar Eichner, Einav Halabi | 03.31.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyyavmdtkx YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Israel’s Netanyahu to Visit Hungary, Defying ICC Arrest Warrant.
 +
by Reuters and Algemeiner Staff.
 +
 +
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Hungary this week, his office said on Sunday, defying an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court issued over allegations of war crimes in Gaza.
 +
 +
During the visit, due to begin on Wednesday and run until Sunday, Netanyahu will meet his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban, who invited him in November, soon after the ICC issued the arrest warrant.
 +
 +
Orban said at the time that the warrant would “not be observed”.
 +
 +
All European Union member states, including Hungary, are members of the ICC, which means they are required to enforce its warrants. Orban, a right-wing nationalist, has often been at odds with the EU over democratic standards and human rights in Hungary.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/03/30/israels-netanyahu-to-visit-hungary-defying-icc-arrest-warrant/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
 +
There is Hamas in Syria.
 +
About 15 years after Hamas left Syria, these days a turn is taking place in the relationship between the terrorist organization and the state under the new government. However, among the tens of thousands of prisoners released from the prisons of the old regime there are also senior Hamas officials, and some of them have already begun to establish terrorist infrastructures in the Daraa area.
 +
 +
Dr. Yehuda Blanga. 3/30/2025.
 +
[https://www.israelhayom.co.il/opinions/article/17649963 ILH]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Man posts video urging people to 'shoot at ICE agents on sight'.
 +
TikTok user belal_donq said 'You might as well shoot them [ICE agents] on sight and have your day in court'.
 +
Stepheny Price By Stepheny Price Fox  News.. March 30, 2025.
 +
[...]
 +
User belal_donq appeared to take down the video Sunday evening after Fox News Digital reached out to him on TikTok.
 +
 +
National Border Patrol Council Vice President Hector Garza told Fox News Digital that this type of message is not only dangerous, but that it also "incites real-world violence."
 +
 +
"This kind of rhetoric is not only dangerous, it incites real-world violence and undermines the rule of law. Our agents risk their lives every day to protect this country, and they deserve to do their jobs without fear of being targeted simply for wearing the uniform," Garza said.
 +
[https://www.foxnews.com/us/man-posts-video-urging-people-shoot-ice-agents-sight FoxNews]
 +
 +
Arab Migrant Encourages Illegals To Start Killing ICE.
 +
His name is Belal DonQ and he's on TikTok at  ...
 +
Vidmax. March 30, 2025.
 +
[https://vidmax.com/video/232317-arab-migrant-encourages-illegals-to-start-killing-ice-agents Vidmax]
 +
 +
Bill Melugin @BillMelugin_:
 +
TikTok user belal_donq urges his followers to shoot ICE officers on sight.
 +
Have to think he’ll be getting a knock on the door soon.
 +
Quote:
 +
Libs of TikTok @libsoftiktok ·
 +
Mar 30.
 +
Tiktoker calls to shoot at ICE agents if you see them. @FBI @FBIDirectorKash .
 +
Mar 30, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/BillMelugin_/status/1906447902085652767 X]
 +
 +
SHOCKING! TikTok User Urges Violence Against ICE Agents—Kristi Noem Responds with Stern Warning!
 +
A shocking video has surfaced on TikTok, where a user openly calls for violence against ICE agents, urging people to "shoot them on sight." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has vowed swift legal action against the individual responsible, declaring that any threats or harm against law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The incident has sparked outrage, raising serious concerns about social media’s role in promoting violence and the dangers of anti-law enforcement rhetoric... Oneindia News. Mar 31, 2025
 +
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAZaXhQV8Ic YouTube]
 +
 +
Noah Pines @noahpines:
 +
Take advice from a real lawyer, not a real estate agent…shooting at a cop under the circumstances he describes is not self-defense. It’s a one-way ticket to a life sentence or maybe getting shot & killed.
 +
Quote:
 +
I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸
 +
@ImMeme0 ·
 +
Mar 30
 +
TikToker who encouraged people to shoot at ICE agents is Belal Qureshi, a real estate agent in Michigan.
 +
Last edited
 +
Mar 31, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/noahpines/status/1906755110383825233 X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'Literal torture': Former Gaza hostages tell of harrowing captivity on ‘60 Minutes’.
 +
Yarden Bibas's captors told him that it didn't matter that his wife and children were dead: "You'll get a new wife. Get new kids. Better wife, better kids."
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(Mar. 31, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[...]
 +
Bibas remained in captivity for 484 days. He was freed on Feb. 1, having lost 33 pounds. Abducted separately were his wife, Shiri, and two sons, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 9 months old.
 +
 +
Their terrorist captors subsequently murdered Shiri and the children, and then claimed they had died in an Israeli airstrike.
 +
 +
When Hamas returned the bodies of Kfir, Ariel and, supposedly, Shiri on Feb. 20, it was discovered that the body of Shiri was that of an unidentified woman. Hamas eventually returned Shiri’s body after public pressure.
 +
 +
“They were murdered in cold blood,” Yarden said. “They [his captors] used to tell me, ‘Ah, doesn’t matter. You’ll get a new wife. Get new kids. Better wife, better kids.'”
 +
 +
Bibas’s best friend, David Cunio, whom he has known since the first grade, remains in captivity. Last month, his family said they had received news from a recently released captive that he was alive.
 +
 +
“I lost my wife and kids. Sharon must not lose her husband,” Bibas said of Cunio’s wife. Sharon and her then 3-year-old twin daughters were also kidnapped but they released in November 2023 as part of the first ceasefire deal.
 +
 +
Keith Siegel, 65, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was held by Hamas for 484 days. He said he saw cruel abuse by Hamas terrorists.
 +
 +
“I witnessed a young woman who was being tortured by the terrorist. I mean literal, you know, torture, not just in a figurative sense. They made you watch it. Yeah, I saw sexual assault with female hostages,” he told “60 Minutes.”
 +
 +
Siegel said his situation worsened after his wife, Aviva, was released during the November 2023 ceasefire. “The terrorists became very mean and very cruel and violent,” he said. “They were beating me and starving me.
 +
 +
“They would often eat in front of me and not offer me food,” he said.
 +
 +
For showers, captives were given half a bucket of cold water once a month, with a cup to pour it over themselves.
 +
 +
Their heads and private parts were shaved. Siegel surmised the terrorists did this to amuse themselves. “I felt humiliated,” he said...
 +
 +
On Feb. 22, Hamas published a propaganda video showing Gilboa-Dalal and David at a ceremony for the release of others from captivity in Gaza.
 +
 +
Hamas forced the two men to watch the ceremony from inside a vehicle as hostages Eliya Cohen, 27, Avera Mengistu, 39, Hisham al-Sayed, 36, Omer Shem Tov, 22, Omer Wenkert, 23, and Shoham were released.
 +
 +
“Looking at their scared, frightened faces, begging to come out, wanting to be like their friends who got released, it is very hard to see your son begging for his life, asking to come out,” Dalal’s father told JNS at the time.
 +
 +
Shoham told “60 Minutes” that one of the “toughest things” he heard from the two was when they asked whether they wouldn’t be better off killing themselves to put an end to their suffering.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/literal-torture-former-gaza-hostages-tell-of-harrowing-captivity-on-60-minutes/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas captivity survivors take off for US.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 31, 2025, 12:29 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406179 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Estimate: Houthis' supply of missiles very limited.
 +
Defense echelon believes Yemen's Houthi rebels have only a few dozen ballistic missiles, limited areas to launch from.
 +
Israel National News.  Mar 31, 2025, 9:45 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406169 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Knesset votes to revoke social benefits for terrorist convicts.
 +
"Terrorists will no longer see a shekel from the State of Israel. We are rectifying a huge absurdity today," declared MK Ofir Katz (Likud).
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(Mar. 31, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/knesset-votes-to-revoke-social-benefits-for-terrorist-convicts/ JNS]
 +
 +
Bill revoking terrorists' eligibility for State benefits passes.
 +
Likud MK's bill to revoke terrorists' eligibility for National Insurance Institute stipends passes final Knesset reading. 'We have put an end to insanity.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Mar 31, 2025, 1:52 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406180 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Knesset approves $1.3B recovery plan for Gaza border communities.
 +
The seven-year initiative declares hard-hit areas national priority zones and expands the Tekuma Directorate to lead reconstruction.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(Mar. 31, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/knesset-approves-1-3b-recovery-plan-for-gaza-border-communities/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
UN Human Rights Council slated to renew mandate of antisemitic special adviser.
 +
The U.N. agency shut down discussion last week about the renewal of Francesca Albanese’s role as special rapporteur on Palestinian rights.
 +
Mike Wagenheim.
 +
(Mar. 31, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/un-human-rights-council-slated-to-renew-mandate-of-antisemitic-special-adviser/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF dismantles 1-km long terror tunnel, orders evacuation from southern Gaza.
 +
March 31, 2025.
 +
[https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/artc-idf-dismantles-1-km-long-terror-tunnel-orders-evacuation-from-southern-gaza i24]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump warns Houthis strikes 'have only just begun' if Red Sea attacks go on.
 +
March 31, 2025
 +
[https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/americas/artc-trump-warns-houthis-strikes-have-only-just-begun-if-red-sea-attacks-go-on i24]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Israel joins Qatar in major international air force drill with high-tech spy jet.
 +
Yoav Zitun | 03.31.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rjwvvyz61g YNet]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Return to ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is essential, EU says.
 +
By Reuters. 03/31/2025 01:55 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848271 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Trump says attacks on Houthis to continue.
 +
By Reuters. 03/31/2025 09:47 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848326 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Now 14 @Now14israel:
 +
"There is no more from refugee camps - these are terrorist camps": Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim [هشام إبراهيم] of the Civil Administration Commander in an exclusive interview | Hillel Biton Rosen.
 +
@MaggietableiBi @bittonossen.
 +
Mar 31, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/now14israel/status/1906768154027548959on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US reviewing federal contracts, grants to Harvard over antisemitism allegations
 +
By Reuters. 03/31/2025 10:44 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848330 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
'If bombed, Iran will be forced (sic) to develop nuclear weapons'.
 +
Ali Larijani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warns that Iran could be forced to develop nuclear weapons if attacked by the US or Israel, despite a religious edict banning them.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 12:14 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406216 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Iran complains to UN about Trump's 'reckless, belligerent' remarks.
 +
By Reuters. 04/01/2025 12:18 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848332 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Red Cross facilitating Pay-for-Slay
 +
ICRC continues to facilitate rewards to Palestinian terrorists.
 +
Apr 1, 2025.
 +
[https://palwatch.org/page/37068 PalWatch]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Billions at stake.
 +
Harvard faces federal scrutiny over antisemitism allegations.
 +
Tziki Brandwine.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 1:07 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406218 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Trump says he could travel to Saudi Arabia as soon as next month.
 +
By Reuters. 04/01/2025 02:13 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848343 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Trump floats David Friedman as UN ambassador.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 2:24 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406219 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
Israel kills top Hezbollah terrorist in Lebanon’s Dahieh district.
 +
The precision strike south of Beirut targeted Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir, who was plotting an imminent attack on Israeli civilians in coordination with Hamas.
 +
Joshua Marks.
 +
(Apr. 1, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/israel-kills-hezbollah-operative-in-lebanons-dahieh-district/ JNS]
 +
 +
Eliminated Hezbollah terrorist was assisting Hamas.
 +
The IDF, ISA, and Mossad confirmed that Hezbollah and Quds Force terrorist Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir assisted Hamas in planning and advancing a significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 12:21 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406239 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IAF intercepts rocket launched from northern Gaza.
 +
The attack triggered sirens in Sderot and other southern Israeli communities • No injuries or damage were reported • Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s military wing takes responsibility • IDF issues urgent evacuation call for residents of northern Gaza.
 +
Joshua Marks.
 +
(Apr. 1, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/iaf-intercepts-rocket-launched-from-northern-gaza/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF warns residents of northern Gaza to leave after rocket fire to Sderot.
 +
Rocket sirens disrupt school hours in Sderot as military intensifies operations in Rafah; Terrorists in Gaza flee forces expanding urban control, dismantling enemy infrastructure.
 +
ynet correspondents | 04.01.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bymkhzktkl Ynet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Haaretz columnist appears on podcast with extremist known for praising terrorists.
 +
Jackson Hinke, who praises terrorists daily and even recently visited Yemen to meet with Houthis leaders, interviewed Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy, who attacked Israel and its government to Hinkle's delight.
 +
Yitz Goldberg.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 12:52 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406240 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
FM Sa’ar:
 +
Lebanon must act against terror groups within its borders.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 1:18 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406242 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel warns:
 +
Hamas increasing efforts to attack Israelis abroad.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 1:34 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406243 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Images show slain Hezbollah operative with top Iran IRGC general.
 +
Apr 1, 2025.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/images-show-slain-hezbollah-operative-with-top-iran-irgc-general/ TOI]
 +
 +
Hezbollah Operative Killed in Israeli Strike Previously Pictured with Top Iranian General Soleimani.
 +
April 1, 2025
 +
[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2384488/hezbollah-operative-killed-in-israeli-strike-previously-pictured-with-top-iranian-general-soleimani.html YWN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Anti-Israel Cornell student slated for deportation says he’s leaving the US.
 +
By Reuters and ToI Staff.
 +
April 1, 2025, Today, 7:30 am
 +
 +
A Cornell University student who participated in pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests and was asked to surrender by US immigration officials says he was leaving the United States, citing fear of detention and threats to his personal safety.
 +
 +
Momodou Taal, a doctoral candidate in Africana Studies and dual citizen of the UK and The Gambia, has participated in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s war in Gaza following an October 2023 Hamas attack. His attorneys said last month that he was asked to turn himself in and that his student visa was being revoked.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/anti-israel-cornell-student-slated-for-deportation-says-hes-leaving-the-us/ TOI]
 +
 +
(Related:
 +
 +
From Cairo to Cornell.
 +
Sep 16, 2024 — Taal believes Islam can improve the conditions of Black people, which echoes comments Malcolm X made during his trip to Cairo...
 +
[https://archive.is/3a7iS]
 +
 +
Momodou Taal is a British graduate student who called for Israel's destruction, expressed support for Hamas terrorism, glorified a domestic terrorist and spread hatred of Israel and America.
 +
Taal was suspended by Cornell University (Cornell) twice in 2024, the first time for leading anti-Israel encampment protests and the second time for disrupting a campus event.
 +
Taal is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
 +
Taal's anti-Israel activism and social media posts occurred during Israel’s war against Hamas, called “Swords of Iron.” Israel launched the war after a series of Hamas terror attacks and war crimes against Israeli civilians, including mass murder, torture, rape, beheadings and kidnappings, which were executed on October 7, 2023. The terror attacks left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead, hundreds kidnapped and thousands wounded.
 +
In late October 2023, Taal wrote on Instagram that he was active in a rally organized by the Cornell chapter of the pro-terror student group Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). During the protest, Taal appeared [00:01:34] multiple times [00:02:06] on stage...
 +
In October 2024, RT reported [00:00:18] that Taal was the leader of the anti-Israel student group The Coalition for Mutual Liberation (CML), which has organized multiple anti-Israel rallies and "die-ins for Palestine" on campus.
 +
Also in October 2024, Inside Higher Ed reported that Taal was "banned from [Cornell's] campus and from teaching his course—What Is Blackness? Race and Processes of Racialization." However, in fall 2024, Cornell released a brochure with a list of courses that included Taal's class.
 +
In February 2025, Democracy Now reported that Taal was a PhD student at Cornell. As of February 2025, Taal's X bio read: "PhDing: Political Economy, Race & Capitalism, Pan Africanism..."
 +
[https://canarymission.org/individual/Momodou_Taal Canary]).
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Report: Over 1,000 child deaths disappear from Hamas casualty list.
 +
Analysis by Honest Reporting board member and NGO Monitor analyst Salo Aizenberg shows Hamas has removed about 3,400 "verified deaths" on its 2024 casualty reports from its latest casualty report.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 3:33 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406249 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
British, Swedish, US Embassies commemorate 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration.
 +
The Stockholm Declaration serves as the guiding framework for the IHRA and its member states in their ongoing efforts to promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and scholarly research.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 9:45 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406263 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Beirut strike foiled joint Hezbollah-Hamas plot to kill hundreds of Israelis overseas, authorities say
 +
Airstrike targeted top Hezbollah operative planning imminent overseas attack with Hamas that could have killed hundreds; intel gathered by Shin Bet unit focused on dismantling overseas Hamas networks.
 +
 +
Avi Issacharoff | published: 14:01
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byeeoit6kg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Former hostage Amit Soussana honored with US International Women of Courage Award.
 +
Speaking at State Department ceremony, Soussana shares harrowing story of captivity and survival, calling on world leaders to act; she dedicates award to Israeli women and urges continued efforts to free hostages still held in Gaza.
 +
 +
Daniel Edelson, New York | 04.01.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1rbxhktyx YNet]
 +
 +
Watch:
 +
Melania Trump gives Amit Soussana Women of Courage Award.
 +
First Lady Melania Trump awards former Israeli hostage Amit Soussana the International Women of Courage award for her bravery in being the first hostage to speak of the sexual assault she survived while being held captive.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 10:13 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406264 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Gazan clan executes alleged Hamas operative who killed their relative.
 +
Members of a local clan in Gaza execute a Hamas policeman who they claimed is a Hamas operative responsible for killing one of their relatives earlier today.
 +
Dalit Halevi Apr 1, 2025, 8:59 PM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
Family members belonging to a local clan in Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip executed a Hamas police officer who was alleged to have shot and killed a member of the clan.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406261 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Yisrael Ganz: There has not been such a revolution in Judea and Samaria since 1967.
 +
Defense Minister and Finance Minister visit Binyamin: "We will continue to prevent the Arab takeover of the heart of the country." According to the data, in the past year, there has been a 50% increase in demolitions of illegal Arab construction. The extent of land takeover has decreased by a third.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 1, 2025, 11:14 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406267 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Amid rising tensions with Iran
 +
US deploys B-2 bombers and carrier strike groups.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 2, 2025, 1:10 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406270 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can challenge arrest in New Jersey, not Louisiana.
 +
US judge rules that Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil may contest his arrest by immigration authorities in New Jersey rather than Louisiana, where he is detained.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 2, 2025, 4:41 AM (GMT+3)
 +
US federal judge determined on Tuesday that Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil may challenge the legality of his arrest by immigration authorities in New Jersey, rather than in Louisiana, where he is currently held, Reuters reported.
 +
 +
The ruling, issued Tuesday by US District Judge Michael Farbiarz in Newark, establishes that any legal appeals in Khalil’s case will be heard by the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals instead of the 5th Circuit, widely regarded as the nation’s most conservative appellate court.
 +
 +
Khalil, who was behind anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University, was detained by immigration authorities on March 8 as part of the Trump administration’s effort to combat what it describes as antisemitic and “anti-American” campus protests.
 +
 +
Khalil entered the United States on a student visa in 2022 and became a legal permanent resident last year.
 +
 +
The government accuses Khalil of failing to disclose on his residency application what it described as his "membership" in the United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. However, UNRWA and his lawyers clarify that he merely completed an unpaid internship at the agency’s New York office as part of his Columbia master’s program, which was listed in his application.
 +
 +
Additionally, authorities allege that Khalil did not disclose what they termed his “continued employment” at the British embassy in Beirut “beyond 2022.”
 +
 +
Khalil’s legal team refutes the claim, asserting that he accurately stated he left his position when he departed Beirut.
 +
 +
His legal team also contends that his temporary detention in New Jersey provides a valid legal basis for challenging his arrest there.
 +
 +
Government lawyers, however, maintain that habeas corpus petitions—used to contest detention—must be filed in the jurisdiction where the individual is currently held.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406275 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF launches ground operation in Rafah.
 +
IDF troops launch a ground operation in Rafah, accompanied by numerous airstrikes that continued for hours. Minister Katz: I call on the residents of Gaza to act now to remove Hamas and return all the hostages.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 2, 2025, 7:02 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406279 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Pro-Israel Senator Randy Fine wins congressional elections in Florida.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/02/2025 03:22 AM [https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848493 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel conducts continuous strikes in Gaza - report.
 +
By Maariv. 04/02/2025 03:23 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848494 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Body of Israeli woman found burned in West Bank.
 +
By Efrat Forsher 04/02/2025 09:23 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848515 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Russian nun deported after blaming Israel for plotting (sic) October 7 massacre
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.02.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1qadocpyl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes Gaza terror command base, Hamas claims it's 'UNRWA clinic'.
 +
Gaza media outlets report bodies pulled from the rubble of an UNRWA clinic in the refugee camp after its was hit adding that children were among the dead; military says steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians in building used for coordinating terror activity.
 +
Einav Halabi, Yoav Zitun|04.02.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjq00s0056jl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF kills armed terrorist who approached Gaza security fence.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/02/2025 11:36 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848535 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF and Shin Bet strike Hamas targets in Jabalya.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/02/2025 01:58 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848554 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF investigated hostile aircraft intrusion sounds in Kissufim, no injuries reported.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/02/2025 03:04 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848565 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Levin to serve as acting prime minister during Netanyahu's trip to Hungary.
 +
By Walla! 04/02/2025 04:12 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848574 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
The abductee who tried to flee as terrorists took him to Gaza.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 2, 2025, 4:47 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406308 INN]
 +
 +
'If he hadn't jumped, he might have survived,' laments family of executed hostage.
 +
Freed hostage Eliya Cohen revealed Raz Bokobza executed by terrorists after jumping from truck en route to Gaza; Cohen also named Alon Ohel, still captive, as his father Kobi pleads for urgent action: 'Every day could be his last'.
 +
Alexandra Lukash, Meir Turgeman | 04.02.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkqr1rcakg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Only 205 haredim enlist out of tens of thousands conscription orders sent.
 +
By Walla! 04/02/2025 05:05 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848580 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Sa'ar to depart for diplomatic visit to France.
 +
By Amichai Stein. 04/02/2025 05:06 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848582 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
401 terrorists arrested, 13 killed.
 +
Ramadan terror attacks in Judea and Samaria drop by 80% in a year.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 2, 2025, 5:31 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406310 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Footage from Gaza:
 +
IDF continues to surround Rafah's Tel al-Sultan neighborhood.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 2, 2025, 6:23 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406312 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'Changing gears'.
 +
Netanyahu: 'We are taking control of the Morag Corridor in Gaza'.
 +
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will continue increasing the pressure on Hamas until all the hostages are returned.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 2, 2025, 6:40 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406313 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
UNHCR passes resolution denying Israel's right to self-defense.
 +
UN Human Rights Council passes another resolution condemning Israel without mentioning Hamas, claiming the part of the UN charter that establishes a nation's right to self-defense does not apply to Israel.
 +
Gary Willig. Apr 2, 2025, 6:52 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[...]
 +
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein condemned the resolution as a piece of Hamas propaganda.
 +
"The Hamas Ministry of Propaganda — also known as the UN Human Rights Council — has produced yet another completely false and distorted resolution against the Jewish state," Marmorstein stated.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406314 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Citing post-Holocaust doctrine, Germany seeks to deport pro-Palestinian protesters.
 +
4 activists accused of ‘indirectly’ supporting Hamas, pro-Hamas orgs; 3 said to have joined protests that chanted ‘from the river to the sea’ slogan, banned in country
 +
By JTA and ToI Staff.
 +
2 Apr 2025.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/citing-post-holocaust-doctrine-germany-seeks-to-deport-pro-palestinian-protesters/ TOI]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Freed hostage reveals glee Hamas took in murder, starvation, cruelty.
 +
Eliya Cohen says he hasn’t forgotten the friends he lost and the fellow captives he left behind.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
 +
(April 2, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Eliya Cohen, 27, released from captivity in Gaza five-and-a-half weeks ago, revealed to Hebrew media on Tuesday some of the torments he endured at the hands of Hamas.
 +
 +
Currently undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound to the leg and damaged hearing, he told Israel’s Channel 12 News he hasn’t forgotten the friends he lost or those he left behind.
 +
 +
Cohen, who spent 505 days in captivity, was released on Feb. 22 along with five other hostages, in exchange for imprisoned terrorists held by Israel
 +
[https://www.jns.org/freed-hostage-reveals-glee-hamas-took-in-murder-starvation-cruelty/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Rashida Tlaib to appear at same conference as PFLP terrorist for second time.
 +
By Michael Starr. April 2, 2025.
 +
Rashida Tlaib and Wisam Rafeedie to speak at PACC's 7th Annual Conference:
 +
(photo credit: PACC, screenshot)
 +
Rafeedie, who ran a clandestine publishing house for the PFLP during the 1980s, also appeared at the same conference as Tlaib in May.
 +
[https://images.jpost.com/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto,fl_lossy/c_fill,g_faces:center,h_428,w_640/657197]
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-848520 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF advances in southern Gaza, targets key corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis.
 +
Military shifts focus to Morag Corridor to cut off Hamas’ Rafah Brigade and pressure terror group to free hostages; troops encircle Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, strike dozens of targets and describe push as strategic move to establish control over key terrain
 +
Yoav Zitun, Einav Halabi | 04.02.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hks0kliake YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IAF intercepts two rockets launched from northern Gaza toward Israel.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/02/2025 09:41 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848619 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas will not respond to Israel's counter Gaza ceasefire proposal, official says
 +
 +
Einav Halabi | 04.02.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syqzv7i6kx YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu lands in Budapest for state visit.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/03/2025 04:34 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848634 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Interior Minister Arbel: Hostage return is Jewish characteristic of Israel.
 +
By Sarah Ben-Nun.
 +
04/03/2025 10:32 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848685 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Police arrest Negev residents for plotting terror attacks, stealing IDF weapons.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/03/2025 10:47 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848684 JPost]
 +
 +
Court indicts two Negev residents for incitement to terrorism, plotting attacks.
 +
Bedouin-Israeli minors face terrorism charges after authorities uncover social media incitement, planned attacks and arms deals intended to support West Bank terrorists.
 +
Roni Green Shaulov | 04.03.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1jve1h6kl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'I have no choice': Mother of Matan Angrest to publish video of his kidnapping.
 +
By Uri Sela.
 +
04/03/2025 01:50 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848716 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
NYPD boosting security for synagogues ahead of Passover.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 3, 2025, 4:05 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406362 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Orbán to Netanyahu:
 +
'ICC is not a court of the rule of law; it's a political court'.
 +
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told his Israeli counterpart about his country's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. Netanyahu replied: 'You've just taken a bold and principled position.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 3, 2025, 4:22 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406363 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Nir Barkat:
 +
We must get rid of Qatar, it's a dangerous entity.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 3, 2025, 5:17 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406365 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel Air Force hits Hezbollah terrorist during southern Lebanon strike.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/03/2025 05:32 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848760 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Nicaragua pulls its participation in ICJ case against Israel.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 3, 2025, 7:24 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406369 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF troops fire at armed terrorist at Gilboa Crossing in West Bank.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/03/2025 08:00 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848774 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IAF intercepts Gaza rocket that triggered sirens in Nahal Oz.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/03/2025 08:09 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848793 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes senior Hamas terrorists, Palestinians report at least 100 dead.
 +
Military and Shin Bet target command and control center used by senior operatives to plan and direct attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
 +
Yoav Zitun, Einav Halabi, Lior Ben Ari | 04.03.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjkym4npkl YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Palestinian Authority: Hamas is “holding more than two million Palestinians hostage… as human shields”.
 +
Fatah: Hamas is “holding Palestinian residents hostage, using them as human shields” to remain in power.
 +
Apr 3, 2025.
 +
[https://palwatch.org/page/37077 PalWatch]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
FM: Ankara wants Syria as Turkish protectorate.
 +
Sa’ar: Israel could end Gaza war ‘tomorrow’ if Hamas frees hostages, exits Strip.
 +
Foreign minister also says both Jerusalem and Paris interested in stable Lebanon, preventing Iran from acquiring nukes, after meeting French counterpart in Paris.
 +
By Lazar Berman, Agencies and ToI Staff
 +
3 April 2025.
 +
 +
“The way is very simple,” Sa’ar said, “hostages back, Hamas out.”
 +
 +
“We are still giving a chance to negotiations to extend the ceasefire and release our hostages on the basis of [US special envoy Steve] Witkoff’s proposal, but it is not open-ended,” he warned, referencing a proposal that would secure the release of five Israeli hostages.
 +
 +
Terror groups in the Gaza Strip are still holding 59 hostages, including 58 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023. Among them are the bodies of at least 35 hostages who have been confirmed dead by the IDF.
 +
 +
Israel restarted intense bombing of Gaza on March 18 and then launched a new ground offensive, ending a nearly two-month ceasefire in the war with Hamas.
 +
 +
According to the terms of the January 19 ceasefire deal, the sides were to launch negotiations over the second phase a few weeks into the first, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to do so, insisting that the war would not end until Hamas’s governing and military capabilities had been demolished. Meanwhile, Hamas rejected a series of offers to extend the first phase while continuing to gradually free hostages.
 +
 +
France has urged a return to the January deal and an end to the fighting in Gaza
 +
 +
Also Thursday, Sa’ar said both Israel and France are “interested in the stability of Lebanon, the continuation of the ceasefire, and the release of Lebanon from Iranian occupation,” referring to Iran’s hold over Hezbollah.
 +
 +
France is a “friendly country,” Sa’ar stressed, adding that he invited Barrot to visit Israel.
 +
 +
France’s President Emmanuel Macron last week said Israeli strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon were unjustified after the IDF struck targets belonging to the terror group in response to rocket fire at Israel.
 +
 +
Under the November ceasefire which ended over a year of Hezbollah-instigated fighting, the terror group was obligated to pull its forces north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the Israeli border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south, while the Lebanese army deployed to control the area.
 +
 +
Israel, meanwhile, was obligated to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days. The withdrawal deadline was pushed off, with Lebanese and US approval, to February 18. Israel eventually withdrew from all of Lebanon except for five strategic posts along the border.
 +
 +
Touching on Iran’s uranium enrichment, Sa’ar said Thursday that Israel and France share a “common” goal of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
 +
 +
Western countries, including the United States, have long accused Iran — which is sworn to Israel’s destruction — of pursuing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran has denied, insisting its enrichment activities were solely for peaceful purposes.
 +
 +
Iran has ramped up its enrichment of uranium up to 60 percent purity, the only country in the world without a nuclear weapons program to do so, and has obstructed international inspectors from checking its nuclear facilities.
 +
 +
“The most extremist regime in the world shouldn’t possess the most dangerous weapon in the world,” Sa’ar told reporters.
 +
 +
Israel is the region’s sole, if undeclared, nuclear-armed state. It has long made preventing any rival from matching this capability its top defense priority.
 +
 +
Iran has twice in the past year fired large barrages of missiles and drones at Israel in support of its terror proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen.
 +
 +
In response, Israel struck Iranian facilities, including missile factories and air defenses. That reduced Tehran’s conventional military capabilities, according to analysts and US officials, an assessment disputed by Tehran.
 +
 +
Sa’ar stressed that Iran was a threat to the entire region and not just to Israel, adding Israel was in talks with France, Britain, and the United States.
 +
 +
“We don’t exclude a diplomatic path with Iran,” he added.
 +
 +
Concern is mounting as talks with Iran appear to have reached an impasse, while the window for negotiating a new treaty with Tehran is set to close in the fall.
 +
 +
Key aspects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal that Iran signed with world powers in 2015, are due to expire in October. US President Donald Trump already took the US out of the deal during his last mandate.
 +
 +
On Wednesday, Barrot warned that a military confrontation with Iran would be “almost inevitable” if talks over Tehran’s nuclear program failed.
 +
 +
Trump said in early March he had written to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to call for nuclear negotiations and warn of possible military action if Tehran refused.
 +
 +
He has threatened that Iran will be bombed if it persists in developing nuclear weapons. Khamenei has promised to hit back.
 +
 +
Reflecting Israeli concerns about Turkish influence in Syria, Sa’ar accused Ankara of playing a “negative role” there, in Lebanon, and other regions.
 +
 +
“They are doing their utmost to have Syria as a Turkish protectorate. It’s clear that is their intention,” he said.
 +
 +
Turkey was a strong backer of groups opposed to Bashar al-Assad during the country’s 13-year civil war and is considered to be one of the new administration’s key allies.
 +
 +
Israel moved into a demilitarized buffer zone along the Israel-Syrian border last December following the fall of Assad’s regime to the Islamist-led rebels.
 +
 +
Israeli leaders have consistently stated that they do not trust the new regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel fighter whose Islamist group began as al-Qaeda’s local branch, whom Defense Minister Israel Katz has called an “extreme Islamic leader.”
 +
 +
The IDF has described its presence in the buffer zone as a temporary and defensive measure, though Katz has said that troops will remain deployed to nine army posts in the area “indefinitely.”
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/saar-israel-could-end-gaza-war-tomorrow-if-hamas-frees-hostages-exits-strip/ TOI]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Harvard Sanctions Pro-Hamas Group Over Unauthorized Demonstration Led by Reinstated Students.
 +
Apr 3, 2025.
 +
Harvard University has imposed disciplinary sanctions on the pro-Hamas student group Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) following its staging an unauthorized demonstration, placing it on probation and suspending its privilege to hold campus events until long after the end of this academic year.
 +
 +
The measure, announced on Wednesday, brings PSC operations to a halt, The Harvard Crimson reported, as the group planned to hold eight events in the month of April alone. Harvard told the paper that PSC’s own actions prompted the severe response from the administration. The group, it said, used “amplified sound” during Tuesday’s protest outside University Hall, obstructed university business, and invited an unrecognized group, Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine (HOOP), to participate in the demonstration.
 +
 +
PSC lambasted Harvard on Wednesday, arguing in a statement posted on Instagram that the administration “sanctioned PSC without clarifying what relation, if any, it had to the rally.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/03/harvard-sanctions-pro-hamas-group-unauthorized-demonstration-led-reinstated-students/ Algeneiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Columbia University Radicals Welcome New President By Vandalizing Campus Bathroom With Hamas Triangle.
 +
Apr 3, 2025.
 +
Columbia University’s leading anti-Semitic group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), showcased its latest act of anarchy Thursday afternoon: a campus bathroom defaced with red paint and inverted Hamas triangles.
 +
 +
"A group of anonymous actionists welcomed @Columbia’s new AIPAC-backed university dictator Claire Shipman with a redecoration of Columbia’s bathrooms during her campus visit," CUAD wrote in an X post accompanying four photos of the graffiti.
 +
 +
The photos show two bathroom stalls vandalized with red paint on the walls reading "WELCOME SHITMAN"—referring to Shipman, Columbia’s new acting president—punctuated by upside-down triangles, a symbol Hamas uses to denote Israeli targets. The same symbol accompanied other phrases, including "FUCK the TRUSTEE COUP" and "free PALESTINE." "WELCOME SHITMAN" was also scrawled across a toilet seat.
 +
Eliana Goldin @Eliana_Goldin:
 +
Protestors at Columbia vandalized a bathroom with the Hamas inverted red triangle, which indicates next target. Does this count as a legitimate threat to acting President Claire Shipman’s life?
 +
Apr 3, 2025
 +
[https://twitter.com/Eliana_Goldin/status/1907869361240469939]
 +
[https://freebeacon.com/campus/columbia-university-radicals-welcome-new-president-by-vandalizing-campus-bathroom-with-hamas-triangle/ FreeBeacon]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
NYC ‘Dyke March’ Bans Zionists From Participating in Annual Demonstration.
 +
by Corey Walker.
 +
April 4, 2025.
 +
 +
NYC Dyke March, a public demonstration held by members of the lesbian community in New York City, has banned self-proclaimed “Zionists” from its annual event, citing a desire to stand against the so-called “genocide[sic]” occuring in Gaza.
 +
 +
The group revealed in a statement that their decision to ban Israel supporters from their ranks came after multiple members dropped out of the organization due to differences in “political beliefs and values.” After engaging in discussions with frustrated members, the NYC Dyke March committee agreed to adopt “an explicitly anti-Zionist position.” The organization claims that it will “strengthen our commitment” to fighting against Israel and advocating on behalf of Palestinians.
 +
 +
Last year, the NYC Dyke March previously came under scrutiny after organizers settled on “genocide[sic]” as the theme of its 2024 event...
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/04/nyc-dyke-march-bans-zionists-from-participating-in-annual-demonstration/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Most Americans Agree With Deporting Mahmoud Khalil, Foreign Students Who ‘Support’ Terror Groups, Poll Finds.
 +
by Corey Walker.
 +
April 3, 2025.
 +
 +
About two-thirds of the American people support the deportation of non-citizen students, such as Mahmoud Khalil, who indicate support for internationally recognized terrorist groups, according to a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/03/most-americans-agree-deporting-mahmoud-khalil-foreign-students-who-support-terror-groups-poll-finds/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Exclusive: ICC prosecutor Khan accused of retaliation for sexual misconduct allegation, sources say.
 +
By Stephanie van den Berg and Anthony Deutsch.
 +
April 3, 2025. 10:25 AM
 +
[https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/icc-prosecutor-khan-accused-retaliation-sexual-misconduct-allegation-sources-say-2025-04-03/ Reuters]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
"Danger of direct confrontation": Behind Erdogan's call for the destruction of Israel
 +
The furthest thing from vacationers and hair transplants: The Turkish president took off his gloves – and openly called for the "destruction of Israel." In the shadow of the war in Gaza, hatred of Israel and anti-Semitism in his country are raising their heads: "The coverage of the war there – like a Hamas channel in Turkish." What caused the distancing – and are there any truth to the fears of escalation and harm to Israelis in the country? "I was warned that Turkey would become Iran, I didn't believe it".
 +
Yogev Carmel | N12 Magazine |  04.03.25
 +
 +
“From Erdogan’s perspective, he is now in the perfect situation to do whatever he wants,” explains Hai Eitan Cohen Yanarocak in a slight Turkish accent, as he looks at the violent and difficult images from the country he grew up in. When he was born in Istanbul 40 years ago, it was hard to imagine that four decades later he would be sitting far away, in his office at Tel Aviv University, with a doctorate on the wall, giving interviews in Hebrew. It is even harder to imagine how great the changes will be in his native country – and how much its attitude towards the country he immigrated to 18 years ago will change.
 +
[https://www.mako.co.il/news-n12_magazine/6a6d777d11485910/Article-33f013791c2f591027.htm?pId=173113802 Mako]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Orange butterfly named in honor of Ariel Bibas.
 +
Academy of the Hebrew Language renames orange butterfly Melitaea ornata in memory of Ariel Bibas, who was murdered with his mother and brother in Hamas captivity.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 4, 2025, 3:38 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406411 INN]
 +
 +
Israel ישראל @Israel:
 +
A butterfly now carries his name.
 +
 +
The Hebrew Language Academy
 +
@HebAcademy has renamed the Jerusalem fritillary butterfly (Melitaea ornata) the Ariel fritillary, in memory of five-year-old Ariel Bibas—murdered in Hamas captivity along with his mother, Shiri, and baby brother, Kfir.
 +
 +
In a letter to Ariel’s father, Yarden Bibas, the Academy wrote: “Of all our country’s orange butterflies, this one should carry Ariel’s name. May it be a small comfort to you and an everlasting tribute to those lost in this tragic war.” 🧡
 +
[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gnr37JFXkAAb7L1?format=jpg&name=small]
 +
Apr 4, 2024.
 +
[https://x.com/Israel/status/1908109993871540536 on X]
 +
 +
Butterfly renamed in honor of murdered hostage Ariel Bibas.
 +
Orange Jerusalem renamed Orange Ariel, evoking an alternate biblical name for the capital and the vivid color of the slain 4-year-old’s hair
 +
By Michael Horovitz. April 4, 2025.
 +
The  Hebrew name of a spotted orange butterfly has been changed to honor murdered hostage Ariel Bibas by the Academy of the Hebrew Language, the Bibas family announced Friday.
 +
 +
The academy last week officially informed the family, and on Thursday hand-delivered a letter addressed to Bibas’s father, Yarden — who was also taken hostage but released in February under a ceasefire deal — of the final decision to rename Melitaea ornata (eastern knapweed fritillary).
 +
 +
Using one of the biblical names of Jerusalem, Ariel, the name of the butterfly was replaced in Hebrew from Kitmit Yerushalayim (Orange Jerusalem) to Kitmit Ariel (Orange Ariel) in honor of the four-year-old.
 +
 +
The decision was made unanimously by the academy’s members in a full plenum session after first securing the permission of Yarden Bibas.
 +
 +
“We believe that of all the orange butterflies in our country, this butterfly deserves to be named Ariel, as it is one of the names of Jerusalem,” the letter to Yarden Bibas read.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/butterfly-renamed-in-honor-of-murdered-hostage-ariel-bibas/ TOI]
 +
 +
Hebrew Language Academy renames orange butterfly to honor Ariel Bibas.
 +
This specific butterfly was chosen to honor Ariel not just for its orange wings, but because Ariel is one of Jerusalem’s 70 names, the academy explained.
 +
By Shir Peretz.
 +
April 4, 2025.
 +
 +
([https://images.jpost.com/image/upload/q_auto/c_fill,g_faces:center,h_537,w_822/613521].
 +
Kfir and Ariel Bibas, who were murdered in captivity by Hamas in 2023. photo credit: The Bibas family).
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-848866 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Danny Danon slams UN Security council: You don't have courage.
 +
Ambassador Danny Danon plays recordings of anti-Hamas demonstrations in Gaza, calls on UN Security Council to heed the Gazans' cry.
 +
Nitsan Keidar.
 +
Apr 4, 2025, 9:47 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406398 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Former Israeli hostage Tal Shoham speaks on captivity at UN.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/04/2025 12:48 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848857 JPost]
 +
 +
Hostages tortured daily, made to drink toilet water, says captivity survivor.
 +
Tal Shoham, released after 505 days in Hamas captivity, describes inhumane conditions he endured and shares harrowing details of his kidnapping, including doing anything to get a bite to eat: 'We begged our captures, flattered them, even agreed to give them massages'.
 +
Ynet| 04.04.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjrr1w66jl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF expands operations on Gaza City's outskirts to widen security buffer.
 +
Yoav Zitun, Einav Halabi | 04.04.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1kuizapkl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Turkey eyes strategic Syria airbase in deal with Islamist regime.
 +
Lior Ben Ari | 04.04.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1snegpt1x YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Turkey wants no confrontation with Israel, FM says.
 +
Reuters | 04.04.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bje7z8at1e YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US sending Israel 20,000 assault rifles Biden had delayed.
 +
Ynetnews, news agencies | 04.04.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1kcmut6yl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Gaza: IDF forces eliminate terrorists, destroy rocket launchers.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 4, 2025, 2:29 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406408 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Nova investigation:
 +
Senior police officer saves hundreds of partygoers.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 4, 2025, 4:08 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406414 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF and Shin Bet announce:
 +
Hamas key terror financing facilitator eliminated in Gaza.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 4, 2025.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406417 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Terrorist who kidnapped Bibas family eliminated in Gaza.
 +
IDF and Shin Bet announce that terrorist Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, who infiltrated Nir Oz on October 7 and was likely personally involved in the abductions and brutal murders of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, was eliminated.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 4, 2025.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406418 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
UAV approaching Israeli territory intercepted by the IAF.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 4, 2025.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406419 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
In Budapest.
 +
Netanyahu and Orbán honor Holocaust victims.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 4, 2025.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406421 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Zamir assures families returning hostages is top IDF priority.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.  04/04/2025 04:49 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848887 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Witkoff to meet with Ron Dermer in Abu Dhabi next week, senior official says.
 +
By Walla! 04/04/2025
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848903 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Grandson of Hamas’s ceasefire negotiator killed in Gaza airstrike - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.  04/04/2025
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848907 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF intercepts drone launched from the east.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.  04/04/2025
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848910 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
As Hamas begins to crack, Israel plans Gaza future
 +
A senior Israeli official reveals internal divisions within Hamas as Israel negotiates under fire; Talks stall over hostages, while Netanyahu’s government pushes for Hamas' elimination and congratulates Orban for removing Hungary from the ICC
 +
Itamar Eichner, Budapest
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syl00eq6tkx YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Belgium Joins Hungary in Rejecting ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu, Signaling Shift in International Stance.
 +
 +
by Ailin Vilches Arguello. April 4, 2025.
 +
 +
Belgium announced it would not enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, should he visit Brussels—marking a significant shift from the government’s previous policies.
 +
 +
In an interview with Belgium’s VRT broadcaster on Thursday, Prime Minister Bart De Wever was asked about Hungary’s decision to not act on the ICC warrant against Netanyahu during the Israeli leader’s visit to Budapest this week.
 +
 +
“To be completely honest, I don’t think we would either,” De Wever said during the interview.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/04/belgium-joins-hungary-in-rejecting-icc-warrant-against-netanyahu-signaling-shift-in-international-stance/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hostage deal still in sight, analyst says
 +
The goal is really to increase the pressure on Hamas says researcher.
 +
Lidar Grave-Lazi, ILTV | 04.05.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rj5ml5qtkl YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Antisemitism among Irish Christians at ‘Medieval’ levels, say researchers.
 +
 +
New survey finds religious narratives play a ‘massive role’ in strong anti-Jewish and anti-Israel trends, with Catholics far less supportive of Israel than Protestants.
 +
By Zev Stub. 4 April 2025
 +
 +
Antisemitic attitudes among Christians in Ireland are “disturbing” and “Medieval,” due in large part to entrenched religious beliefs held by the Catholic community, according to a new survey.
 +
 +
Conducted by Professors Motti Inbari of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Kirill Bumin of Boston University and Metropolitan College, the study’s findings revealed even stronger anti-Jewish sentiments in the Republic of Ireland than they found in their survey of the United Kingdom, published in January, the authors said.
 +
 +
The December 2024 study of 1,014 Christian adults in Ireland found that a third believe Jewish people “still talk too much about what happened to them in the Holocaust. Some 49 percent agreed with the statement “Jews are more loyal to Israel than this country” and 36% said they believe Jews “have too much power in the business world.” About 31% agreed with statements that Jews “don’t care what happens to anyone but their own kind,” and that they are hated “because of the way they behave.”
 +
 +
Ireland’s support for Israel is just a third of that in the United States, where the pair have conducted extensive research of Christian communities. Only 11.3% of Irish Christians support Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians, compared to 42.3% of Americans polled last year, the report found. Conversely, 45.6% of Irish respondents support the Palestinian side of the conflict, versus just 11.2% of Americans.
 +
 +
The findings come amid heightened tensions between Ireland and Israel, following Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Ireland in December and Dublin’s joining South Africa at the International Court of Justice in its genocide case against Israel.
 +
 +
Ireland’s Jewish community is small, numbering only about 2,700, a fraction of a percentage point among the country’s population of 5.3 million. About half of the community resides in the capital city of Dublin.
 +
 +
“What struck me is that we have the same percentages of people in both countries who say that they are generally familiar with the conflict, getting the same information from the same media, yet their understanding is fundamentally different,” Bumin told The Times of Israel. “Our study shows that much of this is due to differences in pre-existing theological beliefs, political and social attitudes, and levels of exposure to Jews that drastically vary between the US and Ireland.”
 +
 +
Surprisingly, while greater knowledge about the conflict tends to correlate with higher levels of support for Israel in the US, the opposite was found in Ireland, Bumin said.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/antisemitism-among-irish-christians-at-medieval-levels-say-researchers/ TOI]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump posts clip of attack on Houthis in Yemen.
 +
President says group seen in circle was planning attack, rebels say video showed attack on tribal gathering.
 +
Ynet | 04.04.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkp200va61g YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu to meet Trump for high-stakes talks on Iran, tariffs, Saudi pact.
 +
Prime minister expected to travel to D.C. on Monday after a 17% tariff on all Israeli imports is imposed; Israel and the US must coordinate positions ahead of Trump visit to Riyadh amid hopes for a Saudi normalization deal and on possible action against Iran.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.05.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1200muctjg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF intercepts drone launched from the east.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/04/2025 08:38 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848910 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Why Turkey turned on Israel? Turkish student in Jerusalem explains.
 +
Turku Avci says Qatar’s growing influence in Turkey is driving the country’s shift toward a more pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel stance
 +
Maayan Hoffman, ILTV | 04.05.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryejh8cake Ynet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
BBC Arabic freelance journalist describes Jews as ‘devils,’ defended Oct. 7 during massacre.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. April 5, 2025.
 +
 +
The posts, first reported on by British newspaper The Telegraph on Saturday, included comments like “the Jews, they are the devils[sic] of the hypocrites[sic].”
 +
Ahmed Alagha, a freelance journalist repeatedly used by the BBC,  has made a number of controversial antisemitic and anti-Israel social media posts, including defending the October 7 massacre and describing Jews as “devils.”
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-848944 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Iran paid $200,000 for failed assassination of Azerbaijani rabbi.
 +
International drug traffickers and bribes: Inside Iran's plot to murder an Azerbaijani rabbi.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. April 5, 2025.
 +
 +
IRGC officials met with known drug trafficker Agil Aslanov last fall, the Washington Post reported on Saturday. The officials gave Aslanov a photo of the rabbi and instructions on the killing.
 +
Iran enlisted the support of a Georgian drug trafficker in a targeted hit against a prominent Azerbaijani rabbi, Rabbi Shneor Segal, at the price of $200,000, the Washington Post reported Saturday, citing officials.
 +
 +
IRGC officials met with known drug trafficker Agil Aslanov last fall, the Washington Post reported. The officials gave Aslanov a photo of the rabbi and instructions on the killing.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/international/article-848947 JPost]
 +
 +
Azerbaijani security thwarted attempt to assassinate local rabbi.
 +
IRGC paid $200,000 to drug trafficker in exchange for the assassination of Azerbaijan's Rabbi Shneur Segal.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 5, 2025, 8:34 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406429 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Watch: The IDF's first activities in Gaza's Morag Corridor.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 5, 2025, 8:03 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406427 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Captivity survivor Omer Wenkert: For 505 days, I was starved, humiliated, and beaten.
 +
Hamas captivity survivor Omer Wenkert speaks of his time in captivity. 'I was held in extreme conditions in a narrow tunnel with a waste pit beside me.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 5, 2025, 9:46 PM
 +
 +
Released hostage Omer Wenkert spoke Saturday night at a rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, describing the inhumane conditions Hamas kept him and other hostages in.
 +
 +
"I was returned to life about a month and a half ago. But I'm not really here, only half of me stands here," Wenkert said. "Part of me is still captive in a tunnel. Like my fellow returnees, I am also going through physical and emotional rehabilitation these days. I know that my true rehabilitation will be when my beloved brothers Guy and Evyatar board a helicopter, walk into the room where their loved ones are waiting, and they will be home in Israel again."
 +
 +
He continued, "I was kidnapped from a shelter where 28 young men and women were murdered, including my best friend, my sunshine who became my guardian angel - Kim Damti."
 +
 +
"In captivity, I was held in extreme conditions in a narrow tunnel with a waste pit beside me. For 505 days I was starved, humiliated, beaten. Of those, I was alone for 197 days and nearly lost my sanity.
 +
 +
"The word freedom sounds grand, but it is also simple: to be with family. To wake up in the morning with peace in your heart. To know you are free to dream, to hug, to love, to laugh, to cry – without fear. Freedom is the most basic value of a state born out of yearning for freedom. Guy and Evyatar - be strong for yourselves and for me. I promise you and all the hostages - we will not give up. You are coming back!"
 +
 +
Hamas captivity survivor Liri Albag said, "When the first deal collapsed, I collapsed too. I remember that moment when everything that kept us going – shattered. We were sure we were going home. We were sure this nightmare was over. The doors didn't open. And the nightmare continued. In one moment I lost trust in the outside world. Trust that someone really remembers us. Trust that we would ever get out of there."
 +
 +
"While we are here – they are going through hell there! A year and a half of torture and physical, mental, psychological – and even sexual violence! They threatened to cut off our hands if they discovered we lied to them or did something forbidden. They forbade us from crying, forbade us from hugging each other, forbade us from listening to one another in moments of crisis. They are going through a year and a half of hunger, uncertainty, pain. A year and a half in constant fear.
 +
 +
"This week is Passover – the holiday of freedom. But what freedom is there when 59 people are still in Hamas' hell? I remember Passover there, a sad holiday, we were alone. The most family-oriented holiday we spent far from home. They made us work there! We were their servants!
 +
 +
"And now the holiday of freedom has arrived. And our brothers and sisters are still there. They sit there, in dark tunnels, without food, without water, alone, helpless, not knowing if they have a tomorrow. Any return to fighting endangers them! If these are orders from Hamas senior ranks – the hostages are the first to pay the price! If the Air Force attacks – sadly then too the hostages are in danger! We are one people, one heart – and we leave no one behind!"
 +
 +
'I'd like to get as many hostages as we can'
 +
Gadi Moses, who was also released in the deal with Hamas, said: "In about a week, we will celebrate Passover – the holiday of freedom. This year, the meaning of my freedom is much deeper. After 482 days in captivity by Islamic Jihad, I am free again among my family and my people."
 +
 +
"The drums of war echo in my ears again. I was there and heard these sounds from the other side of the border too. It's terrible and frightening! It chokes the throat and paralyzes the soul. Our captive brothers lose all hope when the sounds of shells whistle from every side.
 +
 +
"The hostages' time is not unlimited. There are sick ones, wounded ones, desperate ones, and those who are mentally injured.
 +
 +
"As a people, we are committed to them both morally and in our values. They are our brothers who were murdered and kidnapped as free citizens in a democratic state, or soldiers who went to defend the country. We must not abandon them in their time of distress. There is a great danger of more hostages dying and a danger of some of our dead hostages disappearing. Stop the war and bring everyone back now!"
 +
 +
Amit Bendor-Gus, friend of Edan Alexander, who is still held hostage in Gaza, said: ...
 +
"We need to bring back an American-Israeli citizen, Edan Alexander, and the other remaining 58 hostages home. That would be a success. That would be a Passover miracle."
 +
 +
Herut Nimrodi, mother of Tamir Nimrodi, who is also held hostage in Gaza, added: "Ironically, my name is Herut ('freedom' in Hebrew). I was born at a time of year when we mark a sequence of events in Jewish history that shaped us as a people. When the Jewish people emerged from darkness to light. Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Independence Day. My parents, in their innocence, thought, what could be more fitting than 'Herut'?"
 +
 +
"Where is our freedom? Where is my freedom? Where is the freedom of my Tamir? Where is the freedom of 58 more hostages and their families? Where is the freedom of our people? We are here tonight, just steps away from another Seder night without our children. Another holiday with no joy. Only pain, longing, and deep concern for our loved ones. For a year and a half, we have been crying out and our children are still languishing in Hamas tunnels."
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406435 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Sign of life from Maxim Herkin and Bar Kupershtein.
 +
Hamas releases first sign of life from hostages Maxim Herkin and Bar Kupershtein, who were kidnapped from the October 7 massacre.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 5, 2025, 7:47 PM [https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406426 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Czech Republic to become first EU state to relocate embassy to Jerusalem.
 +
Country's decision to relocate its embassy to capital marks a historic break from EU policy, reportedly fueled by Trump's direct push.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.05.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bklg00zjayl YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Two British MPs denied entry to Israel.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/05/2025 11:57 PM
 +
Two British MPs, Joan Young and Abtisam Mohamed, were denied entrance to Israel on Saturday, after an investigation revealed the two wished to enter the country to document the activities of security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred, Israel's Population and Immigration Authority announced.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848987 JPost]
 +
 +
UK Foreign Secretary condemns Israel’s deportation of Labour MPs.
 +
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy strongly criticizes Israel for detaining and deporting two Labour MPs who called for a boycott of Israel.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 6, 2025, 3:50 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406444 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US transfers THAAD and Patriot batteries to Israel - report.
 +
By Walla! 04/06/2025 8:04 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-848999 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/06/2025 12:46 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849047 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Syria's president to visit Turkey and UAE next week.
 +
By Reuters. 04/06/2025 10:00 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849119 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF Arabic spox. orders final evacuation of Deir el-Balah following launch of rockets from area.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/06/2025 11:36 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849125 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Sa'ar meets with UAE counterpart in Abu Dhabi.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/06/2025 11:36 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849124 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu to meet US trade representative about 17% tariffs on Israel.
 +
By Amichai Stein. 04/06/2025 11:50 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849126 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu lands in US ahead of meeting with Trump.
 +
By Anna Barsky. 04/07/2025 12:14 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849127 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF fires at terrorists throwing rocks in West Bank, one killed.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/07/2025 12:36 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849129 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Katz reveals documents alleging Iran sponsored Hamas’ October 7 massacre.
 +
Defense minister exposes intercepted correspondence showing Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif requested $500 million from Iran’s Quds Force to fund efforts to 'annihilate Israel and confront the US'; 'Iran is the head of the snake, it continues to fund and promote terrorism across all fronts'.
 +
 +
Elisha Ben Kimon|04.06.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sy06hmlryg YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
Mideast envoy Witkoff to attend Trump-Netanyahu summit.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.06.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1pp2lgr1e YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Houthis are building a terror empire in Africa
 +
Iran-backed rebels expand into Africa, linking with jihadist groups, smuggling arms and threatening key maritime routes
 +
Lior Ben Ari
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ski3iylckg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Expanding their footprint, Houthis are building a terror empire in Africa with Iran's help.
 +
As Iraq tries to rein in the Houthis at home, the Iran-backed terror group is quietly expanding into Africa — forging ties with jihadist groups, smuggling weapons and threatening key maritime routes.
 +
Lior Ben Ari|04.06.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ski3iylckg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Watch:
 +
Helicopter shoots down UAV en route to Israel.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 6, 2025, 6:23 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406481 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Captain Omer Neutra's Way.
 +
Road in Long Island named for abducted fallen soldier.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 6, 2025, 10:07 PM.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406491 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Hamas claims responsibility.
 +
10 rockets launched at Ashkelon, Ashdod, and surrounding areas.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 6, 2025, 10:18 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/flashes/654939 INN]
 +
 +
After rocket attacks from Gaza:
 +
Netanyahu, Katz vow strong response.
 +
 +
PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz pledge a forceful response after ten rockets fired from Gaza, damaging vehicles in Ashkelon. IDF strikes rocket launchers and vows continued action to eliminate threats from Hamas.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 6, 2025, 11:53 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406496 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Air raid sirens sound across southern Israel in most extensive Gaza rocket attack in months.
 +
Alerts issues for Ashkelon, Ashdod, Yavne and other towns in Lachish region; Hamas claims responsibility for rocket attack targeting Ashdod; IDF says around 10 rockets fired toward Israel, most intercepted; 3 lightly wounded in rocket impact in Ashkelon.
 +
Ynet correspondents | 04.07.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byfxxbgrjx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Pro-Hamas vandal convicted of defacing DC monument learns his fate.
 +
By Steven Nelson.
 +
Published April 5, 2025, 3:04 p.m.
 +
[https://nypost.com/2025/04/05/us-news/pro-hamas-vandal-sentenced-to-prison-for-defacing-dc-monument/ NYPost]
 +
 +
Pro-Hamas vandal of federal statue gets 10 days in jail, must pay $1,500.
 +
The National Park Service estimated that Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi caused some $11,000 in damage.
 +
Mike Wagenheim.
 +
 +
Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi vandalized a federal monument outside Washington's Union Station with pro-Hamas messages on July 24, 2024.
 +
[https://cdn-jns.org/uploads/2025/04/download-1320x880.png].
 +
(April 7, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi, who caused $11,282.23 in damage for his pro-Hamas vandalism outside Washington’s Union Station per the National Park Service, was sentenced to 10 days in prison,  six months of supervision, 80 hours of community service and $1,500 in restitution, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia stated on Friday.
 +
 +
Mahdawi, 26, of Richmond, Va., pleaded guilty on Jan. 23 to the misdemeanor of destroying government property. He spray-painted “Hamas is coming” on a statue outside the train station and took down an American flag on July 24, 2024, during a riot in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. capital.
 +
 +
James Boasberg, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, who has made headlines for his oversight of a controversial case involving the deportation of gang members, who are in the country illegally, to El Salvador, sentenced Mahdawi in the vandalism case
 +
[https://www.jns.org/pro-hamas-vandal-of-federal-statue-gets-10-days-in-jail-must-pay-1500/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
==Apr 7, 2025 (after a barrage of Hamas' rockets) - Apr 27, 2025==
 +
 +
 +
High Court to hear petition to exclude Metulla residents from returning north.
 +
By Eliya Farjoun. 04/07/2025 08:46 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849145 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Yesha Council asks PM to close Shin Bet's Jewish Division.
 +
By Avraham Bloch. 04/07/2025 09:56 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849160 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF vehicle accident injures two air force soldiers.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/07/2025 10:36 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849170 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli strike kills Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/07/2025 11:05 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849173 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF planning to restart aid to Gazans.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 11:49 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406510 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Journalist' who celebrated Oct. 7 massacre injured in IDF strike.
 +
 +
IDF confirms that Hamas 'journalist' who celebrated October 7 massacre among multiple injured in IDF strike on southern Gaza.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 12:23 PM
 +
... Among the injured is "journalist" Hassan Aslih, who freelanced for foreign agencies and is affiliated with the Hamas terror group.
 +
 +
Aslih was among the journalists documented participating in the October 7 massacre near the Gaza border. He crossed the border without wearing a journalist's vest or helmet, documented an Israeli tank burning, and even infiltrated Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
 +
 +
 +
Later, Aslih published a tweet displaying a photo of himself in Israel, with the caption, "Live from the towns of the Gaza Strip," and photographed himself beside the tank...
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406520 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Egypt's Sisi and France's Macron sign strategic partnership accords.
 +
By Reuters. 04/07/2025 12:51 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849199 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia expelled from African Union headquarters despite invite.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/07/2025 02:18 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849242 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Interior minister claims 16 flights filled with Gaza residents have left Ramon Airport.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/07/2025 02:44 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849213 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Russia, China and Iran to hold consultations on Iranian nuclear program on Tuesday, RIA says.
 +
By Reuters. 04/07/2025 03:29 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849217 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Families of 10/7 victims sue Palestinian-American billionaire.
 +
Lawsuit filed by families of American victims of the October 7 attacks alleges Bashar Masri knowingly worked with Hamas for many years, enabling international and U.S. taxpayer-funded programs to be diverted and exploited to support Hamas’s terror infrastructure.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 5:50 PM.
 +
Families of American victims of the Hamas-led October 7th terrorist attacks today (Monday) filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court, accusing Palestinian-American billionaire Bashar Masri of knowingly providing substantial assistance to Hamas’s terror infrastructure in Gaza that carried out the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.
 +
 +
The lawsuit alleges that Masri, Chairman of the Palestine Development and Investment Company (PADICO) and Massar International, knowingly worked with Hamas for many years despite the group’s designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the US government since 1997. Masri is a naturalized American citizen with significant business ties to global corporations such as Apple and Nvidia, and he also sits on the board of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406534 INN]
 +
 +
Palestinian-American billionaire, Trump admin adviser sued for abetting Oct. 7 attacks.
 +
“It’s just hard to wrap your mind around the degree to which the owners of the properties were complicit,” a lawyer for the plaintiffs told JNS. “They not only go back and refurbish, invest more money and more of other people’s money, but assist Hamas with its tunnels again.”
 +
Andrew Bernard.
 +
 +
(April 7, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Some 200 American family members of Oct. 7 victims filed a lawsuit in D.C. federal court on Monday against Bashar Masri, a Palestinian-American billionaire with ties to the Trump administration who, they allege, aided and abetted Hamas in carrying out the attack.
 +
 +
The suit accuses Masri of knowingly working with Hamas in developing business properties in Gaza that concealed and provided electricity to the terror group’s elaborate, militarized tunnel network. It seeks damages under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
 +
 +
Masri has also provided advice and private plane travel to Adam Boehler, formerly U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee to be special presidential envoy for hostage affairs and a current special envoy at the U.S. State Department, as he conducted unprecedented direct negotiations with Hamas in March, per Israeli media reports.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/palestinian-american-billionaire-who-advised-trump-admin-on-hamas-negotiations-sued-for-aiding-and-abetting-oct-7/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
World Health Day Report:
 +
'Year and a half later, remaining hostages face imminent death'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 7:25 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406539 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Release of 8 hostages in exchange for 70-day ceasefire.
 +
 +
After Hamas refuses previous ceasefire proposals and offers to release only 2 hostages, Egypt attempts to bridge the divides with the Israeli demands for the release of dozens of hostages.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 6:10 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406535 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF completes initial investigation into Red Crescent incident.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/07/2025 08:02 PM
 +
...The IDF’s preliminary investigation revealed that forces opened fire due to “a sense of threat,” following a previous encounter in the area, and that among the casualties in the incident, six Hamas terrorists were identified.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849247 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF intercepts UAV approaching Israel from east before entering airspace.
 +
An IDF spokesperson said the Air Force intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle that was en route to Israel from the east, before it crossed into Israeli territory. “No alerts were activated in accordance with policy,” the statement said.
 +
Yoav Zitun | 04.07.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h100x6uwcye YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Captivity survivors to Trump:
 +
'We endured hell, every minute is torture for remaining hostages'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 8:19 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406543 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'Planned ambush'.
 +
Three Arabs arrested after pelting Israeli vehicles with rocks.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 9:49 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406546 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Ex-UN Rapporteur:
 +
October 7 attack by Hamas was "long overdue".
 +
Gary Willig.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 10:08 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406547 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli official:
 +
'Egyptian ceasefire proposal is not acceptable'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 10:24 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406548 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Louisiana State Representative:
 +
'Israel has right to live in heart of Biblical homeland'
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 8:43 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406544 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US in direct talks with Iran.
 +
 +
The US President and the Israeli Premier are expected to discuss the hostage deal, Iran, and the tariffs imposed last week on Israeli imports. Netanyahu arrived in the US directly from his state visit to Hungary - during which he spoke with the US president.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 7, 2025, 10:29 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406545 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
PLO official promises jobs to released terrorists “in international civilian and military institutions”.
 +
Nan Jacques Zilberdik | Apr 7, 2025.
 +
[https://palwatch.org/page/37084 PalWatch]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Iran recruited Swedish minors for attacks on Israeli, Jewish targets – CNN
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. April 8, 2025.
 +
 +
A CNN investigation has revealed that Iran is allegedly using criminal gangs in Sweden to target Israeli and Jewish interests, with concerns over recruitment of minors.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-849276 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Terrorist neutralized in attempted stabbing attack in West Bank
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/08/2025 11:44 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849319 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
A Palestinian’s Brutal Murder in Gaza.
 +
Deafening silence on America’s college campuses.
 +
 +
April 8, 2025 by J.T. Young.
 +
 +
A Palestinian’s brutal murder in Gaza will prompt no campus protests in America.  Why?  Because Hamas committed the murder.  America’s pro-Hamas heroes will, therefore, ignore it because it doesn’t fit their anti-Israel agenda.
 +
 +
Though you would not know from the establishment media’s comparative lack of coverage, there have been recent anti-Hamas protests by Palestinians in Gaza.  Of course, despite exemplifying resistance to oppressive rule and repressive force, these do not fit the one-sided narrative on the situation there.
 +
 +
Among the unreported heroes of this true Palestinian resistance was Oday Nasser Al Rabay.  He was just 22 years old, roughly the same age as those who populate the so-called pro-Palestinian protests on America’s elite college campuses.
 +
 +
Al Rabay’s offense was attending one of the growing numbers of an anti-Hamas rallies in Gaza.  For it, he was tortured for four hours, beaten to death, and then, with a rope around his body’s neck, his corpse was dragged back to the door of his family’s house.  Said an officer of Gaza’s opposition Fatah party; his family was told, “This is the punishment for those who complain about Hamas.”
 +
 +
There are stark contrasts between this sickening event in Gaza and what will be a nonevent on America’s elite college campuses.
 +
 +
Dozens attended Al Rabay’s funeral. They shouted, “Hamas out!”  Don’t expect similar protests on elite college campuses like Columbia or Harvard (where the administration is reviewing billions in federal funding over anti-Semitism claims). America will do the same.  In Gaza, Hamas is losing support, just as it is losing the war it brought on Gaza with its terrorism.  On America’s elite college campuses, support for Hamas is seemingly as strong as ever. There, Hamas tortures a young man to death to intimidate others, not to oppose its oppression.  Here, protestors tear up their college diplomas in a courage-less, costless display.  There, a real martyr died; here, protestors fight the extradition of anti-Semites that they would make into martyrs.
 +
 +
America should force itself to look at the death of this young Palestinian man at the bloody hands of Hamas; it should also reexamine what it sees all too often on its elite college campuses.
 +
 +
America should see Hamas for what it is, what it was, and what it ever will be: Terrorists.
 +
 +
Hamas subjects to terror all unfortunate enough to come into contact with it—Palestinians, Israelis, Al Rabay.  For now, approaching two years, it still holds Israeli hostages. It parades the bodies of dead hostages. It embeds its terrorists among Palestinian civilians. In indiscriminate terrorist attacks, it fires homemade rockets into Israel, rockets that often fall equally indiscriminately among Palestinians. It is willing to fight to the last Palestinian in hopes of killing another Israeli.
 +
 +
America should see the anti-Israeli protests on elite college campuses for what they are.  Naked anti-Semitism. To call these protestors who will ignore Al Rabay’s death “hypocrites” is too generous. They are ideologues of the Left. Warped by an ideology of hate, they ignore what doesn’t fit their framework of oppression. They do because they are not opposed to oppression; they are only opposed to those they deem to be oppressors. Suppose the action does not come from those they deem oppressors. In that case, it is not oppression—despite it being perpetrated against the same group (a Palestinian man) under horrific circumstances (torture).
 +
 +
It is also worth noting who else will remain silent in America. Where are the Democrats who so quickly seek microphones and cameras against Israel?  Where is the establishment media’s coverage?
 +
 +
This sickening episode should also be illustrative for America.
 +
 +
Why do we listen to our Left anymore?  About anything?  Our Left uses people and causes the way Hamas uses its captive Palestinians.  All are no more than human shields—pawns to be expended on the chessboard.
 +
 +
Among our Left, there is no sense of justice—or even basic right and wrong.  There are not even causes.  They only desire to obtain power by whatever means and for whatever ends they see fit.
 +
 +
Among our Left, there is no depth or morality.  Yet all are justified in their minds—that includes the way they treated Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, the way they are still treating their hostages, and the way they are increasingly treating Gazans—including Al Rabay.
 +
 +
The Left’s are lies told in such succession that we ignore them, that the untruths wash over us until they are tacitly accepted.  We now talk of Hamas, hostages as though this was somehow normal, instead of what it once was: the lowest of low, the personification of cowardice.  And we allow the hostage takers, Hamas terrorists, to be somehow exalted into freedom fighters—the very opposite of what they are.
 +
 +
So, observe carefully the nonevents on America’s elite college campuses.  Watch closely what does not transpire.  Let their silence sing out in a sycophantic symphony of soulless hypocrisy—a more eloquent dirge to Al Rabay than all their meaningless words.
 +
[https://www.frontpagemag.com/a-palestinians-brutal-murder-in-gaza/ FPM]
 +
 +
Mahmoud VS Oday: The falsehood of "pro palestine" is as lying as pallyweid slurs
 +
April 08, 2025.
 +
Mahmoud VS Oday: The falsehood of "pro palestine" is as lying as pallyweid slurs
 +
(PallyWeid: fake hyperbolic terms apartheid/genocide etc. Trend dating back to Hitler's helper Shukeiri).
 +
* Pro :palestine" no.
 +
* Racism [initiated by Arab-Islamist intolerance machine], bigotry or ignorance, yes.
 +
"Anti-Hamas protests erupt in Gaza. Where are our pro-Palestine ‘allies’ now? | Opinion." By Hamza Howidy, USA Today, April 4, 2025.
 +
[https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2025/04/04/gaza-protests-hamas-palestinians-terror/82774426007]
 +
…Last week’s protests were a watershed moment for Gazans, when so many in Gaza finally understood the true meaning of fake solidarity ‒ that to the Western “pro-Palestine” movement, Palestinians are not seen as real people with real struggles but as tools to be used in their ideological battles..
 +
[https://justsayingitoutloloud.blogspot.com/2025/04/mahmoud-vs-oday-falsehood-of-pro.html JustSayin']
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump administration invites Ben-Gvir for official visit to Washington - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/08/2025 05:06 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849367 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US energy secretary sees tighter sanctions on Iran without deal.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/08/2025 06:32 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849376 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
UN chief rejects new Israeli plan to control Gaza aid, denounces formed movement of Palestinians.
 +
By Reuters
 +
04/08/2025 07:42 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849384 JPost]
 +
 +
UN chief rejects Israeli proposal for Gaza aid oversight.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 3:06 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406618 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Court sentences terrorists to life in prison for fatal Raanana attack.
 +
Judge also orders cousins Ahmed and Mahmoud Zidat to pay 2.3 million shekels in compensation after they went on a killing spree in January 2024 killing 79-year-old Edna Bluestein and wounding others
 +
Roy Rubinstein | 04.08.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkm111sgayg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas cell arrested for planning to plant roadside bombs and fire at Israeli communities.
 +
First report: The Shin Bet and Israel Police arrested the cell members, an Israeli and 3 Palestinians, who purchased guns and prepared explosive devices for a variety of attacks; They also planned to drop a bomb from a drone and conducted experiments.
 +
Elisha Ben Kimon | 04.08.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1t3xy7ayx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes Hezbollah weapons storage in Lebanon.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/08/2025 10:45 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849401 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu: Iran deal must entail blowing up, dismantling nuclear sites.
 +
"The second possibility—that will not be—is that they drag out the talks, and then there is the military option," said the Israeli prime minister.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(April 8, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday about the potential perils of a nuclear deal with Iran, ahead of taking off for Israel following his meeting the previous day with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
 +
 +
“We agree that Iran will not have nuclear weapons. This can be done by agreement, but only if this agreement is Libyan-style: They go in, blow up the installations, dismantle all of the equipment under American supervision and carried out by America—this would be good,” he said.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/netanyahu-iran-deal-must-entail-blowing-up-dismantling-nuclear-sites/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hezbollah:
 +
'Willing to discuss disarmament if Israel withdraws'.
 +
 +
Senior Hezbollah official expresses readiness to negotiate disarmament with Lebanon’s president—on condition that Israel withdraws from strategic positions in the south and halts its military operations.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 1:01 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406616 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US strikes central Yemen - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/09/2025 01:55 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849412 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Iranian officials: Trump’s proposed deal is unacceptable.
 +
Iranian leaders dismiss US President Trump’s proposed nuclear agreement, calling his demands unacceptable and reiterating their refusal to engage in direct negotiations with Washington.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 2:22 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406617 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Judge to rule Friday on deportation case of Columbia University anti-Israel activist.
 +
Louisiana immigration judge is weighing whether to end deportation proceedings against Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist detained for his involvement in anti-Israel protests.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 4:20 AM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
A federal immigration judge in Louisiana indicated on Tuesday that she may soon dismiss the deportation case against Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student activist detained for his participation in pro-Palestinian Arab campus protests, unless federal authorities present concrete evidence to justify his removal, The Associated Press reported.
 +
 +
Judge Jamee Comans presided over a hearing in which she gave the US government a deadline of Wednesday to submit documentation supporting its claims against Khalil, a 30-year-old legal resident who has been held in an isolated detention facility in Jena, Louisiana, for over a month
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406619 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Indonesia ready to shelter Palestinians impacted by war in Gaza.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/09/2025 05:10 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849423 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Campus antisemitism probe:
 +
Harvard seeks $750M loan amid funding review.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 5:15 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406621 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
UN Watch denounces Qatar inclusion in UN women’s commission.
 +
“The inmates are running the asylum,” the NGO wrote.
 +
 +
(April 7, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The NGO UN Watch criticized the recent announcement that Qatar was elected to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
 +
 +
“No joke: Qatar was just elected to the U.N. Women’s Rights Commission,” the organization wrote on X. “Under the regime’s misogynistic laws, Qatari women wishing to attend the next U.N. women’s rights summit will need to first seek permission from their male guardians. The inmates are running the asylum.”
 +
[https://www.jns.org/un-watch-denounces-qatar-inclusion-in-un-womens-commission/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF announces expansion of Samaria counter-terror operations to Nablus area
 +
The Nablus-based Lions' Den was the focus of much of the IDF activity in Samaria prior to the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
 +
JNS Staff
 +
Israel Defense Forces soldiers operate in Nablus (Shechem) in central Samaria, April 8, 2025. Credit: IDF.Israel Defense Forces soldiers operate in Nablus (Shechem) in central Samaria, April 8, 2025. Credit: IDF.
 +
 +
(April 9, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Israeli security forces expanded ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Samaria to Nablus (Shechem) in the territory’s center on Tuesday.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/idf-announces-expansion-of-samaria-counter-terror-operations-to-nablus-area/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
‘Never imagined how evil people could be’: Keith and Aviva Siegel describe being held by Hamas.
 +
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Trump at the White House yesterday where they discussed the efforts to free the remaining hostages. Keith and Aviva Siegel were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th and Keith was held for over 15 months. They join José Díaz-Balart and share their plea for those still there to come home.
 +
Apr 8, 2025.
 +
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBvgTvm0nAI YouTube]
 +
[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/never-imagined-how-evil-people-could-be-keith-and-aviva-siegel-describe-being-held-by-hamas/vi-AA1CxhFd?ocid=winp2sv1plustaskbarhover viaMSN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hillel Neuer | The Muslim Brotherhood is now on the U.N. Women Rights Commission. No joke: 🇶🇦 Qatar was just elected to the U.N. Women’s Rights... | Instagram.
 +
No joke: 🇶🇦 Qatar was just elected to the U.N. Women’s Rights Commission.
 +
Under the regime’s misogynistic laws, Qatari women wishing to attend the next U.N. women’s rights summit will need to first seek permission from their male guardians.
 +
The inmates are running the asylum.
 +
[https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIKS2LYtQ9e/ On Instagram]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Terrorist who burned Jewish family's home to pay 47k to family.
 +
Court approves settlement for one of the terrorists involved in racially-motivated arson of Yushvaev family's home.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 3:22 PM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
The Jerusalem District Court has approved a settlement under which one of the arsonists who set fire to a Jewish home in Jerusalem's Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood will pay tens of thousands of shekels to the family whose home was burned.
 +
 +
The Yushvaev family, whose home went up in flames in February 2022, will receive 47,000 NIS in compensation from one of the terrorists in question.
 +
 +
The arson was committed using firebombs, which were hurled towards the home, sparking a fire which caused severe damage to the children's bedroom. The family was forced to evacuate their home for an extended period of time, while the damage was fixed.
 +
 +
It was later determined that the arson was motivated by racism.
 +
 +
Both terrorists involved in the arson were arrested and tried in criminal court for a variety of serious crimes, including attempted arson motivated by racism, aggravated harm, carrying weapons, and acts of terror. They were convicted and sentenced to prison: one to 2.5 years in prison, and the other to six months in prison, alongside probation and a requirement to pay damages.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406643 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
IDF reveals serious violation of Lebanon ceasefire by Hezbollah.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 4:46 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406657 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Footage from Shechem:
 +
Undercover Israeli forces surprise most wanted terrorist.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 5:15 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406661 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Wounded Bedouin officer buys Gush Etzion's chametz.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 6:03 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406663 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Arab infiltrates IDF Judea and Samaria Division Headquarters.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 7:19 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406667 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Morag Corridor:
 +
Minister Katz lays down ultimatum for Hamas.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 9:12 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406672 INN]
 +
 +
Katz: All of Rafah will be evacuated and turned into a security buffer.
 +
Roni Green Shaulov | 04.09.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1v6d4vryx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Senate confirms Mike Huckabee as US Ambassador to Israel.
 +
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, one of Israel's strongest supporters in the Democratic party, was the lone Democrat to vote to confirm Huckabee, who was confirmed 53-46.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 9:04 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406671 INN]
 +
 +
Senate confirms Huckabee as Israel ambassador, Fetterman only Dem backer
 +
“To execute on President Trump’s iron clad support of Israel, we urgently need a qualified ambassador in the region,” said Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho). “I have no doubt Governor Huckabee is that person.”
 +
Andrew Bernard.
 +
 +
(April 9, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The U.S. Senate voted on Wednesday to confirm Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, to be U.S. ambassador to Israel by a vote of 53-46.
 +
 +
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the lone Democrat to back Huckabee, who has mounted two presidential campaigns since leaving office, and has been a TV and radio host since 2008. Every Republican voted to confirm Huckabee except for Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who did not vote.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/senate-confirms-huckabee-as-israel-ambassador-fetterman-only-dem-backer/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Report: IDF continues to arrest Judea and Samaria Jews without charges.
 +
IDF Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth has reportedly used his authority as a regional commander to place dozens under house arrest without charges or evidence.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
 +
(April 9, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The Israel Defense Forces continues to use administrative orders against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, despite Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s directive to cancel the practice of detaining citizens without charges, according to a report by Channel 14 News on Tuesday.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/report-idf-continues-to-arrest-judea-and-samaria-jews-without-charges/ JNS]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
IDF probe of October 7 Sderot battle: Military fails to defend city, didn't respond in real time.
 +
Elisha Ben Kimon | 04.09.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skkgb1vrkx YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Israel eliminates senior Hamas commander in massive northern Gaza attack.
 +
Iskander Khabibulin, Niv Shaiovich
 +
| 04.09.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1at0zv0yl YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Hezbollah cleared weapons site before inspection, then resumed work, IDF reveals.
 +
Lior Ben Ari | 04.09.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjax0g4ajl YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Israeli chief rabbis urge world Jewry to pray for hostages during Passover
 +
"Just as You brought our ancestors out from slavery to redemption, so, too, may You appear for Your children who are held in captivity and deliver them," they wrote.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
([https://cdn-jns.org/uploads/2025/04/Matzah-1320x880.jpg].
 +
Workers prepare matzah, traditional unleavened bread eaten during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Passover, in "Yehuda Matzos" Plant in Jerusalem, April 3, 2025).
 +
 +
(April 9, 2025 / JNS)
 +
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Israel’s chief rabbis called on Jews worldwide to dedicate a special prayer to the remaining 59 hostages, both living and some who have been confirmed dead, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip as part of Passover seders this weekend.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/israeli-chief-rabbis-urge-world-jewry-to-pray-for-hostages-during-passover/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Iran sends new missiles to Iraqi proxies that were said to be disarming – report.
 +
Delivery, days before nuclear talks with US, reportedly includes missiles that can reach Europe, in apparent bid to reassure what remains of ‘Axis of Resistance’.
 +
By ToI Staff.
 +
9 Apr 2025.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-sends-new-missiles-to-iraqi-proxies-that-were-said-to-be-disarming-report/ TOI]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
California Islamic Scholar Iyad Hilal: What We Want Is Islamic Power, To Establish The Superiority Of The Word Of Allah; The Next Generation Will Have This; Muslims Never Invaded Anywhere – In The 8th Century, Muslims Entered Spain Not Through Conquest, But With The Help Of Its Indigenous People.
 +
MEMRI. Jan 09, 2024.
 +
[https://www.memri.org/tv/california-islamic-scholar-iyad-hilal-never-invade-doman-word-of-allah Memri]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iranian State Media Boosts Tucker Carlson’s Comments Opposing US Military Action, Condemning ‘Neocons’.
 +
Algemeiner | 4/9/2025 | Corey Walker.
 +
 +
Iranian state media boosted recent comments from controversial political commentator Tucker Carlson that suggested an American military confrontation with Iran would be “suicidal” for the US.
 +
 +
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the official news agency of the state of Iran, published an article on Tuesday highlighting Carlson’s comments, in which the far-right podcast host and media personality warned the US against prosecuting a “destructive” war with Iran. Carlson cautioned that the US would surely “lose” any military confrontation with the Islamist regime and blamed unspecified “neocons” for suggesting federal lawmakers adopt a more aggressive posture toward Tehran...
 +
 +
The former Fox News host did not note in his social media post that US officials have long accused Iran of clandestinely pursuing nuclear weapons — a charge denied by Tehran — and labeled the Middle Eastern power as the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism.
 +
 +
Tuesday was not the first time that Carlson lambasted US foreign policy toward Iran and its terrorist proxies in the Middle East.
 +
 +
In January 2024, he condemned American military action against the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen as the “next step toward full scale war with Iran, which the foreign policy ghouls in Washington have been fantasizing about for decades.”..
 +
 +
Beyond Iran, Carlson has sparked controversy over the past year for spreading misinformation regarding Jewish history and Israel. In September 2024, Carlson drew outrage for platforming Holocaust revisionist and self-described historian Darryl Cooper. During their discussion on his podcast, Cooper appeared to downplay the Holocaust, argued that the US was on the “wrong side” of World War II, and suggested that the slaughter of six million Jews in concentration camps was “humane” because the Nazis did not have food to feed the “prisoners of war.”
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/09/iranian-state-media-boosts-tucker-carlsons-comments-opposing-us-military-action-condemning-neocons/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
Anna Nawaz - PBS Newshour, bites her tongue unable tonuttervthe monstrous antisemitism problem: antisemitism.
 +
 +
Apr 8, 2025.
 +
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZkhcL6V5Io&t=23m39s on YouTube]
 +
 +
She reports on the US administration withholding funds for certain universities: "but the Administration says they're being investigated  for alleged civili rights violations."
 +
 +
While it was clearly stated:
 +
 +
'Trump admin freezes millions in funds for Cornell and Northwestern.
 +
Axios. Apr 9, 2025. — "Cornell and Northwestern are two of dozens of colleges and universities being investigated over allegations of antisemitic harassment and discrimination.'
 +
[https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/trump-admin-cornell-northwestern-funding-freeze]
 +
[https://myrightword.blogspot.com/2024/06/palestinians-were-syrians.html?showComment=1744244201220&m=1#c4691858362495285158 at MyRightWord]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump says military option on table in Iran talks, Israel would lead any action
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.09.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sysczdeckg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Returned hostages, families of hostages meet Vice President JD Vance
 +
Daniel Edelson, New York | 04.09.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by6rjvvaye YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Macron: France plans to recognize a Palestinian state, likely by June
 +
AFP | 04.09.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryru00bnrkl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Arab Israelis charged with funding West Bank terror cells with Hamas cash.
 +
Roy Rubinstein, Meir Turgeman | 04.10.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rj9rmusajl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
The alert squad equipped itself at its own expense - and repelled the Nukhba terrorists | IDF releases Kibbutz Re'im probe.
 +
The squad emerged as a quality force against Hamas on October 7, but also as evidence of the neglect of security components in the Gaza border communities; 5 residents were kidnapped, 9 security forces were killed, and one foreign worker was murdered.
 +
Yoav Zitun |04.10.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj11a004bcjx YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Trump for dismantling Iranian nuclear program, source tells 'Post'.
 +
By Amichai Stein.
 +
04/10/2025 08:54 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849626 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel informs Egypt of heavy equipment deployment in Rafah, creating buffer zone - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/10/2025 08:23 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849619 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Houthis: US airstrikes in western Yemen - report.
 +
By Walla!
 +
04/10/2025 01:42 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-849673 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump on Iran: Israel will lead military action if it's needed.
 +
By Amichai Stein.
 +
04/10/2025 12:07 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-84957 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
On NYT's hit piece [4.1.25] against Canary Mission.
 +
So basically, the New York Times (Stephanie Saul aided by Anemona Hartocollis) endorses
 +
the bigoted professor Zachary Lockman
 +
[https://canarymission.org/professor/Zachary_Lockman], and somehow it uses the sentence "Civil rights advocates" - plural no less, to amplify its biased message - deceitfully making it appear as if it's about "civil rights" and not exposing sheer hatred. Not to mention, trying very hard to connect Canary to Betar, just because someone made a donation. What is certain, C.M. does not promote any group / its ideology. It reveals bad behavior. Full stop. Tough it up.
 +
04.10.25.
 +
[https://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2025/04/more-on-hamas-blocking-aid-into-gaza.html?m=1#comment-6686002976 at EoZ]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu, Mossad chief, meet with CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/09/2025 8:36 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849544 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Security forces detain Palestinian attempting to infiltrate Judea, Samaria Division HQ.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/09/2025 6:10 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849518 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Marco Rubio, Mike Walz host Moroccan FM.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/09/2025 3:28 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849492 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Jews called 'inbred swine' as protesters disrupt Naftali Bennett's speech at Princeton.
 +
Protesters disrupt address by former Israeli PM at Ivy League school, shouting obscenities, pulling a fire alarm, making Hamas symbols at Jewish students, and calling on Jews to 'go back to Europe.'
 +
Gary Willig.
 +
Apr 9, 2025, 4:03 PM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
Anti-Israel activists disrupted a speech given by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at Princeton University, shouting expletives at him and pulling a fire alarm to prevent his address, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
 +
 +
Bennett's speech was sponsored by the Princeton Center for Jewish Life and was given on Monday. As he attempted to speak, about a dozen protesters began shouting, "We charge you with genocide[sic]! You’re a f-ng war criminal!" They also held up posters containing blood-red handprints.
 +
 +
The American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) organization's New Jersey chapter posted footage of the protest on its Instagram account. The group posted a second video of the fire alarm being pulled ...."
 +
 +
After being escorted out of the venue, the disruptors joined a slightly larger protest outside the building where antisemitic chants were made, including calls for Jews to "go back to Europe" and calling Jews "inbred swine." In addition, protestors made inverted triangles with their hands at Jewish students, invoking the inverted red triangle that has become a symbol of the Hamas terrorist organization
 +
 +
Multiple protestors wore masks to conceal their identities.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406653 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Bennett to Pro-Palestinian Heckler: Time You Stopped Whining and Started Building.
 +
Joel B. Pollak. 10 Apr 2025.
 +
 +
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told a pro-Palestinian heckler at Princeton University on Wednesday that it was time that Palestinians stopped “whining” and trying to kill Jews, started trying to build a better future instead.
 +
 +
The Jerusalem Post reports that in addition to hecklers and protesters, Bennett faced a false fire alarm that was pulled in an effort to stop his lecture.
 +
 +
The Post noted:
 +
According to a Tuesday Princeton Palestine Liberation Coalition Instagram post, an alarm sounded in McCosh Hall, where Bennett was speaking as a guest of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Princeton Tigers for Israel and B’Artzeinu Princeton accused a protester of pulling the alarm to bring the event to an abrupt end.'
 +
 +
Activist Sayel Kayed heckled the former Israeli leader, accusing him of the death of Palestinian children during the Israel-Hamas war and decrying the placement of a blockade on Gaza following Israel’s 2005 disengagement and the 2006 Hamas rise to power.
 +
 +
Bennett responded that “instead of whining for the last 80 years and building your future, you have focused on killing Jews. It’s time that the Palestinians stopped whining and started building their future.”
 +
 +
The Daily Princetonian reported that the university is investigating the incident. The Trump administration has reportedly suspended hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants to Princeton, pending an antisemitism inquiry.
 +
[https://www.breitbart.com/education/2025/04/10/bennett-to-pro-palestinian-heckler-time-you-stopped-whining-and-started-building/ Breitbart]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Israel informs Egypt of heavy equipment deployment in Rafah, creating buffer zone - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/10/2025 08:23 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849619 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Staff Sergeant Guy Simhi saved 11 Supernova festivalgoers.
 +
On October 7th, 2023, Staff Sergeant Guy Simhi led 11 young people who escaped the Supernova Music Festival to a safe room in a house in Kibbutz Re'im.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 4:07 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406712 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
6 Israeli Arabs accused of transferring millions to Hamas.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 5:16 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406715 INN]
 +
 +
Arab Israelis arrested for smuggling $800,000 from Turkey to Hamas.
 +
The six men allegedly provided an "oxygen pipeline" for financing terrorism across Judea and Samaria.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(April 10, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/arab-israelis-arrested-for-smuggling-800000-from-turkey-to-hamas/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Terrorist who participated in 2015 Pisgat Ze'ev stabbing attack released.
 +
Ahmad Manasra, who participated in a stabbing attack in Jerusalem at the age of 13, was released from prison after serving nine and a half years.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 6:01 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406717 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Report:
 +
Trump Admin. officials met Hamas leaders 3 times in March.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 6:13 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406718 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Let my people go'.
 +
UK Red Cross HQ lit up in yellow to call for action for hostages.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 6:30 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406720 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
They kidnapped, murdered and were eliminated: 11 terrorists killed by IDF for roles in October 7 massacre.
 +
Yoav Zitun | 04.10.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjydcur0yg YNet]
 +
 +
11 terrorists who murdered and kidnapped on Oct. 7 eliminated.
 +
The IDF and Shin Bet announce that recently, 11 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists responsible for murders and kidnappings during the massacre have been eliminated.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 8:11 PM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
The IDF and Shin Bet reveal that since the resumption of combat operations in Gaza last month, they have eliminated 11 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists who participated in the murderous attack on the Gaza envelope on October 7, 2023.
 +
 +
The eliminated terrorists:
 +
 +
Hassan Na'am - Responsible for the abduction of SGT Shaked Dahan.
 +
 +
Ismail Shakhshekh - Responsible for the murder of Israelis, threw grenades at the Re’im Junction shelter, and launched a man-portable surface-to-air missile inside Israeli territory.
 +
 +
Jalal Kara'an - Took part in the murder of Inbar Haiman, infiltrated the Nova music festival site and military bases, responsible for the murder of two Israeli civilians while documenting and distributing the footage online.
 +
 +
Muhammad Isa - Infiltrated into Mefalsim and participated in the murderous massacre of October 7th.
 +
 +
Muhammad Shabki - Infiltrated Israeli territory and participated in the massacre on October 7th.
 +
 +
Fares Krashin - Infiltrated Israeli territory and participated in the massacre on October 7th
 +
 +
Yahya Astal - Infiltrated into Israeli territory and participated in the massacre on October 7th.
 +
 +
Muhammad Zakir - Infiltrated Israeli territory and participated in the massacre on October 7th.
 +
 +
Muhammad Astal - Infiltrated Israeli territory and participated in the massacre on October 7th.
 +
 +
The Names of Two Additional Key Terrorists Eliminated in Targeted Strikes by the IDF and ISA Before the Resumption of the Operation in the Gaza Strip.
 +
 +
Muhammad Al-Safour - Involved in the attack on the Southern Gaza Brigade’s command post and the abduction of the soldiers posted there during the October 7th massacre.
 +
 +
Khaled Aldin - Responsible for the murder of Israeli civilians during the October 7th massacre.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406726 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Trump:
 +
'Getting closer to returning hostages, Hamas are very bad people'.
 +
US envoy Steve Witkoff tells hostage families a deal to return their loved ones could be "a matter of days.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 9:01 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406728 INN]
 +
 +
Trump, Israeli officials say there's movement on hostage deal.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/10/2025 08:52 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849754 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US transport secretary clashes with MTA over Jew-hatred at Grand Central.
 +
“Antisemitic mobs shutting down transit centers need to be condemned, and the organizers should be held accountable,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated.
 +
Vita Fellig.
 +
(April 10, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Sean Duffy, the U.S. transportation secretary, criticized New York state’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday for allowing antisemitic protesters to shut down Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan the previous evening.
 +
 +
“Disgusting. These antisemitic mobs shutting down transit centers need to be condemned, and the organizers should be held accountable,” Duffy stated. “New York City commuters are already afraid of being the next assault victim. Now, they have to worry about pro-Hamas agitators. Enough is enough.”
 +
 +
“Where is MTA? Why were these people able to suspend service at one of the biggest transportation hubs in America?” he added. “Where is the condemnation from Gov. Kathy Hochul?”
 +
 +
The transit authority responded to Duffy on social media with a “fact check.”
 +
 +
“Grand Central Terminal was never shut down, and service was not affected. Police officers routinely prepare for all types of scenarios, and this was no different,” Michael Kemper, the MTA chief of security, stated. “Demonstrators were confronted, ordered to leave and those who failed to comply were arrested.” (The New York City Police Department told JNS that two people were arrested.)
 +
 +
Debora Allen, a former member of the board of Bay Area Rapid Transit in the San Francisco area, also responded to Duffy’s post on social media.
 +
 +
“Is this what we have to look forward to in BART and other Bay Area transit? Was there a National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates session on this?” she wrote. “Note the response from MTA, replying nothing was shut down, nothing to see here. Typical transit spin.”
 +
 +
Duffy also responded to the MTA “fact check.”
 +
 +
“Service was not affected? Tell that to the Jewish Americans who feared for their lives while this went on,” he wrote. “This is why no one trusts the MTA to keep them safe anymore.”
 +
 +
“By the way, this wasn’t a ‘scenario.’ It was an antisemitic mob,” he added. “Condemn this for what it is, or else you’re enabling this harassment.”
 +
 +
On Wednesday, an MTA spokesperson told JNS that reports alleging that service at the station was affected on Monday due to the protest are inaccurate.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/us-transport-secretary-clashes-with-mta-over-jew-hatred-at-grand-central/ JNS]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
‘Didn’t hear that word,’ Canadian PM says, of agreeing with heckler who accused Israel of ‘genocide’[sic].
 +
(Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a campaign rally at the Metropolitan Centre in Toronto, Ontario, April 4, 2025).
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(April 10, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/didnt-hear-that-word-canadian-pm-says-of-agreeing-with-heckler-who-accused-israel-of-genocide/ JNS]
 +
 +
The G slur: The suspicious correlation between "hecklers" and organized anti-Israel Arab-Islamist led wikipedia editors [PallyWeid]
 +
04.10.25.
 +
The suspicious correlation between "hecklers" and organized anti-Israel Arab-Islamist led wikipedia editors. The same coordinated choreographed activism. Just as the over 30 editors posing as "random" on Wikipedia, exposed [NY Post. 3.18.25] The long months of work by the Arabist lobby to push the G slur. 
 +
 +
The same vile attempt was by a "random" heckler's game on Kamala Harris as canndidate:
 +
AJC CEO to Harris: Reject the genocide accusation against Israel. 10.22.24.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/397937]
 +
[https://justsayingitoutloloud.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-g-slur-suspicious-correlation.html JustSayin]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Sam Bidwell @sam_bidwell:
 +
In January 2023, Riverway challenged the Home Office's decision to strip British citizenship from a British Pakistani man who travelled to Syria, in order to join Al-Qaeda.
 +
 +
They argued that this was 'arbitrary' and 'disproportionate'. Their challenge were unsuccessful.
 +
Apr 9, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/sam_bidwell/status/1910074441222283352 on X]
 +
 +
Campaign Against Antisemitism
 +
@antisemitism.
 +
Fahad Ansari is the Director and Principal Solicitor at Riverway Law – you know, the law firm representing the terrorist group Hamas.
 +
 +
Just look at these posts uncovered by our Online Monitoring and Investigations Unit.
 +
 +
He seems to find a bulldozer breaching the border fence between Gaza and Israel on 7th October to be “one of the most iconic, hopeful images of our time”, hails Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin as a “hero”, and, referring to “the heroic Palestinian resistance”, hopes that “every one of their bullets hit their targets”.
 +
 +
We will be writing to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
 +
Quote:
 +
Campaign Against Antisemitism
 +
@antisemitism
 +
·
 +
Apr 9:
 +
“So how long did her period actually last?”
 +
“She was safer with Hamas”
 +
 +
These are posts from the X account of the lawyer purportedly representing Hamas in its attempt to be removed from the @UKHomeOffice list of proscribed terrorist organisations.
 +
 +
Fahad Ansari is the Director..
 +
Apr 10, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/antisemitism/status/1910329957974241371 on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
WATCH: Gutless cops CHOKEHOLD Jewish grandma as violent anti-Israel mob run wild.
 +
Avi Yemini tracked down Elza, the 75-year-old Melbourne woman manhandled by police, after mainstream media ignored her story.
 +
Avi Yemini  |  April 10, 2025  |
 +
After shocking footage went viral showing a 75-year-old Jewish woman being tackled to the ground by Victoria Police, I did what no mainstream outlet bothered to do — I found her and heard her story firsthand.
 +
 +
Elza, the woman in that footage, told me, “He just pushed me. Move. Anyway, so I had an umbrella because I had my Australian flag on it and I just put it in front of me. Then the next thing I know there is about four or five of them jumping on me, ripping the umbrella out of me, holding my neck and putting me aside.”
 +
[https://www.rebelnews.com/gutless_cops_chokehold_jewish_grandmother_but_let_anti-israel_mob_run_wild RebelNews]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
Kosher🎗🧡
 +
@koshercockney:
 +
🚨 FAKE
 +
Ronaldo voiceover about Palestine.
 +
The Palestine community has shared it thousands of times and it’s had millions of views.
 +
 +
Thankfully
 +
@GAZAWOOD1 created a side-by-side of the fake/original.
 +
This should be shared everywhere. Call out the liars.
 +
From
 +
GAZAWOOD - the PALLYWOOD saga
 +
Apr 10, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/koshercockney/status/1910288468875292757 on X]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
Palestinian-American billionaire resigns from Harvard role after suit alleging he abetted Oct. 7
 +
“The lawsuit raises serious allegations that should be vetted and addressed through the legal process,” a spokesperson for the school said.
 +
 +
(April 10, 2025 / JNS)
 +
A Palestinian-American billionaire has resigned from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Dean’s Council after families of Oct. 7 victims filed a lawsuit against him, alleging that he had aided and abetted Hamas, the New York Post reported on Thursday.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/palestinian-american-billionaire-resigns-from-harvard-role-after-suit-alleging-he-abetted-oct-7/ JNS]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF and ISA confirm:
 +
Hamas Shejaiya battalion commander eliminated in airstrike.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 10, 2025, 3:22 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406710 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US issues fresh Iran-related sanctions, Treasury website says.
 +
By Reuters. 04/10/2025 10:15 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849784 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
State Dept says Saturday meeting with Iran will determine whether Iranians are serious.
 +
By Reuters. 04/10/2025 10:15 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849783 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Maccabi Tel Aviv Soccer Fans Receive Compensation From Netherlands for Amsterdam Attack.
 +
 +
by Shiryn Ghermezian. April 10, 2025
 +
 +
A number of Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans who were violently attacked on the streets of Amsterdam five months ago are being given financial compensation for the onslaught, according to the Tel Aviv-based law firm that coordinated legal efforts on behalf of the victims.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/10/maccabi-tel-aviv-soccer-fans-receive-compensation-netherlands-amsterdam-attack/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Rabbis Make Historic Trip to Ethiopia, Urge More Support for Country’s Impoverished Jewish Community
 +
avatar
 +
by Ailin Vilches Arguello. April 10, 2025
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/10/rabbis-make-historic-trip-ethiopia-urge-more-support-countrys-impoverished-jewish-community/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Felony Charges Filed Against Pro-Hamas Protesters Over Stanford University Break-In.
 +
by Dion J. Pierre. April 10, 2025.
 +
Twelve Stanford University students have been charged with felony vandalism and conspiracy to trespass for their role in the takeover of an administrative building during the final days of the 2023-2024 academic year, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/10/felony-charges-filed-pro-hamas-protesters-stanford-university-break-in/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Yale Adopts IHRA Definition, Brown Launches New Training Program Amid Trump Campus Antisemitism Crackdown
 +
Yale University has quietly adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
 +
by Dion J. Pierre. April 10, 2025
 +
 +
Yale University has quietly adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, according to a new investigative report by the Yale Daily News, the school’s official campus newspaper.
 +
 +
IHRA — an intergovernmental organization comprising dozens of countries including the US — adopted a “working definition” of antisemitism in 2016. Since then, the definition has been widely accepted by Jewish groups and lawmakers across the political spectrum as a reference tool which helps policymakers determine what constitutes an incident of antisemitism, and it is now used by hundreds of governing institutions, including the US State Department, European Union, and United Nations..
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/10/yale-adopts-ihra-definition-brown-launches-new-training-program-amid-trump-campus-antisemitism-crackdown/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli, French Jewish Leaders Slam Macron for Saying France Could Recognize Palestinian State in June.
 +
by Ailin Vilches Arguello. April 10, 2025
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/10/israeli-french-jewish-leaders-slam-macron-saying-france-could-recognize-palestinian-state-june/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Azerbaijan’s role in fragile Israel-Turkey dialogue.
 +
Ankara working to block Israel in intl forums while expanding military role in Syria, while talks expected to continue.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.10.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk9jytsrjl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel has good reason to to fear Iran deal
 +
Opinion: DC-Tehran talks risk legitimizing Iran's ambitions unless demands for full disarmament replace freezes.
 +
Michael Oren | 04.10.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk6pcdhrje YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Two Hebron men receive life in prison for 2024 Ra’anana terror attack.
 +
The attackers acted "out of deep hatred" and planned additional foiled attacks, including one targeting an IDF spokesperson.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/11/2025 1:42 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-849807 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump nominates Yehuda Kaploun as US envoy to combat antisemitism.
 +
President Trump nominates Yehuda Kaploun as the US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, says he will be a powerful voice against rising antisemitism and a promoter of global peace.
 +
Israel National News. Apr 11, 2025, 2:18 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406735 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Four Palestinians indicted for ax attack, attempting ramming.
 +
The Palestinians face charges after attacking Israelis with an ax and attempting to run them over in February incident.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/11/2025 1:42 AN 3:37 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-849810 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Almost half of Israelis do not think you can remove Hamas and release hostages - poll.
 +
Israel Democracy Institute found that 68% of respondents would prioritize returning the hostages, compared to 25% who would prioritize toppling Hamas.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/11/2025 1:42 AN 4:45 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-849806 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Mahmoud Khalil case
 +
Trump admin cites foreign policy grounds.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 11, 2025, 5:47 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406740 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran mulling interim nuclear deal with US.
 +
Axios reports Iran may seek an interim nuclear agreement with the US to buy time and reduce tensions with Washington.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 11, 2025, 4:38 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406738 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Witkoff tells hostage families: 'A serious deal is taking shape'.
 +
Trump envoy says major hostage deal nearing, as US pushes for an end to Gaza war and broader regional agreement; 'We’re getting close to getting them back,' Trump says during cabinet meeting.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.11.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk9jytsrjl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Sen. Tom Cotton: 'How can US have confidence in ISA chief if Netanyahu doesn't?'
 +
US Senate Intelligence Committee chairman says it is not a 'threat to democracy' for Israel's leaders to dismiss the head if an intelligence agency if they have lost confidence in him.
 +
Israel National News. Apr 11, 2025, 9:42 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406747 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas captivity survivors on board during plane collision in DC.
 +
Former hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel were frightened but unhurt as American Airlines planes collide on ground at Reagan Airport. 6 Congresspeople also onboard aircraft during collision.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 11, 2025, 8:36 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406744 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
PM's Passover blessing: 'The Almighty and our soldiers save us from our enemies' hands'.
 +
Prime Minister Netanyahu publishes video message with a special blessing ahead of ther Passover festival. 'Wwe are the generation of resurrection. The generation of victory.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 11, 2025, 10:03 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406748 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
2 citizens charged with planning terror attack on Temple Mount.
 +
 +
Indictment filed against 2 Galilee residents for contact with terrorist elements, planning a stabbing attack on the Temple Mount and attempting to join the Tulkarm Brigades.
 +
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 11, 2025, 11:38 AM
 +
indictment was filed this morning (Friday) by the Haifa District Attorney's Office with the city's District Court against two Israeli citizens, Nur Shabat, a resident of the village of Nahf, and Amir Kiwan, a resident of Deir al-Asad, for serious security offenses.
 +
 +
According to the details of the indictment, the two had contact with a senior operative in the Tulkarm Brigades terrorist organization, and Nur Shabat also attempted to participate in terrorist activity within the organization. At the same time, he approached a number of other elements in an attempt to join the battalions operating in Judea and Samaria.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406755 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
This Seder 'we won’t forget a single Jew'.
 +
Chabad organizes 10,000 Passover Seders across 350 cities around the globe, uniting Jews worldwide.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.11.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rk5xtjrajx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IHRA definition of Jew-hatred used to probe social media of visa applicants.
 +
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security told JNS that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is relying on the widely-used working definition of antisemitism.
 +
Mike Wagenheim.
 +
(April 11, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced this week that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has begun scouring social-media posts by visa applicants for Jew-hatred. A senior spokesperson for the department told JNS that USCIS will use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism to guide those probes.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/ihra-definition-of-jew-hatred-used-to-probe-social-media-of-visa-applicants/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Beirut pays Hezbollah men, families benefits ‘similar to soldiers’ wages’.
 +
Opponents of the Shi'ite terrorist group call to halt the payments.
 +
N. Mozes.
 +
(April 11, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/beirut-pays-hezbollah-men-families-benefits-similar-to-soldiers-wages/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
House ed panel to grill Cal Poly, Haverford, DePaul on mishandling Jew-hatred.
 +
The hearing is part of an effort to "ensure Jewish students across the nation don’t face threats or harassment in violation of Title VI," stated Rep. Tim Walberg.
 +
(April 11, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce plans to hold a May 7 hearing titled “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the spread of antisemitism on American campuses” with the presidents of California Polytechnic State University, Haverford College and DePaul University.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/house-ed-panel-to-grill-cal-poly-haverford-depaul-on-mishandling-jew-hatred/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Three terrorists killed by IDF after gunfight in southern Gaza.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/11/2025 09:37 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849873 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Turkey to seek lifting of Syria sanctions, Erdogan tells Sharaa.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/11/2025 09:15 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849871 JPost]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir meets with former hostage Naama Levy.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/11/2025 05:30 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849858 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF soldier seriously wounded in combat in southern Gaza.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/11/2025 04:44 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849854 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IAF participates in international 'Iniochos' exercise in Greece.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/11/2025 02:02 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849840 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Spanish police arrest suspect who attempted to set fire to kosher pizzeria.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/11/2025 01:58 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849839 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Hitler was the best leader': The antisemitic homework found in Rafah.
 +
IDF troops found a notebook with what is apparently a Gaza schoolchild's English homework featuring sentences that disparage the Jews and praise terror.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 11, 2025, 1:58 PM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
A notebook said to have been found by IDF troops in Rafah in the Gaza Strip exhibits the severity of the incitement in Hamas's education system.
 +
 +
The notebook contains what appears to be homework or an exercise in an English class. A picture taken of a page from the notebook contains three sentences: "All Jews are s**t", "I want to be a shahid (martyr) in the next week", and "Hitler was the best leader in history."
 +
 +
Over the past week, troops of the Golani Brigade have been operating in the Rafah area to locate and dismantle Hamas terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground.
 +
 +
During the operation, IDF troops located a tunnel shaft belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization within a compound that had previously served as a kindergarten, and approximately 100 meters from another compound that had previously served as a civilian school in the Rafah area. Troops of the Yahalom Unit, under the Golani Brigade's command, examined the tunnel shaft, which led to a booby-trapped underground route stretching for dozens of meters and connecting to a central route used by the Hamas terrorist organization.
 +
 +
The shaft and the tunnel route were subsequently dismantled.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406760 INN]
 +
 +
Ayelet Shaked @Ayelet__Shaked איילת שקד:
 +
This is homework of a schoolboy in Gaza.
 +
English course:
 +
“All Jews are shit.
 +
Hitler is the best leader in history.”
 +
We are fighting the Nazis.
 +
Apr 11, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/Ayelet__Shaked/status/1910639796566847584 On X]
 +
[https://archive.ph/3xB5r]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'Yes to Israel's security, yes to Palestinian state without Hamas': Macron clarifies Gaza position.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/11/2025 08:51 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849869 JPost]
 +
 +
Macron clarifies:
 +
Yes to Palestinian state without Hamas, yes to Israel's security.
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
Apr 12, 2025, 12:21 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406775 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Southern Gaza:
 +
IDF officer moderately injured after terror cell opens fire.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 11, 2025, 9:44 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406771 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Intercepted drone crashes in Jordan, sparks fire.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 11, 2025, 11:00 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406773 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
White House Press Secretary:
 +
'Iran must meet Trump’s demands or there will be all hell to pay'.
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
Apr 11, 2025, 9:13 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406770 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Columbia U activist Khalil Mahmoud can be deported.
 +
Louisiana immigration judge rules that activist Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, who initiated anti-Israel protests on campus, can be deported, despite ongoing legal efforts by his lawyers. His legal team vows to continue fighting, with a federal case challenging his detention on free speech grounds.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 11, 2025, 11:39 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406774 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
100 YEARS: Six Turks Get Decades In Prison For Spying On Behalf Of Mossad.
 +
April 11, 2025. [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2388508/100-years-six-turks-get-decades-in-prison-for-spying-on-behalf-of-mossad.html YWN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Khalil al-Hayya led Hamas delegation to arrive in Cairo today.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849907 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Katz to Gaza residents: 'IDF to expand across most of Gaza'.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849925 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Russia's Lavrov talks Middle East, Black Sea with Turkey's Fidan.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849926 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Second round of Iran-US talks likely next Saturday, Iranian foreign minister says.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849936 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Rocket intercepted by IAF after sirens sounded near the Gaza Strip.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849938 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Clashes reported between IDF, Palestinians near Kalkilya in West Bank.
 +
By Amir Bohbot.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849939 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF battalion holds Passover Seder inside Syrian territory.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849940 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas negotiating delegation depart for Cairo.
 +
By Amir Bohbot, Liran Aharoni
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849942 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF orders immediate evacuation of Nuseirat neighborhoods due to impending attack.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/12/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849941 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump says nuclear talks with Iran are going 'OK'.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://wwww.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849952 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF targeted Hamas command in Deir al Balah.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849969 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas delegation will arrive in Egypt to continue negotiations - report.
 +
By Liran Haroni.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849970 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump backs author who confronted Joe Rogan on his own podcast.
 +
22:10 EDT 12 Apr 2025, updated 10:17 EDT 13 Apr 2025
 +
By Stephen M. Lepore For Dailymail.com
 +
 +
Touchy subject that forced the world's biggest podcaster to break from Trump
 +
Donald Trump backed conservative intellectual Douglas Murray after his tense debate with Joe Rogan on platforming misinformation and Israel's war against Hamas.
 +
 +
Murray appeared on the comic's hit podcast and went back-and-forth with Rogan and libertarian guest David Smith on both the conflict and what Murray believes is Rogan's platforming of conspiracy theories.
 +
 +
On Thursday's episode, Rogan - a free speech absolutist - denied that he was treating some of his guests who may provide alternative theories on the past as serious historians, while Murray and Smith were locked in an argument over the Middle Eastern conflict. 
 +
 +
After the clash went viral, Trump took to his Truth Social account to promote Murray's new book.
 +
 +
'My friend, Douglas Murray, just released a new book, 'On Democracies and Death Cults,' and it is quickly becoming a Best Seller! Based on his firsthand reporting, Douglas documents the barbarity of Hamas' brutal attack on Israel on October 7th, and Israel's heroic response,' he wrote on Friday.
 +
 +
'The Book serves as a strong reminder of why we must always stand up for America, and our great friend and ally, Israel. A powerful read from a Highly Respected author - Get your copy today!'
 +
 +
Murray offered no public comment but shared the president's post to his own feed on X.
 +
[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14603441/Trump-backs-author-confronted-Joe-Rogan-podcast.html DailyMail]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Syria's Sharaa heads to UAE for second visit to a Gulf country as leader.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849972 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Turkey's Erdogan plans to visit Syria, timing to be determined, minister says.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849973 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Saudi Arabia, US on 'pathway' to civil nuclear agreement, US Energy Secretary says.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849975 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Foreign military representatives to meet in Turkey to discuss Black Sea security.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849976 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IAF intercepts Gaza rocket after alarms sound in Re'im.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849977 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF issues final warning to evacuate Khan Yunis neighborhoods before impending attack.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-849988 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF kills deputy head of Hamas sniper cell in Deir Al Balah.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/13/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850001 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
President Trump's Passover blessing: 'May God continue to watch over the Jewish people'.
 +
US President Donald Trump issued a statement greeting the Jewish people in honor of the holiday of Passover. 'A reminder not only of the enduring strength of the Jewish people, but the importance of putting our faith in almighty G-d no matter what the circumstances.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 13, 2025, 9:03 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406785 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF: Rocket fired from Gaza intercepted
 +
The IDF said Sunday that it intercepted a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip following a warning siren in the area of Kibbutz Re’im near the border. No injuries were reported.
 +
Yoav Zitun | 04.13.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rj7ayryrkl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli forces destroy major tunnel, weapons depot in northern Gaza.
 +
Combat engineers from the elite Yahalom unit, under the 252nd Division, destroyed a Hamas tunnel in northern Gaza stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers in length and 20 meters deep, the IDF said on Sunday. During the operation, troops uncovered a nearby weapons depot containing around 20 explosive devices, an anti-tank missile launcher and other arms. Additionally, Israeli forces eliminated terrorists identified by drone surveillance as they attempted to plant explosives near troops on the ground, the military said.
 +
Yoav Zitun |04.13.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byb7rpkc1l YNet]
 +
 +
Watch: IDF troops destroy 1.2 KM long tunnel route.
 +
Northern Gaza Brigade troops located a weapons storage facility containing a stockpile of around 20 explosive devices, an anti-tank guided missile, and other weapons.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 13, 2025, 8:21 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406780 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Arson at Pennsylvania governor's residence.
 +
The Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating a suspected arson that occurred overnight at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 13, 2025, 8:58 PM (GMT+3)
 +
Earlier that evening, the governor had observed the first night of Passover, as shown in a previous post....
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406783 INN]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli officials alarmed over soft US stance in nuclear talks with Iran.
 +
With no official updates yet, Jerusalem is relying on Iranian reports and fears a deal that won’t stop Tehran post-Trump; officials quietly believe a bad deal is worse than no deal at all—and prefer credible military option.
 +
Itamar Eichner |  | 04.13.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk8vuptakg  YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Missile fired from Yemen triggers sirens across central Israel, Jerusalem area.
 +
Ynetnews | 04.13.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1arrlyckl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Powerful Russian-backed militia in southern Syria announces disbandment
 +
One of southern Syria’s most powerful militias, the Russian-backed Eighth Brigade, announced on Sunday its disbandment and the handover of its weapons and military assets to the Syrian Defense Ministry. Led by Ahmad al-Awda, the group was among the last armed factions in the region not yet disarmed since the end of major fighting and had long maintained Russian support, Syrian media reported.
 +
Lior Ben Ari |04.13.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rymkrwfryl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Gaza health official threatened after calling out terrorists using hospital.
 +
Hospital official in Khan Younis criticizes Palestinian Islamic Jihad, urges operatives to leave facility—terror group issues threat: 'You’ve crossed the line.
 +
 +
Einav Halabi | published: 04.13.25.
 +
The head of nursing at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Mohammad Sakr, has come under threat after publicly condemning Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorists for using the medical facility to carry out terror activity.
 +
In a Facebook post, Sakr identified himself by name and title and said he had appealed to the operatives to leave the hospital, explaining that his actions were aimed at protecting the facility from being shut down.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byax2sfayg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas releases propaganda clip of hostage Edan Alexander.
 +
In the video, Alexander says he has been held for 551 days, indicating it was filmed recently.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
 +
(April 13, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Hamas published on Saturday night a propaganda video showing signs of life from Israeli-American hostage soldier Edan Alexander.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/hamas-releases-propaganda-clip-of-hostage-edan-alexander/ JNS]
 +
 +
Seder Night: Hamas Releases Video Of US-Israeli Citizen Edan Alexander
 +
April 14, 2025.
 +
[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2388587/seder-night-hamas-releases-video-of-us-israeli-citizen-edan-alexander.html YWN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Yair Netanyahu to Macron: ‘Screw you’ over ‘Palestine’ recognition.
 +
The Israeli prime minister son attacked the French president following his announcement Paris may soon recognize a Palestinian state.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
 +
(April 13, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Yair on Saturday told French President Emmanuel Macron to “screw you,” following the announcement Paris could recognize a Palestinian state later this year.
 +
 +
“Screw you! Yes to independence of New Caledonia! Yes to independence to French Polynesia! Yes to independence of Corsica! Yes to independence of the Basque Country! Yes to independence of French Guinea! Stop the neo imperialism of France in west Africa!” tweeted Yair Netanyahu.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/yair-netanyahu-to-macron-screw-you-over-palestine-recognition/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Suicide bomber who killed five Israelis in Bulgaria buried in Hezbollah cemetery
 +
On July 18, 2012, Mohamad Hassan El Husseini attacked a group of Israeli tourists at Burgas Airport.
 +
JNS Staff
 +
The bus after the attack in Burgas, Bulgaria, that killed five Israelis and their driver in 2012. Source: Screenshot.The bus after the attack in Burgas, Bulgaria, that killed five Israelis and their driver in 2012. Source: Screenshot.
 +
 +
(April 13, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The Lebanese-French suicide bomber who killed five Israelis and their local bus driver in Burgas, Bulgaria, on July 18, 2012, was buried on Friday in a cemetery designated for Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon.
 +
 +
Abbas Ibrahim, a former head of the Lebanese General Security intelligence agency, told the Associated Press that he negotiated the return of the remains of Mohamad Hassan El Husseini.
 +
 +
On July 18, 2012, El Husseini, 23, struck a group of Israelis at Burgas Airport in Bulgaria, killing six (and himself) and wounding 32 others. The bombing occurred shortly after the tourists had arrived on a charter flight from Tel Aviv and boarded a bus to their hotel.
 +
 +
Israeli and Bulgarian authorities pinned the attack on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist group.
 +
 +
El Husseini, who was eventually identified through a DNA analysis, had entered Bulgaria days before the bombing using the alias Jacques Felipe Martin.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/suicide-bomber-who-killed-five-israelis-in-bulgaria-buried-in-hezbollah-cemetery/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes Hamas terror sites amid expanded Gaza ops.
 +
As the Jewish people began celebrating Passover, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a rocket fired by terrorists in Gaza.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
 +
(April 13, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday attacked a Hamas command-and-control center in the area of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, where numerous terrorists were planning to carry out attacks, according to the military.
 +
 +
Steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.
 +
 +
Hours earlier, the IDF attacked a Hamas command center in Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. The compound was used to carry out terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and troops, said the army. Ahead of the operation, the IDF issued warnings in the area to prevent collateral damage.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/idf-strikes-hamas-terror-sites-amid-expanded-gaza-ops/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Suspect arrested in arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence as family slept inside.
 +
By Caitlin McCormack.
 +
Published April 13, 2025, 5:47 p.m. ET
 +
 +
Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a Harrisburg man for the arson attack on Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family that sent them fleeing from the governor’s residence on the first night of Passover.
 +
 +
Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, is expected to face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, authorities said.
 +
 +
Shapiro, who is Jewish, became visible emotional as he spoke about the 2 a.m. attack on his home as he and his family slept inside.
 +
 +
“If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover,” he said.
 +
[https://nypost.com/2025/04/13/us-news/pennsylvania-gov-josh-shapiro-arson-suspect-arrested/ NYPost]
 +
 +
Suspect arrested after arson at Pennsylvania governor’s house forced Shapiro and family to evacuate.
 +
By Ali Main and Zoe Sottile, CNN
 +
Updated 6:35 PM EDT, Sun April 13, 2025
 +
[...]
 +
Shapiro noted that he and his family had celebrated the first night of Passover earlier that evening before the fire.
 +
 +
“If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover,” he said.
 +
 +
“No one will deter me or my family, or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”
 +
 +
Shapiro, 51, was elected Pennsylvania governor in 2022 after spending six years as state attorney general. A prominent Democrat, he was one of several candidates named as a possible running mate for former Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential bid – and he’s been floated as a possible presidential candidate himself for the 2028 election.
 +
[https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/13/us/pennsylvania-governor-josh-shapiro-arson/index.html CNN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
European Hezbollah drone network dismantled, dozens arrested across four countries.
 +
Authorities uncover massive logistics operation supplying Hezbollah with drone components across Spain, Germany, France, and the UK.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 14, 2025, 12:06 AM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
A wide-reaching logistics network supporting Hezbollah’s drone manufacturing efforts has been dismantled across Europe, according to a report by the French daily Le Figaro. The operation spanned Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, with arrests taking place between mid-2024 and early April 2025.
 +
 +
The network was reportedly involved in purchasing large quantities of materials for building drones potentially capable of carrying explosives. Investigators found electronic guidance systems, gasoline and electric engines, propellers, and several tons of materials used to craft drone parts such as fuselages and wings. According to Le Figaro, the volume of components seized could have been used to manufacture up to a thousand drones.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406793 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu speaks to Gaza hostage Eitan Mor's family.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/13/2025 11:20 PM.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850015 JPost]
 +
 +
PM: 'We are holding negotiations to return 10 hostages'.
 +
PM Netanyahu speaks with the family of hostage Eitan Mor and informs them that negotiations are being held for the return of ten hostages.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 14, 2025, 10:45 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406806 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
EU to boost financial support for Palestinian Authority.
 +
BY Reuters.
 +
04/14/2025 08:09 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850032 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Egypt's proposal: Hamas will release 11 living hostages.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 9:30 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406803 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Lapid: Israel must demand from US no nuclear enrichment in Saudi Arabia.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/14/2025 10:49 AM.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850054 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Injured soldier Elnatan Goldstein opens Torah Ark as thousands join the Hallel prayer, held with Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu at the foot of the Old City.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 14, 2025, 12:01 PM (GMT+3).
 +
 +
In a moving tribute during the Hallel prayer, that took place this morning at the foot of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, with Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Eyal Yakubovich, and with the participation of thousands, Elnatan Goldstein, a soldier who was wounded in the Gaza war, was given the honor of opening the Torah Ark, and praying for victory in the war, release of all hostages and the healing of the wounded.
 +
 +
The prayer, which has been held on Passover for about ten years, with the number of worshippers increasing every year, began at sunrise. Additional prayers are expected to be held on Wednesday at Ma’arat Hamachpelah (the Cave of the Patriarchs) in Hebron, and on Thursday in Safed.
 +
 +
"Already from the beginning of the Hebrew month of Nissan, we have felt the atmosphere of redemption," Rabbi Eliyahu said. "The truth is, we've been in an atmosphere of redemption since the moment we were born. Every day a person must regard himself as if he left Egypt, and we are living in a generation in which we feel both the slavery and the freedom, both the maror (bitter herbs) and the matzah (freedom)."
 +
 +
Rabbi Eliyahu also spoke about the hostages: "In the past year, every time a hostage is released and says that they ate half a dry pita, I am reminded of Yachatz (a stage in the reading of the Haggadah, where one breaks a matzah into two pieces, half is eaten immediately and the other half is eaten at the end of the Seder). Why do we need a Yachatz? Why do you break the matzah? That's what they did in Auschwitz. They were given half a dry pita. When you hear that the hostages shared a pita between them, we understand what it is all about."
 +
 +
"You hear the torture they endured, the beatings they received, the slavery where they were chained, just like in Egypt. And then you hear about the spiritual strengths that they came out of captivity with," Rabbi Eliyahu concluded.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406809 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Dozens of terror targets struck:
 +
IDF destroys underground tunnel in Rafah.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 12:09 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406810 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Israel strives for a deal, Hamas, on the other hand, hamper prevents agreements.
 +
Avraham Landsberg. 4.14.25.
 +
Efforts to renew negotiations for the release of the abductees continue, with cautious optimism prevailing in Israel following an Egyptian proposal • However, the terrorist organization Hamas insists on a commitment to a complete end to the fighting and the withdrawal of IDF forces, something that is not acceptable to Israel at all.
 +
[https://c14.co.il/article/1184380 C14]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hostage families call for all-inclusive deal as talks continue: 'Return them all on one bus'.
 +
Gilad Cohen | 04.14.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hywe2b50ke YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli hurt in West Bank car ramming, manhunt underway.
 +
Yoav Zitun, Idan Blumhof | 04.14.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkknisqayx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun calls for 1949 armistice with Israel.
 +
Jerusalem Post Staff. April 14, 2025:
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850105 JPost]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Greek terrorist group dedicates bombings to Palestinian ‘resistance’.
 +
Akiva Van Koningsveld.
 +
([https://cdn-jns.org/uploads/2025/04/GettyImages-2209120701-1320x880.jpg].
 +
Members of the Greek police's counter-terrorism unit investigate the area outside the Hellenic Train offices in central Athens after a bombing, April 11, 2025).
 +
 +
(April 14, 2025 / JNS)
 +
A far-left Greek terrorist organization paid tribute to the Palestinians’ “heroic resistance” ...
 +
[https://www.jns.org/greek-terrorist-group-dedicates-bombings-to-palestinian-resistance/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas rejects Egyptian disarmament plan, eyes US role in ceasefire talks with Trump gesture.
 +
Terror group signals readiness to release more hostages as talks focus on guarantees for ending war; Hamas may reportedly free Israeli-American Edan Alexander as goodwill gesture to Trump in exchange for framework agreement.
 +
Itamar Eichner, Einav Halabi, Lior Ben Ari, Lihi Gordon | 04.14.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjjpoaqajx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Captivity survivor:
 +
'I started believing in God during captivity'.
 +
Former hostage Sasha Troufanov shares harrowing details of his captivity in Gaza, 'I learned Arabic and discovered God in captivity, I want people to thank God for what they have.'
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 3:21 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406816 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
PA gov. mansion arson:
 +
Suspect planned to physically assault Gov. Shapiro.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 3:35 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406818 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Trails of Rebirth'
 +
Thousands participate in event in Gaza envelope.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 5:02 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406823 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Ritchie Torres:
 +
'Enslavement of Jews not merely memory, unfolding in Gaza'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 5:49 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406824 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump on Iran talks:
 +
'If we have to do something very harsh, we're going to do it'.
 +
The US President spoke about the talks between Iran and the US and claimed that Iran wants a deal but does not know how to get one 'because they were so used to dealing with stupid people in this country.'
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 7:51 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406828 INN]
 +
 +
Trump warns Iran of 'harsh' response if nuclear talks stall.
 +
Ynet, news agencies | 04.14.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjmkk25cjg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Harvard refuses Trump admin demands to curtail antisemitism on campus — putting billions in federal aid in jeopardy.
 +
By Chris Nesi.
 +
Published April 14, 2025.
 +
Updated April 14, 2025, 3:42 p.m. ET
 +
[https://nypost.com/2025/04/14/us-news/harvard-refuses-trump-admin-demands-to-curtail-antisemitism-on-campus-putting-billions-in-federal-aid-in-jeopardy/ NYPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Josh Shapiro survives deadly arson attack—now the left must own the culture of political violence it created
 +
By Post Editorial Board
 +
Published April 14, 2025, 2:45 p.m. ET
 +
[https://nypost.com/2025/04/14/opinion/josh-shapiro-survives-fire-assassination-attemptthe-left-must-own-the-culture-of-political-violence-it-created/ NYPost]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US immigration enforcement reportedly arrests another Columbia University protest leader.
 +
By Luke Tress
 +
April 14, 2025, 8:46 pm
 +
 +
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement have reportedly arrested Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University anti-Israel protest leader.
 +
 +
Mahdawi was arrested after arriving at a citizenship center in Vermont, The Intercept reports.
 +
 +
ICE’s database appears to confirm Mahdawi’s detention.
 +
 +
The database says Mahdawi is in ICE custody, listing his birthplace as Jordan. Mahdawi was born in the West Bank, but the ICE database does not have a category for the Palestinian territories.
 +
 +
Several Columbia University anti-Israel activists have been targeted by the Trump administration, starting last month with protest leader Mahmoud Khalil.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-immigration-enforcement-reportedly-arrests-another-columbia-university-protest-leader/ TOI]
 +
 +
 +
(Related:
 +
 +
Mohsen Mahdawi’s Calls for Israel’s Destruction, Justification of Hamas Terrorism and Support for the Pro-Hamas Encampment at Columbia University (Columbia).
 +
 +
Mohsen Mahdawi’s Calls for Israel’s Destruction, Justification of Hamas Terrorism and Support for the Pro-Hamas Encampment at Columbia University
 +
 +
Mohsen Mahdawi is an anti-Israel activist leader who called for Israel’s destruction and justified Hamas terrorism in late 2023. Ten years earlier, he celebrated a terrorist who had murdered dozens of Israeli Jews in 1978. Mahdawi also showed support for the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April 2024. 
 +
 +
Mahdawi made his late 2023 statements after a series of Hamas terror atrocities and war crimes against Israeli civilians, including mass murder, torture, rape, beheadings and kidnappings, which were executed on October 7, 2023. The attacks left over 1,200 Israelis dead, hundreds kidnapped and thousands wounded. Israel retaliated with a war called “Swords of Iron.”
 +
 +
Hamas is a designated terrorist organization founded in 1987 that is dedicated to destroying Israel and killing Jews. Since 2001, Hamas has launched thousands of rockets at Israel and on October 7, 2023, Hamas murdered approximately 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped over 200 hostages, including children and the elderly.
 +
 +
In December 2023, Mahdawi served as co-president of DAR Palestine at Columbia University (Dar at Columbia), Columbia’s Palestinian student union, which is reportedly part of a coalition of 80 anti-Israel student groups. Columbia is located in New York, New York.
 +
 +
Mahdawi was also affiliated with the pro-terror activist group Within Our Lifetime (WOL) in 2023. He was reportedly a member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) that same year.
 +
 +
Mahdawi is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
 +
 +
In December 2023, CBS reported [00:07:10] that Mahdawi “grew up in a refugee[sic] camp in the Israeli-occupied[sic] West Bank.”
 +
 +
As of February 20, 2024, Mahdawi, who also goes by Mohsen Khader Mahdawi, was listed in Columbia’s online directory as a student in the Department of Philosophy at Columbia’s School of General Studies.
 +
 +
As of March 7, 2024, Mahdawi’s LinkedIn profile said he was slated to graduate from Columbia in 2024.
 +
 +
As of the same date, Mahdawi’s LinkedIn also said he studied computer engineering at Birzeit University (Birzeit) from 2008 to 2014.
 +
 +
Birzeit University’s student body has celebrated terrorists since at least 2003. That year, student government elections featured models of exploding Israeli buses, as parties competed on the basis of which Palestinian faction had killed the most Israelis. 
 +
[https://canarymission.org/individual/Mohsen_Mahdawi Canary]).
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Even Netanyahu doesn’t know Trump’s Iran strategy, official says.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.14.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1cphjirje YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US approves major weapons shipment to Israel as IDF prepares for Gaza offensive, eyes Iran.
 +
Yoav Zitun | 04.14.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rj00ztjiakx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas rejects Egyptian disarmament plan, eyes US role in ceasefire talks with Trump gesture.
 +
Ynet correspondents | 04.14.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjjpoaqajx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
This is the ceasefire deal Israel presented to Hamas.
 +
45-day ceasefire deal would see Hamas release 15 hostages, 9 living, including Edan Alexander. Israel continues to demand the disarmament of Hamas, which demands the end of the war without disarming.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 14, 2025, 10:42 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406834 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Dirty [sic] Jew': French Jew beaten on street in latest antisemitic attack in Villeurbanne.
 +
By Michael Starr. 04/14/2025.
 +
A man wearing a Star of David pendant necklace was allegedly attacked by two men on Friday, with one man filing and another striking the victim on the head while calling him a "dirty Jew."
 +
A French Jew was assailed in an antisemitic street attack in Villeurbanne on Friday, according to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes district’s prefecture and local politicians. This is the third antisemitic attack in the Lyon area commune in just over a month.
 +
 +
A man wearing a Star of David pendant necklace was allegedly assaulted by two men on Friday, Le Progrès reported, with one person filming and another striking the victim on the head while calling him a “dirty [sic] Jew”...
 +
 +
The prefecture assured on social media that France’s National Police were investigating the attack, and Prefect Fabienne Buccio said that she was determined to fight antisemitic incidents and would not let the perpetrators go unpunished.
 +
 +
Villeurbanne’s Mayor, Cédric Van Styvendael, decried the antisemitic assault in a Saturday Facebook post, promising to do everything to fight against “all forms of violence.”
 +
 +
“I hope that full light will be shed on this and that the perpetrators will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice without delay,” said Van Styvendael. “Impunity is not an option.”
 +
 +
La France Insoumise National Assembly member Gabriel Amard condemned the Tonkin Street attack on X/Twitter and called for the swift identification and prosecution of the attackers.
 +
 +
“Hate has no place in our city,” Amard wrote. “Let’s not let hate speech divide us.”
 +
 +
Former Villeurbanne mayor and former Socialist Party MP Jean-Paul Bret said that repeated incidents in the city required more than just outrage. On Instagram on Sunday, Bret called for a special city council meeting on the issue and for the dissemination of information against antisemitism on public transportation.
 +
 +
Le Progrès reported that on March 17, a 46-year-old woman on her way to a Hebrew class was called a “dirty Jew” by a woman in a black veil before being pushed up against a wall, stuck, spat on, and threatened that her throat would be slit if the attacker ever spotted her again. The outlet also reported the violent March 8 attack on a Jewish man that left him with multiple fractures.
 +
 +
Equality Minister Aurore Bergé noted the Friday Villeurbanne incident as part of a larger trend that included the Saturday clash between anti-Israel activists and pedestrians outside a Jewish-owned Strasbourg bakery.
 +
 +
According to officials, the Dreher bakery was not attacked or targeted. Still, a video of an encounter between anti-Israel activists and other residents outside the shop circulated on social media. It showed a mass of Palestinian flag-waving protesters surrounding the site. Police could be seen standing between the protesters and the shop. The video’s original poster said in a Sunday X post that the target was a pro-Israeli opponent, not the bakery.
 +
 +
A march was planned for Saturday by Collectif Strasbourg Palestine, according to the group’s Instagram account. The protest route detailed in a Thursday Rue89 Strasbourg report would have brought the march past the bakery.
 +
 +
Bergé condemned the incident on X, calling for all of society to act, noting that anti-Zionism had become the new face of the antisemitic prejudice that had killed so many in France in recent years.
 +
 +
Republicans party Bouches-du-Rhône Sen. Valérie Boyer said on X on Sunday that France had “fallen so low” that Jewish businesses were being targeted in Strasbourg.
 +
 +
“The list of antisemitic atrocities displaying the Palestinian flag is far too long,” said Boyer. “It is urgent and vital that this stops – and quickly!”
 +
 +
National Rally MEP Virginie Joron wrote on X that every Saturday, the city center of Strasbourg was “taken hostage,” and the municipality was doing nothing to protect shopkeepers and passersby.
 +
 +
The Hate Monitor is here to track antisemitism worldwide.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-850104 JPost]
 +
 +
"Dirty [sic] Jew": Violent anti-Semitic attack on a man in Villeurbanne, the third in a month.
 +
A violent anti-Semitic attack, the third in a month, has rocked Villeurbanne in the Lyon metropolitan area. A Jewish man was beaten in the street by two suspects.
 +
 +
Editorial Lyon. Apr 13, 2025.
 +
...A man wearing a Star of David was attacked by two individuals. One punched him in the face, while the other filmed the incident, according to a source close to the case....
 +
[https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/villeurbanne_69266/sale-juif-violente-agression-antisemite-d-un-homme-a-villeurbanne-la-troisieme-en-un-mois_62504965.html Actu]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Iranian Foreign Minister to Visit Moscow Ahead of Second Iran-US Meeting.
 +
by Reuters and Algemeiner Staff.
 +
April 14, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/14/iranian-foreign-minister-to-visit-moscow-ahead-of-second-iran-us-meeting/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Top US and Turkish diplomats speak about dangers posed by Iran, State Department says.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/15/2025 01:53 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850140 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
White House envoy says Iran deal hinges on verification of uranium enrichment and weapons.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/15/2025 04:59 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850146 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Defense Ministry to conduct exercise at border crossing on Highway 90.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/15/2025 08:54 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850155 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Rape being used systematically as a weapon of war in Sudan, UN agency warns.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/15/2025 12:04 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850173 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Security forces arrest two brothers involved in terror attacks in Nablus.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/15/2025 12:33 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850177 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes and kills Hezbollah platoon commander in Aitaroun, southern Lebanon.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/15/2025 12:43 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850178 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas to respond to ceasefire proposal within 48 hours - report.
 +
By Amichai Stein.
 +
04/15/2025 12:58 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850179 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu and Macron speak after tensions rise due to proposed Palestine recognition
 +
By Amichai Stein, Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/15/2025 01:12 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850182 JPost]
 +
 +
Netanyahu to President Macron: 'A Palestinian state would be a huge prize for terrorism'.
 +
After Yair Netanyahu attacked the French President on X, the Prime Minister spoke with Emmanuel Macron and voiced Israel's opposition to a Palestinian state, calling it a 'great prize for terrorism.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 15, 2025, 2:32 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406865 INN]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Kremlin declines comment on readiness to take Iran's uranium as part of any US nuclear deal.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/15/2025 01:27 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850184 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump says Harvard could lose its tax exempt status in post.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/15/2025 05:30 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850205 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US mission to the United Nations slams extension of Albanese’s tenure.
 +
The Human Rights Council’s support for Albanese actions “make clear the United Nations tolerates antisemitic hatred, bias against Israel and the legitimization of terrorism,” Washington said.
 +
Mike Wagenheim.
 +
(April 15, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The Trump administration criticized the controversial extension of the tenure of an antisemitic United Nations official.
 +
 +
The U.S. Mission to the United Nations “continues to strongly denounce” the tenure of Francesca Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for Palestinian rights, whose term was extended by three years in an opaque process earlier this month under the auspices of the U.N. Human Rights Council, Washington said on Tuesday.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/us-mission-to-the-united-nations-slams-extension-of-albaneses-tenure/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Gov. Josh Shapiro:
 +
Arson suspect cited 'what he wants to do to Palestinian people'.
 +
The suspect accused of attempting to murder Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on the Seder night used Shapiro's alleged 'injustices against Palestinian people' in his justification for the late night arson.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 5:26 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406927 INN]
 +
 +
Man accused of arson attack at Pa. governor’s residence referenced Palestine in 911 call, docs say.
 +
WGAL.
 +
Apr 16, 2025
 +
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
 +
The man charged with breaking into the Pennsylvania governor's residence and setting fires inside called 911, identified himself by name and made a reference to Palestine, according to information in a search warrant obtained by WGAL.
 +
 +
The search warrant quotes Cody Balmer, 38, as saying Gov. Josh Shapiro needs to know that he "will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people."
 +
[https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-governor-arson-attack-cody-balmer-palestine-search-warrant/64502014 WGAL]
 +
 +
Arsonist Who Set Fire to Jewish Governor’s Residence Says Attack Was Over “What He Wants to Do to the Palestinian People”.
 +
April 16, 2025.
 +
[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2388885/arsonist-who-set-fire-to-jewish-governors-residence-says-attack-was-over-what-he-wants-to-do-to-the-palestinian-people.html YWN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF kills Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/16/2025 01:09 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850301 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF foils smuggling attempt, seizes M-16 weapon parts in Jordan Valley.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/16/2025 01:25 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850304 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US envoy Witkoff, Rubio will visit France soon to discuss Middle East, French government says.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/16/2025 02:31 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850315 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US adds shipping companies, oil tankers to Iran-related sanctions.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/16/2025 05:17 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850331 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'You deserve so much better,’ non-Jewish, pro-Israel women say at AJC event.
 +
“Jews should not have to beg the rest of America to love you,” Brianna Wu told attendees at the Women’s Leadership Board Luncheon.
 +
Vita Fellig.
 +
(April 16, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Longtime progressive activist and former congressional candidate Brianna Wu didn’t think that condemning the atrocities committed against Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, would come at such a personal cost. Since becoming a vocal advocate for the Jewish state online, she says that she has lost nearly $100,000 in professional contracts.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/you-deserve-so-much-better-non-jewish-pro-israel-women-say-at-ajc-event/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF kills last remaining terrorist from fatal West Bank attack in January.
 +
Omar Zakharna, eliminated in shootout with security forces involved, was involved in attack near settlement of Kedumim that killed Elad Winkelstein, Aliza Reiss and Rachel Cohen; families see closure but little solace.
 +
Idan Blumhoff , Einav Halabi, Yoav Zitun |  04.16.25.
 +
[...]
 +
Elad Winkelstein, a police officer, Aliza Reiss and Rachel Cohen were murdered when 3 gunmen open fire on cars and buses traveling on the West Bank road.
 +
Palestinians reported early on Wednesday that IDF forces laid siege to a cave in the town of Mesilia near Jenin. Another terrorist was also killed in the operation, the Palestinians said.
 +
Two of the three-man squad that carried out the fatal terror strike were killed earlier this year. Mohamad Nazzal and Katiba Shalab, both residents of Qabatiya, were operatives of the Islamic Jihad. 
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1wdt1p01e YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas said to reject Israeli ceasefire proposal
 +
The terror group reportedly spurned the offer over Israel’s demand that it disarm.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(April 16, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/hamas-said-to-reject-israeli-ceasefire-proposal/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF rescues dog taken to Gaza on Oct. 7.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(April 16, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/idf-rescues-dog-taken-to-gaza-on-oct-7/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Iran Must Feel the Pain'.
 +
Sid Rosenberg's powerful suggestion to President Trump.
 +
Juda Honickman.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 5:22 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406926 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
They chose values:
 +
Robotics team forfeits international contest to observe Passover.
 +
Dvir Amar
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 6:29 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406928 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
After being found in Rafah.
 +
Watch: Billie the dog returns to her family in Nir Oz.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 3:40 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406921 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Noa Argamani chosen as one of TIME Magazine's top 100 most influential people of 2025.
 +
Noa Argamani, who was abducted by terrorists on October 7th, 2023, freed in a daring military operation, and has since become one of the more vocal activists for the hostages' release, was chosen as one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2025.
 +
Yitz Goldberg.
 +
Published: Apr 16, 2025, 4:29 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406923 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Watch.
 +
Elimination of terrorist who murdered 3 in Funduq attack.
 +
 +
The police have released documentation of the elimination of Mohammad Zakarana, the third terrorist from the Islamic Jihad squad that carried out the deadly shooting attack in Kafr Funduq.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 7:00 PM
 +
[https://2.a7.org/files/pictures/000/1186858.jpg]
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406930 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
IDF strikes Hezbollah terrorist in Hanine, southern Lebanon.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/16/2025 05:23 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850332 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Gazans protest in Beit Lahiya, call for end of Hamas rule in Gaza - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/16/2025 06:04 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850342 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'No to terror - Gaza's humiliated'.
 +
Anti-Hamas demonstrations in Gaza return.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 6:41 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406929 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Lebanese army arrests Palestinians, Lebanese terrorists responsible for rocket launches into Israel.
 +
By Amichai Stein.
 +
04/16/2025 07:43 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850360 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu meets with families of hostages in Jerusalem.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/16/2025 08:04 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850364 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF destroys home of terrorist who killed Capt. Alon Sacgiu and injured 16 soldiers.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/16/2025 08:44 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850369 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Tikva Forum hostage families meet with Ron Dermer, discuss status of hostage talks
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/16/2025 08:58 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850371 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
House of terrorist involved in killing IDF officer destroyed.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 10:02 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406938 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hostage's brother appeals to Hamas on Al Jazeera.
 +
Moshe Or, the brother of Hamas hostage Avinatan Or, called on Hamas to release all information on his brother's condition and on the govt. to end the war as part of a deal to release all remaining hostages.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 8:12 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406934 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Dearborn Heights Fundraiser And Poetry Night For Palestine, Organized With Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM): This American Empire Must Fall; People Here Are Willing To Fight And Put Their Lives On The Line To Bring Western Empires Down.
 +
April 16, 2025
 +
Palestinians | Special Dispatch No. 11929
 +
 
 +
An attendee at a fundraiser for Middle East Children’s Alliance and poetry night held at the Newora Café in Dearborn Heights stated that while the people of Gaza have achieved victory, the people in the United States have not done enough. He emphasized that change must come, saying, "This American empire has been hurting our people from the beginning." He added that the "imperial Western powers must fall, and inshallah, they will fall." He continued, stating that there are "people here who are willing to fight and put their lives on the line to bring these empires down, because they must come down." The event was organized in conjunction with the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM). A video report of the fundraiser was posted by HB Productions on YouTube on March 19, 2025
 +
[https://www.memri.org/reports/dearborn-heights-fundraiser-and-poetry-night-palestine-organized-palestinian-youth-movement Memri]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Northwestern rocked by hateful graffiti on Passover.
 +
 +
The vandalism, included an inverted triangle (a symbol associated with Hamas and adopted by some pro-Palestinian protesters) and has been widely condemned as an antisemitic act.
 +
Gila Isaacson.
 +
04/16/2025, 10:53
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/antisemitism/northwestern-university-antisemitic-vandalism JFeed]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Two American tourists injured in rock attack.
 +
Terrorists hurl rocks, paint bottle, towards tourist bus in Samaria, lightly injuring two US citizen women. IDF searching for terrorists.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 2:58 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406916 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Senior IDF officers:
 +
Hamas was surprised by the war's renewal.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 5:03 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406924 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Watch:
 +
Putin hosts captivity survivor Sasha Troufanov, thanks Hamas.
 +
Tziki Brandwine.
 +
Apr 16, 2025, 11:48 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406942 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump expands role of Adam Boehler as hostage envoy.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 1:22 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406944 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump shelved Israeli strike on Iran in favor of talks.
 +
The New York Times reports that President Trump postponed US support for an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, choosing to pursue negotiations with Tehran instead. Israeli plans for a May attack were halted following Trump’s decision to engage Iran in talks, the report says.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 3:16 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406946 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Ottawa council backs effort to ban Nazi symbols across Canada.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 6:15 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406951 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US sanctions Iran’s oil sector, targets Chinese refinery.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 6:56 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406952 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Report: Hundreds of Hezbollah commanders ordered to flee Lebanon.
 +
Saudi reports indicate that the terror group has instructed its field commanders to relocate to South America.
 +
Shachar Kleiman.
 +
 +
(April 17, 2025 / Israel Hayom)
 +
Approximately 400 Hezbollah field commanders have been ordered to leave Lebanon for various South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, according to a report on Wednesday.
 +
 +
A Latin American diplomatic source told Saudi outlet Al Hadath that 200 commanders have already reached South America, with the rest expected to depart Lebanon in due course.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/report-hundreds-of-hezbollah-commanders-ordered-to-flee-lebanon/ JNS]
 +
 +
(Brazil has a significant Arab diaspora, with estimates ranging from 7 to 12 million people of Arab descent. The largest concentration is in São Paulo, followed by Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and other states. 
 +
Venezuelans of Arab descent, primarily from Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, have a significant presence in Venezuela, particularly along the Caribbean coastline and in Margarita Island. These communities are mainly located in urban areas and the island of Margarita, representing about 5% of the country's population. Many are Christians, belonging to various Christian denominations. 
 +
The area in Colombia with the largest concentration of Arab descent people is the Caribbean region, specifically along the Magdalena River. Cities like Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Maicao have significant Levantine communities, with Maicao being the historical center of the Arab and Muslim community. 
 +
Ecuador has a small Arab community).
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Six months after his murder:
 +
Baby girl born to murdered Chabad emissary.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 11:55 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406963 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Huckabee to place note from Trump in Western Wall tomorrow.
 +
 +
Following his swearing-in tomorrow morning, Ambassador Mike Huckabee will arrive at the Western Wall and will place US President Donald Trump's note in the cracks of the wall at his request.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 2:31 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406972 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF and ISA eliminate head of Hamas weapons smuggling network.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 4:00 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406977 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Watch:
 +
Golani troops eliminate terror cell; destroy Hamas training base.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 17, 2025, 4:06 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406979 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Saudi defense minister visits Tehran 
 +
High-level visit comes days ahead of the next round of US-Iran talks on the Iranian nuclear program.
 +
Lior Ben Ari | 04.17.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjd119000ajg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump’s Iran balancing act: The high-stakes gamble behind Israel’s on-again, off-again Tehran strike.
 +
Netanyahu’s urgent Washington trip to push for US-backed strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites stalled as Trump prioritizes diplomacy, even as Israel eyes a shrinking window for military action: These are the possible targets and the repercussions
 +
Yuval Karni, Lior Ben Ari |04.17.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skgkw8c0jhello YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Yossi Dagan:
 +
'Arrest Palestinian Authority official who incited to murder'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 12:15 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407002 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
To disrupt terror funding
 +
US strikes fuel sites used by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 3:22 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407005 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
IAEA chief:
 +
US-Iran talks are at a 'critical phase'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 4:16 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407007 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Trump:
 +
'Harvard is a disgrace, they're obviously antisemitic'.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 1:11 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407003 INN]
 +
 +
Harvard University has gone on a PR blitz to attack Trump administration. [preventing funds], repeating the line that it's [his steps are] not at all about fighting antisemitism but about anti Woke campaign - paraphrasing their argument which is wrapped in elegant terms, such as freedom of speech, freedom who to hire, etc. They also keep talking mainly about its medical "research," to scare the average American.
 +
The truth is, it's about both. Woke agenda and anti Jewish bigotry. But there is no real freedom of speech equality to all. Nor have Jewish students been feeling safe since aggressive Arab students "protests," right after genocidal 'Palestinian' atrocities on Israel Oct 7.
 +
[https://www.newenglishreview.org/articles/a-more-perfect-union/#comment-39004 at NER]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'Release the hostages or face hell'.
 +
White House condemns Hamas for rejecting Israel’s latest ceasefire and hostage release deal, reaffirming Trump’s demands that it release the hostages or face consequences.
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 4:51 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407008 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
CENTCOM announces strikes on Houthi-controlled oil port.
 +
(Apr. 17, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/centcom-announces-strikes-on-houthi-controlled-oil-port/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Stefanik, Comer launch Harvard bias probe.
 +
(Apr. 17, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/stefanik-comer-launch-harvard-bias-probe/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
‘Iranians are liars’: Israeli analyst slams U.S. envoy.
 +
Ruthie Blum vs. Nadav Tamir: Debate erupts over U.S. push for nuclear deal with Iran.
 +
Maayan Hoffman, ILTV | 04.17.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skpye6a0kx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Amid Israeli pressure, US begins Syria withdrawal.
 +
About 600 US troops are leaving northeast Syria as three bases close, despite Israeli pressure to halt the withdrawal.
 +
Reuters, Ynetnews | 04.17.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byzutkjyex YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Palestinian jailed for attack on Munich victim’s kin.
 +
Berlin: Palestinian student convicted of assaulting Lahav Shapira— grandson of the 1972 Munich Olympics terror attack victims.
 +
Mustafa A., a Palestinian student in Berlin, convicted of punching and kicking Lahav Shapira—the grandson of one of the 1972 Munich Olympics terror attack victims; Judges ruled the motive was antisemitic and imposed a harsher sentence than requested.
 +
Zeev Avrahami, Berlin | 04.17.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry4qxjj1xx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas rejects Israeli ceasefire terms, demands full withdrawal and prisoner exchange.
 +
Terror group negotiator labels proposal as ‘unrealistic’; Smotrich urges Gaza escalation, calls on Netanyahu to ‘open the gates of hell’; 'Mr. Prime Minister, go ahead — give the order!'
 +
Einav Halabi | 04.18.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkwstarrkg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Aviva Klompas @AvivaKlompas:
 +
Former hostage Keith Siegel: "I was starved, dehydrated, humiliated over and over, sat in the suffocating heat of tunnels 130 feet underground for days, forced to make propaganda videos. They tried to force me to convert to Islam. Through all of this, the only thing I was yearning for is to see my family again."
 +
Apr 3, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/AvivaKlompas/status/1907988986171449664 X]
 +
 +
Eli Dror 🎗️ @edrormba:
 +
Keith Siegel reveals: Hamas tried to convince us to convert to Islam [https://israelnationalnews.com/news/406997] [ArutzSheva_En] #hamascrimes #Gaza #IsraeliHostages.
 +
Apr 17, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/edrormba/status/1912950573768511914 X]
 +
 +
Randolph Tritell’s Post.
 +
Apr 2025.
 +
[...]
 +
We also heard released hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel's first-hand accounts of their captivity. Keith, 65 years old, recounted how the terrorists shot him and broke his ribs. He had no treatment until his release just weeks ago. He was kept alone in a locked room for six months. He was beaten, sexually assaulted, forced to watch other hostages being beaten and assaulted. He was starved and humiliated, forced to make Hamas propaganda videos, and spat on. Hamas even tried to convert him to Islam but he refused to give up his faith.
 +
[https://www.linkedin.com/posts/randolphtritell_last-night-my-wife-and-i-had-the-incredible-activity-7316227383764615168-JELt LinkedIn]
 +
 +
Keith Siegel, a Former Hostage, Recounts Captivity in Gaza - The New York Times
 +
Apr 16, 2025.
 +
 +
‘Now You’re Dead’: Freed Hostage Recounts Captivity in Gaza.
 +
Keith Siegel, who spent 484 days as a hostage, described the physical and psychological distress he endured, in an interview with The New York Times.
 +
 +
By Nadav Gavrielov. April 16, 2025.
 +
 +
Hamas gunmen picked the female hostage out from a cluster of captives in an apartment in Gaza. They threatened her with a pistol and led her away into a separate room. Then they commanded Keith Siegel to follow.
 +
 +
It had been about a month since Mr. Siegel, the woman and roughly 250 others were kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led attack that set off the war with Israel. The conditions of their captivity in Gaza were unbearable, Mr. Siegel said. Meals were intermittent. Water was scarce. And any failure to follow their captors’ instructions risked violent retribution.
 +
 +
As Mr. Siegel stepped into the room, panic washed over him: He found himself in the audience of a “medieval-style” trial by torture, he said.
 +
 +
The woman had been bound, and the guards were beating her with primitive tools. They demanded that she “tell the truth,” Mr. Siegel said. He was instructed to assist with getting a confession.
 +
 +
“I was told to go into the room and to tell the person that the torturing will continue until they admit what they were being accused of,” he said.
 +
 +
The episode was one of many that defined the horrific experience that Mr. Siegel, an Israeli American originally from North Carolina, and his fellow hostages endured in captivity. Mr. Siegel was released on Feb. 1, after 484 days as a hostage, as part of a short-lived cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. Another 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 35 presumed by the Israeli government to be dead.
 +
[...]
 +
In his encounter with the female hostage being tortured, Mr. Siegel felt powerless to assist. It seemed like nothing he said could dissuade their captors from continuing the abuse.
 +
 +
“I was feeling that I’m in a situation where I want to help this woman and to get her out of this horrible, horrendous situation that she’s in, that we’re in, and just felt helpless,” he said.
 +
 +
Now that he is free and working on his recovery, Mr. Siegel is determined to draw attention to the plight of those still captive in Gaza.
 +
 +
He and his wife, Aviva Siegel, who was also taken captive to Gaza but was released during a cease-fire in November 2023, have made frequent public appearances. On Israeli media and in an appearance on “60 Minutes,” Mr. Siegel has called for international help to secure the hostages’ release. Last week, he and Ms. Siegel appeared with President Trump at a National Republican Congressional Committee dinner to thank him for his role in the most recent round of hostage releases.
 +
 +
In an interview with The New York Times, Mr. Siegel, 65, described the physical and psychological distress he and his fellow hostages endured at the hands of their captors. He outlined a pattern of abuse similar to what other released hostages have said about their time in captivity.
 +
 +
Some months after witnessing the female hostage’s torture, Mr. Siegel’s captors forced him to deliver a video message. He desperately hoped to use the opportunity to project strength to his family, he said, but he broke down in tears during filming.
 +
 +
Mr. Siegel hoped that his captors would cut that scene. Instead, it featured prominently in the final video, which he saw by chance a few days later in an Al Jazeera broadcast on his captors’ TV. Mr. Siegel was heartbroken and severely distressed, he said. He could not improve his circumstances, but he had at least hoped to allay his family’s anxiety.
 +
 +
“That was very, very hard for me to think that my family would see that,” Mr. Siegel said.
 +
 +
Rights groups and international law experts say that such hostage videos are, by definition, made under duress. On Wednesday, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another group involved in the 2023 attack on Israel, released a video that appeared to show one of the remaining hostages in Gaza. In it, a man pleads for his release. He describes severe conditions and shows wounds on his body.
 +
 +
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group that represents the relatives of many captives, identified the man as Rom Braslavski, 21. Mr. Braslavski was working at the Tribe of Nova music festival in Israel, near its border with Gaza, on the day of the attack, the group said.
 +
 +
The video appears to match Mr. Siegel’s description of worsening conditions in captivity as the war progressed. After the collapse of the cease-fire in which Mr. Siegel’s wife was freed, the militants became increasingly agitated and violent toward him, he said.
 +
 +
Days and months passed. Over the course of his time in captivity, different guards cycled through, and Mr. Siegel was whisked between hiding locations over 30 times, he said. He was sometimes kept with fellow hostages, other times for months on his own.
 +
 +
During a stretch in a tunnel more than 100 feet below the streets of Gaza, Mr. Siegel found himself gasping for air, desperate to get out.
 +
 +
“I thought about death many times in that tunnel,” he said.
 +
 +
One day in late January, as Mr. Siegel was lying down in a small, dark and windowless locked room, one of his captors approached him, clutching a pistol and insisting that Mr. Siegel take it from him, Mr. Siegel said. When he declined to do so, his captor pointed the pistol at Mr. Siegel’s face and threatened to kill him.
 +
 +
“He pretended as if he was shooting me, and he said, ‘Now you’re dead,’” Mr. Siegel said.
 +
 +
The captor then turned the gun on himself. In that moment, Mr. Siegel worried how the other captors would respond if he pulled the trigger.
 +
 +
“If he kills himself, the other terrorists will be sure that I shot him, and then what’s going to happen to me?” Mr. Siegel said he had thought to himself.
 +
 +
The man laughed and left, locking the door behind him.
 +
 +
Throughout his time in Gaza, Mr. Siegel’s captors would spit on him and scream at him, he said. They would kick him as he lay on the floor and withhold food from him and other hostages, even as the captors ate.
 +
 +
To try to cope with the persistent stress, keep his mind sharp and pass the long stretches that he spent alone, Mr. Siegel made sure to keep track of the date and the number of days he had been in captivity, repeating it to himself several times throughout each day.
 +
 +
The hostages still in Gaza have been there 558 days. Mr. Siegel cannot rest, he said, until the count has ended and all the hostages have returned.
 +
 +
“This occupies me, my mind, every day from morning to night and throughout the night when I wake up many times,” he said.
 +
[https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/world/middleeast/keith-siegel-israel-hostage-hamas-gaza-interview.html NYT]
 +
 +
Hostage, NC native Keith Siegel released by Hamas on mission to lobby Trump, Israel to reach deal to free remaining hostages - ABC11 Raleigh-Durham.
 +
After 484 days in Hamas captivity, former hostage Keith Siegel finds purpose in his new mission.
 +
ByJosh Einiger. WABC.
 +
Thursday, April 17, 2025.
 +
..."In tunnels 130 feet underground, barely being able to breathe, gasping for my breath, for our breath. Deprived of food, water, and sanitation."...
 +
"I was kicked by terrorists, I was spat on by terrorists, cursed, just out of the blue with nothing that I had done that might provoke that"...
 +
Of the remaining hostages, five are Americans, but just one -- 20-year-old Edan Alexander of Tenafly, New Jersey -- is still alive.
 +
[https://abc11.com/post/hostage-nc-native-keith-siegel-released-hamas-mission-lobby-trump-israel-reach-deal-free-remaining-hostages/16193985/ Abc11]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
800 visas revoked in campus terror crackdown.
 +
Trump admin defends actions as necessary measures to ensure US campuses don't become breeding grounds for terror support.
 +
Emily Schrader, ILTV | 04.15.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryw211dorkx YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Campaign Against Antisemitism @antisemitism:
 +
557 days.
 +
That is how long Matan Angrest has been held hostage by Hamas terrorists, who violently kidnapped him on 7th October 2023.
 +
And yet, there are those who revel in his torture.
 +
This poster of Matan, seen yesterday morning on Waterloo Bridge, was defaced with a swastika and the word “Jew”. It has since been taken down.
 +
This act of hate and cowardice demonstrates the very real venom that Jews face today.
 +
Defacing posters of kidnapped Jews with swastikas is not activism: it’s antisemitic vandalism.
 +
We need Matan, and all of the hostages, home.
 +
[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GopPmNTXAAEuz2E?format=jpg&name=medium].
 +
Apr 16, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/antisemitism/status/1912445877106667967 on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Mational Post @nationalpost:
 +
Swastika painted on side of Montreal synagogue, police investigating [https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/montreal-synagogue-swastika-police?taid=67b391c75ff3900001bb059a]
 +
Feb 17, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/nationalpost/status/1891574640461353043 on X]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
New York Times Claims Busted Columbia Activist Who Empathized With Hamas “Sought Middle Ground”.
 +
"And collect my packages, my bombs / And embrace my gun…”
 +
April 17, 2025 by Daniel Greenfield.
 +
After their PR campaign for Mahmoud Khalil and Momoudo Taal fell through, the media is rallying for more foreign nationals who were terrorizing college campuses.
 +
 +
Next up is Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia U anti-Israel activist in his mid-30s, from Israel who is being billed as a “Buddhist” and a “pacifist”...
 +
About two-thirds of the way through his sympathetic profile, the Times has to reckon with Mahdawi’s views.
 +
[https://www.frontpagemag.com/new-york-times-claims-busted-columbia-activist-who-empathized-with-hamas-sought-middle-ground/ FPM]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
N12 - Hamas took a crazy gamble and proves again: It doesn't understand Israel.
 +
 +
Although its basic assumptions have been shattered time and again, the terrorist organization continues to reject proposals that might have allowed it to survive. In the meantime, it insists on its own terms in negotiations and expects a dream scenario - specifically in Ramallah. For its part, Israel has no more time to hesitate | A New Regional Order - The Middle East in an Era of Change: Dr. Harel Horev in a Special Commentary Columnm.
 +
Dr. Harel Horev | N12 Magazine
 +
| Published 04/17/25 19:40 | Updated 18/04/25.
 +
[https://www.mako.co.il/news-n12_magazine/6a6d777d11485910/Article-a5fb5fe24a41691026.htm Mako]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump Admin to Harvard: Turn Over Anti-Semitism Records or Face Ban on Exchange Students.
 +
'Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism—driven by its spineless leadership—fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security,' says DHS secretary Kristi Noem.
 +
Matthew Xiao. April 17, 2025.
 +
[https://freebeacon.com/latest-news/trump-admin-to-harvard-turn-over-anti-semitism-records-or-face-ban-on-exchange-students/ FreeBeacon]
 +
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Georgetown University Identifies Suspected Perpetrator of Antisemitic Graffiti.
 +
by Dion J. Pierre. Apr 17, 2025.
 +
 +
Georgetown University has identified the person suspected of graffitiing an antisemitic message in a residence hall, an incident that has caused alarm at an institution that was recently scrutinized over its student government’s scheduling a referendum on the anti-Israel boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement to take place during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
 +
 +
“The Georgetown University Police Department has identified a suspect in this case and is investigating it as a bias incident and hate crime,” said a statement addressing the incident that was signed by four high-level university officials — excluding interim president Robert Groves. “We strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms, and this act of hatred has no place in our community.”
 +
 +
It continued, “We stand together with our Jewish community. We recognize the effect that this deeply troubling incident has on our community, including the impacts on individual students and employees.”
 +
 +
The officials added that other incidents of vandalism have been perpetrated on campus in “recent days,” prompting investigations by the institution’s police department. They noted that political disagreement is causing students to devalue one another to the point that they are willing to commit “discriminatory actions” for which there is “never justification.” They encouraged students to refer to the university’s Speech and Expression Policy for guidance on how to engage in civil political expression.
 +
 +
On Thursday, Students Supporting Israel (SSI) Georgetown — a Jewish advocacy group that is fighting to normalize the pro-Israel movement on campus — implored the university to impose a disciplinary measure on the perpetrator of the graffiti that matches the severity of the offense.
 +
 +
“SSI Georgetown is deeply concerned by the antisemitic graffiti recently found on campus — an act of hate that threatens the safety and dignity of Jewish students,” the group said. “We call on the university to hold those responsible accountable and make clear that antisemitism has no place at Georgetown. SSI stands proudly with the Jewish community and all communities that are recipients of hate, and we remain committed to ensuring students can live and express their identity without fear.”
 +
 +
The antisemitic incident comes amid a moment of turbulence at Georgetown University.
 +
 +
Earlier this week, its Student Association (GUSA) rescheduled an anti-Israel referendum after numerous complaints that holding it during Passover would effectively disenfranchise Jewish students by depriving them of a chance to express opposition to the measure at the ballot box.
 +
 +
GUSA said on Monday that it moved the referendum date to acknowledge concerns raised by SSI, as well as Chabad Georgetown, Georgetown Israel Alliance, and the Jewish Student Association.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/17/georgetown-university-identifies-suspected-perpetrator-antisemitic-graffiti/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hezbollah vows to keep arms, rejects disarmament.
 +
 +
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declares the group will not disarm, citing Israeli threats and Lebanon’s inability to defend itself. He accuses Israel of violating ceasefire terms while signalling willingness to negotiate only after a full Israeli withdrawal.
 +
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 9:50 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407045 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Former Hamas Hostage, Nova Survivor to Debut Artwork Inspired by Captivity in NYC Solo Exhibit.
 +
 +
by Shiryn Ghermezian. April 18, 2025.
 +
 +
Andrei Kozlov in studio with some of his artwork that will be on display in his solo exhibition “So-Real Surreal.” Photo: Provided
 +
 +
Andrei Kozlov, a Russian-Israeli artist who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023, and rescued in an Israeli operation last year, will have a solo art exhibition in New York City next month that will feature 12 original pieces heavily inspired by his time in captivity.
 +
 +
The invitation-only exhibit is titled “So-Real Surreal: An October 7th Survivor’s Story” and will take place on May 8 at Lux Contemporary, located in Chelsea.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/18/former-hamas-hostage-nova-survivor-to-debut-artwork-inspired-by-captivity-in-nyc-solo-exhibit/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump says he is in no rush to attack Iran over nuclear program.
 +
By Reuters. 04/17/2025 09:03 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850509 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US strikes Houthi-controlled Ras Isa fuel port in Yemen, CENTCOM says.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/17/2025 09:50 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850516 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF kills two rock-throwing terrorists, wounds one.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/17/2025 10:32 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850525 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF blowing up houses in Rafah, explosions can be heard in Negev - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/17/2025 10:57 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850532 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF eliminates Hamas weapons kingpin in precision Gaza strike.
 +
The IDF and ISA eliminated Yahya Fathi Abd al-Qader Abu Shaar, Hamas’ top weapons smuggler, and Mazen Farra, a senior Islamic Jihad terrorist who directed attacks in Israel. Over the past 48 hours, the IAF struck more than 110 terror targets across Gaza, including tunnels, launchers, and a Hamas naval base.
 +
Eliana Fleming.
 +
04/17/2025, 17:08
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/idf-eliminates-hamas-weapons-kingpin-gaza-strike JFeed]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
US strike on Yemen fuel port kills at least 33, Houthi media says.
 +
By Reuters. 04/18/2025 04:41 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850562 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
National Security Council rebuilding with aides aligned with MAGA agenda, CBS News reports.
 +
By Reuters. 04/18/2025 06:23 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850572 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli strike targets vehicle near Sidon, southern Lebanon - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/18/2025 09:05 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850580 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Over 170 arrested for attacks on Pakistan KFC outlets in Gaza war protests.
 +
By Reuters. 04/18/2025 09:45 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850582 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli minister and Mossad chief to meet US envoy over Iran.
 +
By Amichai Stein. 04/18/2025 10:38 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850587 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Jordan cancels weekly protest in support of Gaza - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/18/2025 12:00 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850591 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF, Shin Bet arrest two terrorists behind January's al-Funduq terror attack.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/18/2025 01:21 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850597 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran says nuclear agreement with the US is possible with Russia's support.
 +
By Reuters. 04/18/2025 02:13 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850601 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
U.S. Accuses China of Helping the Houthis Target Their Attacks
 +
Allegations against a satellite-imaging company highlight growing military support from China and Russia
 +
By Sudarsan Raghavan, Saleh al-Batati and Benoit Faucon. April 18, 2025.
 +
[https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/u-s-accuses-china-of-helping-the-houthis-target-their-attacks-e56264da WSJ]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas rejects ceasefire deal, White House warns of devastating consequences ahead.
 +
The U.S. slams Hamas for rejecting Israel’s latest truce offer and warns that continued defiance will trigger overwhelming diplomatic and military pressure until hostages are freed.
 +
Avi Nachmani.
 +
04/18/2025, 06:43
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/hamas-rejects-israel-ceasefire-deal JFeed]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Samidoun’s Charlotte Kates works to delist Hamas from U.K. terror list.
 +
By Ari David Blaff, National Post, April 14, 2025.
 +
 +
Samidoun leader Charlotte Kates assisted a British law firm filing an application seeking to delist Hamas as a “proscribed,” or banned, terror group in the United Kingdom, she says.
 +
 +
“It’s an honour to have contributed to this critically important application … against the criminalization of Palestinian resistance in Britain, the imperial power responsible for Zionist colonialism in Palestine,” Kates posted on X last Wednesday.
 +
 +
The military wing of Hamas was classified a terror organization in the United Kingdom in 2001. The definition was expanded two decades later to the entire organization, including the political arm.
 +
 +
Kates was contacted by Riverway Law to submit an “expert report” citing her involvement with Samidoun, a Vancouver-based group she co-founded with her husband that describes its mission as advocating for Palestinian prisoners. Samidoun was designated a terror entity by the Canadian government last October because of its ties to another terror group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
 +
 +
Kates has become an outspoken supporter of Hamas in Canada, leading public chants of “Long Live October 7.” She has called the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel “heroic and brave.” In February, she attended the public funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, memorializing the terror leader as a “great anti-imperialist leader of our day, the great Arab and international revolutionary, the beloved speaker of truth and warrior of justice[sic].”…..
 +
[https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/samidoun-leader-charlotte-kates-helps-effort-to-get-hamas-removed-from-u-k-terror-watchlist NationalPost]
 +
 +
 +
##
 +
 +
We are all Hamas': Qatari defense minister posts, then deletes message in support of Hamas.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. April 17, 2025.
 +
 +
The Qatari minister quickly deleted the tweet once exposed by online bloggers, in hopes to erase his history of support for the terrorist organization.
 +
Qatari deputy prime minister and defense affairs minister Sa'oud bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani this week posted and quickly deleted a Twitter/X post in support of Hamas: “We Are all Hamas… Oh Al-Quds, revolt and commemorate Al-Qassam!”
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-850443 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Pursuing Hamas and its supporters is personal for acting US attorney in DC.
 +
“We’re not going to let Georgetown turn into Columbia University in terms of the chaos and the hate that’s spewed,” Ed Martin told JNS.
 +
Mike Wagenheim.
 +
 +
(April 18, 2025 / JNS)
 +
A vandal, who spray-painted “Hamas is coming” on a D.C. monument, was sentenced to 10 days in jail and a $1,500 fine earlier this month. A few days beforehand, the U.S. Justice Department announced that it had seized some $200,000 in cryptocurrency, which it says was destined for Hamas coffers.
 +
 +
Both cases came out of the office of Ed Martin, interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, who has been nominated for the role on a permanent basis.
 +
 +
“The message to these people that say Hamas is coming is: ‘You come to D.C., you’re going to go to jail,’” Martin told JNS in a recent interview.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/pursuing-hamas-and-its-supporters-is-personal-for-acting-us-attorney-in-dc/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Former DHS officer who glorified Oct. 7 fired after 16 months of paid leave.
 +
Nejwa Ali, a former spokeswoman for the PLO, repeatedly made posts praising Hamas terrorists and espousing antisemitic rhetoric.
 +
 +
(April 18, 2025 / JNS).
 +
A former U.S. Department of Homeland Security official who openly praised Hamas after its terror attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, was fired recently after 16 months of paid leave, The Daily Wire reported.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/former-dhs-officer-who-glorified-oct-7-fired-after-16-months-of-paid-leave/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Huckabee to JNS: America ‘benefits a great deal from Israel’.
 +
Hamas brought the Gaza war upon themselves, the ambassador said, adding that "Everything that people see there is not the result of anything other than the vicious hatred that Hamas harbors and carried out on October the 7th."
 +
Alex Traiman.
 +
(April 18, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/huckabee-to-jns-america-benefits-a-great-deal-from-israel/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Houthi missile intercepted.
 +
Houthi missile fire triggers air raid sirens across Israel.
 +
Ynet | 04.18.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkdptbykxe YNet]
 +
 +
Sirens sound across cental Israel as Yemen-launched missile intercepted 
 +
Missile launch triggers alarms from Jerusalem to the coast; IDF confirms successful interception, no injuries reported according to Magen David Adom.
 +
Avi Nachmani. 04/18/2025.
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/yemen-missile-intercepted-over-israel JFeed]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Two teens accused of Islamic State affiliation, planned attack on synagogue
 +
Roi Rubinstein | 04.18.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1zo79k1ll YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Former hostage on Rom Braslavski's video: 'His eyes are not the same'.
 +
Nina Fox | 04.18.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkthyokjeg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Nuclear talks will not bring peace to the Middle East'.
 +
 +
Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi warns, 'Regime uses diplomacy as a tactic to buy time, this is not the time to rescue a dying regime.'
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 2:39 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407033 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Brother of hostage:
 +
'Siege on Hamas until hostages return'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 18, 2025, 3:55 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407038 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
PM refused to permit Jordanian helicopters to fly Mahmoud Abbas from Ramallah to Damascus.
 +
Mahmoud Abbas had to drive from Ramallah to the Allenby Bridge, where he crossed the border to Jordan, and flew from there by Jordanian helicopter to Syria.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 18, 2025, 4:22 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407039 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Posters denouncing antisemitism at Belgian university torn down.
 +
At the Université libre de Bruxelles, Jewish students said they don’t feel safe.
 +
Yossi Lempkowicz.
 +
 +
([https://cdn-jns.org/uploads/2025/04/Universite-libre-de-Bruxelles.jpg].
 +
Pro-Palestinian students from the Université libre de Bruxelles march from campus to the Israeli embassy in Brussels for a protest on March 25, 2025).
 +
 +
(April 18, 2025 / European Jewish Press).
 +
Posters denouncing hatred of Jews were torn down from the walls of the Université libre de Bruxelles (“Free University of Brussels”) campus on Wednesday, Belgian daily La Libre reports.
 +
 +
These acts were condemned by the Union of Jewish Students in Belgium (UEJB), which has launched a poster campaign to denounce antisemitism and the passivity of university authorities.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/posters-denouncing-antisemitism-at-belgian-university-torn-down/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Vermont, Mohsen Mahdawi, and Mountains of Useful Idiots.
 +
All it takes is two days of digging to unravel an entire story.
 +
 +
Let me tell you the real story of Mohsen Mahdawi, the latest student to have been arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the PR campaign he launched to publicize his detention and play an entire state of elected officials, turning many into fools, patsies, and mouthpieces to cover his terror-affiliated history.
 +
 +
The bottom line here is really scary. Mohsen has 17 years of university experience in total. Almost a decade of those 17 years were spent around US campuses – starting up anti-Israel groups and radicalising students. He does not appear to have a single degree to his name. If this man was either Chinese or Russian – and had spent a decade radicalising students on campus; if he also had a semi-fictional backstory, came from a family of terrorists, and had spent much of his life promoting extremist genocidal positions, there is not a politician in the US who would be seen anywhere near him. Red flags would be seen by all.
 +
 +
But he is not Chinese or Russian. Mohsen is a Palestinian – and for whatever reason that changes everything. Politicians, activists, NGOs and the media all become blind to an antisemitic genocidal fetish when it comes from the mouth of a Palestinian. It is almost as if their collective brains all just fall out. And this presents a real danger – not just for Jews – but for wider US society as well.
 +
 +
Making up a BS background
 +
 +
Mohsen may have learnt very early on the lesson that most Palestinians in the West come to learn: that he can claim anything – say anything – pretend he had personally experienced anything – and not a single person on the left would have the brains to question any of it.
 +
Apr 18, 2025,
 +
[https://david-collier.com/mohsen-mahdawi-vermont-useful-idiots/ DavidCollier]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US must wake up to Iran’s North Africa proxy.
 +
Opinion: Sahara has become a battlefield for global influence, with Iran sending drones to its allies across Africa and Russia, funding Wagner-style operations in the Sahel while the Polisario is becoming their puppet.
 +
Amine Ayoub | 04.19.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyn8aezkee YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Hamas releases third video of hostage Elkana Bohbot after 561 days in captivity
 +
After rejecting Israel’s latest hostage deal, terror group releases new footage of Elkana Bohbot, just days following a similar clip of Rom Braslavski posted as part of growing pressure on Israel.
 +
Einav Halabi | 04.19.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjwyz4zyxg YNet]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Germany halts sale of fighter jets to Turkey after Istanbul mayor jailed - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/19/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850671 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Egypt's Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah discuss Gaza ceasefire in phone call.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/19/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850672 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes house in southern Lebanon – report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/19/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850675 JPost]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
Watch: IDF forces targeting Hamas capabilities in Gaza.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 19, 2025, 8:35 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407054 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
G'haleb Sliman Alnasasra from Rahat fell in battle in Gaza.
 +
Command Sergeant Major G'haleb Sliman Alnasasra, 35 years old from Rahat, fell in battle in Gaza two soldiers injured.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 19, 2025, 8:43 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407055 INN]
 +
 +
Hamas preserves 20,000 fighters while targeting IDF patrols in buffer zone attacks.
 +
In second tunnel attack in a week, Warrant Officer G'haleb Sliman Alnasasra killed, 3 wounded; Hamas fighters escape after strike on administrative route, rescue team hit.
 +
Yoav Zitun|04.19.25.
 +
A rare and deadly incident along the Gaza border in which an IDF soldier was killed and three others wounded — including a female officer and a combat medic — marks the first IDF combat fatality in the coastal enclave in over three months.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy43fjzyge YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu: We will fight to victory - I will not cave.
 +
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues statement on war against Hamas, promising not to bow to terrorists who carried out the worst massacre since the Holocaust.
 +
Yoni Kempinski.
 +
Apr 19, 2025, 9:27 PM (GMT+3)
 +
 +
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night gave a statement to the media, discussing the war and Hamas' psychological terrorism.
 +
 +
"Citizens of Israel, as your Prime Minister - I will not give in," Netanyahu began. "I will not give in to the murderers who carried out the worst massacre since the Holocaust."
 +
 +
He added that Israel is currently at "critical stage, and at this stage we need patience and determination in order to win."
 +
 +
Netanyahu also confirmed that Hamas rejected the latest proposal for a ceasefire deal, saying, "If we give in to Hamas' dictates now, all of our enormous achievements that we have achieved thanks to our soldiers, our fallen, and our injured - all of those achievements will be lost."
 +
 +
"Were it not for the severe blow to the Iranian axis, we would not have changed the face of the Middle East - we would have simply continued to live under existential threat," he added. "I am committed to preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weapons. I will not compromise on this, I will not give up, and we will not back down."
 +
 +
"Throughout the years, I have led processes to harm Iran's nuclear plans. Without these actions, Iran would have had nuclear weapons ten years ago."
 +
 +
"If we commit to not fighting, we will not be able to return to fighting in Gaza," he stressed. "Because those agreements include the complete withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza. Were our soldiers killed and injured in vain?"
 +
 +
"I am working to bring back our hostages without bowing to Hamas' dictates."
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407058 INN]
 +
 +
Hamas rejected deal to free half of Israeli hostages,' Netanyahu confirms in statement.
 +
PM confirms Hamas rejected latest proposal, warns surrender would erase military gains; amid US-Iran talks, reaffirms: 'Committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons—i will not back down'.
 +
Yuval Karni|04.19 25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjddhpzjxx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
habibi @habibi_uk:
 +
A chant for the Houthi terrorists. Their slogan:
 +
"[Allah] Is the Greatest, Death [sic] to America, Death [sic] to Israel, A Curse [sic] Upon the Jews, Victory to Islam"
 +
 +
"Zionist state, your end is near!" More ethnic cleansing chants.
 +
 +
Why have Essex Police allowed Westcliff to be defiled like this?
 +
Apr 19, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/habibi_uk/status/1913603267797393777 on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
* Hananya Naftali @HananyaNaftali
 +
A Muslim woman in a hijab just gave the NAZI SALUTE at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin — and laughed, days before Yom HaShoah (Israel's Holocaust Memorial Day) is commemorated.
 +
This isn’t history repeating. It’s history ignored.
 +
The hate never left. It just changed clothes.
 +
[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Go656sSXkAAqbh5?format=jpg&name=900x900].
 +
Apr 19, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/HananyaNaftali/status/1913686288051425312 X]
 +
[https://archive.ph/htXvk]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Qatari PM to meet with Witkoff in US later this week.
 +
By Amichai Stein.
 +
04/19/2025 09:33 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850709 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Oman announces: 'Tehran can maintain civilian nuclear program'
 +
The Omani Foreign Ministry confirmed that another round of the US-Iran nuclear talks will be held in the coming days in Muscat, Oman's capital. The ministry reports significant progress following discussions in Rome. However, gaps remain over centrifuges and uranium enrichment.
 +
by ILH Staff.
 +
Published on 04-19-2025 20:03
 +
[https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/04/19/oman-announces-tehran-can-maintain-civilian-nuclear-program/ ILH]
 +
 +
Iran FM: Obama's deal is no longer good enough for us.
 +
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi says 2015 nuclear deal is 'no longer good enough,' but offers 'lessons learned.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 20, 2025, 12:14 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407068 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Major concern in Israel over US-Iran nuclear talks.
 +
by Danny Zaken April 19, 2025
 +
From Iran’s perspective, the talks appear to be a resounding success. The Americans, at least at this stage, have dropped several of their key preconditions discussed prior to negotiations.
 +
[https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/04/19/major-concern-in-israel-over-us-iran-nuclear-talks/ ILH]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
"Just a little longer"
 +
The cry of the hostage families at the Gaza border.
 +
The grandmother of Edan Alexander states at the Gaza border, "Grandma doesn't give up on her grandson! Grandma is strong for her grandson."
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 20, 2025, 12:34 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407085 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
IDF Chief of Staff orders a safety curfew.
 +
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir orders a safety curfew to be imposed in all IDF units, following several dangerous and fatal incidents that occurred in various units.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 20, 2025, 2:45 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407093 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Shooting at aid workers | IDF: Allegations of executions are 'baseless blood libels'.
 +
The IDF published the findings of the investigation into the attack on rescue vehicles in Rafah: 15 Palestinian Arabs killed, six of whom were Hamas members. Golani Reconnaissance Battalion deputy commander to be dismissed.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 20, 2025, 4:23 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407098 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Closure:
 +
Eliya Cohen prays at the exact spot he was captured.
 +
Released hostage Eliya Cohen returned to the roadside bomb shelter where he was captured to don Tefilin and pray.
 +
Itzik Brandwin.
 +
Apr 20, 2025, 3:58 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407097 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
'F**k Israel, Free Palestine': Anti-Israeli messages shown at Coachella.
 +
Irish group Kneecap, known for its politically charged performances, displayed slogans..
 +
Ynet | 04.20.25.
 +
 +
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap sparked controversy at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival after projecting anti-Israel messages during their performance before a crowd of thousands.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/bjd2hmgkex YNet]
 +
 +
When Coachella became a stage for terror support.
 +
At a time when Jewish communities around the world are still reeling from the trauma of October 7, the decision to give a platform to a band that glorifies terror is not just tone-deaf – it is morally indefensible.
 +
by Zina Rakhamilova.
 +
Published on  04-21-2025 14:00
 +
[https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/04/21/when-coachella-became-a-stage-for-terror-support/ ILH]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Claims IDF executed Gaza aid workers ‘blood libel,’ probe finds.
 +
The soldiers believed they were facing threats to their lives.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(April 20, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/claims-idf-executed-gaza-aid-workers-blood-libel-probe-finds/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Canadian election debate: Antisemitism electoral issue spurs Carney to promise new laws.
 +
By Michael Starr. April 20, 2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-850796 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Swedish police investigate Nazi flag display on highway outside Stockholm.
 +
Three Nazi flags hung over Stockholm highway on Hitler’s birthday, April 20; police remove them soon after; 'I was in shock,' says witness; Israeli ambassador condemns act: 'Something we never thought to see in Europe again'.
 +
Itamar Eichner|04.20.25.
 +
 +
Swedish media reported that three large red flags bearing swastikas were hung early Sunday morning over a major highway between Solna and Stockholm, in what authorities suspect was a deliberate act of incitement.
 +
 +
The flags were spotted along the Essingeleden highway, and their appearance coincided with April 20, Adolf Hitler’s birthday — a date often associated with neo-Nazi activity.
 +
 +
According to Aftonbladet, police received a report at 7:19 a.m. and removed the flags shortly after, by 7:40 a.m. “I was in complete shock when I saw it,” a witness told the newspaper. “Huge red flags were hanging above the tunnel.”
 +
 +
The incident is currently under investigation. “We do not yet know who is behind this,” said Mats Eriksson, a spokesperson for the local police. “I believe it’s related to incitement against a group of people.”
 +
Israeli Ambassador to Sweden Ziv Nevo Kulman condemned the act in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “I am appalled by images of Swastika flags in Stockholm, something we never thought to see in Europe again.”
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hj11pocg1ll YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF arrests civilians that crossed into Gaza security buffer zone.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/20/2025 07:17 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850806 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF soldiers kill terrorist who opened fire on them in West Bank.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/20/2025 07:53 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850813 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF kills senior Hezbollah engineer.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/20/2025 08:19 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850817 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Houthi media reports more US military strikes in Sanaa, 12 allegedly killed - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/21/2025 01:03 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850847 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Houthis reportedly sanction 12 US arms companies for supplying Israel.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/21/2025 02:21 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850850 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iraqi lawmakers move to block Syrian president's visit.
 +
Leaked memo reveals efforts in Baghdad to prevent Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa from attending the Arab League Summit over terrorism allegations.
 +
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 04.20.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjv2rdfyee YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Officer who fought on Oct 7 injured again in Gaza.
 +
Major Nurit has been fighting Hamas since October 7, despite being injured in the war; 'Medics weren’t thrilled with me'.
 +
Ynet | 04.20.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skbuq9fklx YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Russia may play key role in revived Iran nuclear deal, US and Iranian officials say.
 +
Moscow positions itself as key intermediary in talks, possibly storing Tehran’s enriched uranium and acting as guarantor if US breaches agreement; major hurdles remain over uranium disposal and enforcement mechanisms, with further negotiations set for Geneva and Oman.
 +
Ynetnews | 04.21.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syi7ramjee YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Vermont, Mohsen Mahdawi, and Mountains of Useful Idiots.
 +
All it takes is two days of digging to unravel an entire story.
 +
 +
Let me tell you the real story of Mohsen Mahdawi, the latest student to have been arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the PR campaign he launched to publicize his detention and play an entire state of elected officials, turning many into fools, patsies, and mouthpieces to cover his terror-affiliated history.
 +
 +
The bottom line here is really scary. Mohsen has 17 years of university experience in total. Almost a decade of those 17 years were spent around US campuses – starting up anti-Israel groups and radicalising students. He does not appear to have a single degree to his name. If this man was either Chinese or Russian – and had spent a decade radicalising students on campus; if he also had a semi-fictional backstory, came from a family of terrorists, and had spent much of his life promoting extremist genocidal positions, there is not a politician in the US who would be seen anywhere near him. Red flags would be seen by all.
 +
 +
But he is not Chinese or Russian. Mohsen is a Palestinian – and for whatever reason that changes everything. Politicians, activists, NGOs and the media all become blind to an antisemitic genocidal fetish when it comes from the mouth of a Palestinian. It is almost as if their collective brains all just fall out. And this presents a real danger – not just for Jews – but for wider US society as well.
 +
 +
Making up a BS background
 +
 +
Mohsen may have learnt very early on the lesson that most Palestinians in the West come to learn: that he can claim anything – say anything – pretend he had personally experienced anything – and not a single person on the left would have the brains to question any of it.
 +
Apr 18, 2025,
 +
[https://david-collier.com/mohsen-mahdawi-vermont-useful-idiots/ DavidCollier]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Betar Worldwide
 +
@Betar_USA:
 +
‼️‼️‼️Hamas USA operative wearing mock suicide vest playing with wires in central Manhattan. Is this a test? Jews in great danger in NYC today!‼️‼️‼️
 +
 +
Apr 19, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/Betar_USA/status/1913644722259702243 on X]
 +
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
UN Hid Details of Official’s Travel Funding Amid Alleged Pro-Hamas Financing.
 +
by i24 News and Algemeiner Staff. Apr 20, 2025.
 +
 +
Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, attends a side event during the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 26, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
 +
 +
i24 News – The United Nations Human Rights Office appears to have disseminated intentionally deceptive information in an attempt to cover up travel funding that pro-Hamas organizations provided to a UN official.
 +
 +
UN special rapporteur for Palestinian rights Francesca Albanese took a politically-charged trip to Australia and New Zealand in November 2023. The trip included a fundraiser for a Palestinian lobby group, participation in media events, as well as meetings with pro-Palestinian politicians and civil society members, and pushing New Zealand’s sovereign wealth fund to divest from Israel.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/20/un-hid-details-of-officials-travel-funding-amid-alleged-pro-hamas-financing/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Minister of Interior orders cancellation of French delegation's visas.
 +
Ministry of the Interior cancels French delegation's visas, fearing provocative actions following Macron's intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 21, 2025, 8:19 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407125 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel weighing re-arrest of terrorists freed in previous deals.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 8:59 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407127 IMN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Two female soldiers injured in Gaza each lose a leg.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 9:42 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407134 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran's top diplomat to visit China on Tuesday, Iranian foreign ministry says.
 +
By Reuters. 04/21/2025 10:21 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850885 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Pope Francis dead following illness.
 +
Pope Francis, who called to end war in Gaza and condemned Israel for defending its citizens, dies at 88.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 11:06 AM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407140 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF, Shin Bet kill Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative in Gaza.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/21/2025 11:49 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850895 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
President Herzog offers condolences following Pope Francis' death.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/21/2025 11:50 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850896 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Watch: Pres. Herzog receives Amb. Huckabee's credentials.
 +
 +
Israeli President Herzog receives credentials from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 12:40 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407132 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Sa'ar to Huckabee:
 +
Israel could not have hoped for a better ambassador.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 4:15 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407153 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump to speak with Netanyahu on Monday to discuss hostage deal, Iran - report.
 +
By Walla! 04/21/2025 05:43 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850937 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'Put pressure where it belongs'
 +
Ambassador Huckabee's answer to WHO official's request.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 6:28 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407164 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Three Arrested at Protest in Scotland Against Israeli Athlete Competing in Bowls Tournament.
 +
by Shiryn Ghermezian. Apr 21, 2025.
 +
 +
Palestinian supporters protesting outside a Scotland vs. Israel match at the a UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers at Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland on May 31, 2024. Photo: Alex Todd/Sportpix/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
 +
 +
Three protesters were arrested and charged after participating in an anti-Israel demonstration in Scotland on Sunday that targeted an Israeli bowl player competing in the World Bowls Indoor Championship taking place in the Scottish city of Aberdeen.
 +
 +
The protest was co-organized by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) and was largely held outside the Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Club, where Israeli athlete Boaz Markus was competing, according to the Scottish newspaper The National...
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/21/three-arrested-protest-scotland-against-israeli-athlete-competing-bowls-tournament/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US had very good meetings with Iran, Trump says.
 +
By Reuters. 04/21/2025 06:48 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850944 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IRON Initiative head:
 +
'Qatar is worse than Iran, Israel doesn't understand this yet'.
 +
Rabbi Pini Dunner, President of the IRON Initiative, spoke with Arutz Sheva about the efforts to confront antisemitism in the US and how Qatar has used its vast wealth to blind officials in US and Israel to the threat it poses.
 +
Yoni Kempinski.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 7:21 PM
 +
..."Jews are not naturally protesters, certainly not in the United States," he said. "We know that a lot of money has been invested in creating this very negative view of Israel, particularly in college campuses. That's how all these unbelievable encampments just sprung up out of nowhere."
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406988 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Morag Corridor.
 +
IDF Spox: Hamas is under pressure we'll continue to pursue it.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 21, 2025, 8:29 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407168 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
White House begins search for a new defense secretary – NPR.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/21/2025 08:33 PM
 +
...This comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth included more strike plans against the Houthis in Yemen in Signal group chats that included his family members.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-850961 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Ahead of Memorial Day, study explores how song lyrics help Israelis cope with national trauma.
 +
It reveals that words—more than melody, rhythm or tempo—play a central role in helping individuals regulate their emotions.
 +
 +
(April 21, 2025 / JNS)
 +
As Israel prepares to commemorate Memorial Day on April 30 under the shadow of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Oct. 7 and the ongoing national crisis in Israel, a new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem sheds light on how people around the world turn to music—specifically, its lyrics—as a tool for navigating emotional distress, grief and isolation during times of crisis.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/ahead-of-memorial-day-study-explores-how-song-lyrics-help-israelis-cope-with-national-trauma/ JNS]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US airstrikes kill 12 Houthis, fuel local ire against Iran-backed terror proxy.
 +
Strikes across six Yemeni provinces spark fuel shortages in Houthi-held areas; terror group retaliates with drone attacks on Israel and US warships.
 +
Lior Ben Ari | 04.21.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkemaa7jle YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Released terrorist admits: 'Before Ben-Gvir, prison was like summer camp'.
 +
A terrorist who was released in the recent hostage deal described prison before Ben-Gvir became National Security Minister: 'It was as if we were one family.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 21, 2025, 9:23 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407171 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
The Holocaust survivors who will participate in Remembrance Day ceremony.
 +
Yad Vashem memorial event to include notable guests: Holocaust survivors who have seen the worst of humanity, persevered and came to Israel to start families.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.21.25.
 +
 +
Holocaust Remembrance Day will begin on Wednesday at 8:00 PM with the official opening ceremony at the Warsaw Ghetto Square at Yad Vashem. Speeches will be delivered by President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Six torches will be lit by Holocaust survivors: Arie Durst, Monika Barzel, Felix Sorin, Rachel Katz, Arie Reiter, and Gad Fartouk. Survivor Eva Erben will deliver the survivors' address.
 +
 +
Arie Durst.
 +
Arie Durst was born in 1933 in Lviv, Ukraine (then part of Poland). In June 1941, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union and occupied Lviv. His father, Friedrich, was drafted as a doctor into the Red Army. During the Nazi roundups, Arie and his mother hid in the basement of Arie’s former caretaker, a non-Jewish woman. During one of the roundups, Arie's brother, Marian, and his entire family were murdered. Arie’s mother, Salomea, obtained forged documents and planned to flee to Warsaw. To avoid suspicion, she hired a Polish man to accompany them. In Warsaw, she rented a room in the home of a French widow and claimed that she and Arie were Polish Catholics. Arie was raised as a Catholic, attending church every Sunday and learning Christian teachings from the landlord.
 +
 +
One day, police arrived at the building, but the doorman delayed them long enough for Arie and his mother to escape. On August 1, 1944, the Warsaw Uprising broke out. Arie and his mother hid but were caught after a month and deported by train to the Pruszków labor camp. The two escaped to the town of Leshna Gura, where Arie worked as a peddler until liberation. After the war, they reunited with Arie’s father, who had reached Tel Aviv. In 1945, Arie, his mother, and father immigrated to Israel with certificates his father had obtained. Arie studied in a medical reserve program, served as a doctor in IDF’s Golani Brigade, and received a commendation for performing an improvised surgery under fire. He later established Israel’s first transplant unit, managed the surgical department at Hadassah Medical Center, and introduced innovations in surgery, oncology, and trauma care.
 +
Arie and his wife, Dr. Ramona, have three children and eight grandchildren.
 +
 +
Monika Barzel.
 +
Monika Barzel was born in 1937 in Berlin. Her father, Eugen, was a doctor, and her mother, Edith, was a surgical nurse. Eugen fled to England, while Edith worked long hours at the Jewish hospital in Berlin to support the family. As a result, Monika was raised by her grandmother, Gertrude, in a single room in an apartment building in Berlin. Due to shortages, most of Monika’s memories revolve around food. In September 1942, Gertrude was deported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto, where she was murdered. Monika then moved in with her mother at the Jewish hospital. Until liberation, Monika roamed the hospital without formal schooling, with doctors, nurses, and patients as her only companions.
 +
 +
In February 1943, the "Factory Action" in Berlin took place, where Jewish forced laborers were rounded up and sent to Auschwitz to clear Berlin of Jews. In May, the Gestapo ordered the hospital director, Walter Lustig, to reduce the staff. He was forced to select 300 people to be deported to Auschwitz. Monika was placed on one of the deportation trains but was later ordered off. She contracted diphtheria and other illnesses but recovered despite receiving no treatment. From 1944 onward, she often stayed alone in shelters due to the bombings of Berlin and remained at the hospital until the end of the war.
 +
 +
After liberation, Edith and Monika left Berlin, first for Sweden and then for London. Edith married Rudy Friedman, a Holocaust survivor from Berlin who raised Monika as his daughter. Monika became a dentist in London and immigrated to Israel in 1962 with her partner, Ilan. The couple settled in Kibbutz Kfar HaNasi in the Upper Galilee, and Monika worked as a dentist until the age of 70. Monika and the late Ilan had two children and six grandchildren.
 +
 +
Felix Sorin.
 +
Felix Sorin was born in 1932 in Mogilev, Belarus. His father, Nathan, was a tailor and a communist activist. Despite this, the family spoke Yiddish and observed Jewish holidays. In 1939, the Soviets occupied eastern Poland, and the family moved to Ashmyany for work. When the Germans invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family fled eastward. Amid the chaos, Felix was separated from his parents and left alone under Nazi occupation. A stranger advised him not to reveal that he was Jewish or that his father was a communist.
 +
 +
Felix wandered alone for a long time, eventually reaching Minsk, where he was imprisoned in the ghetto and witnessed the murder of Jews. He escaped and was arrested but presented himself as a Russian orphan and was sent to an orphanage. Suspicion arose that he was Jewish, and he was sent to Minsk to face a committee. Felix insisted he was not Jewish, and his claim was supported by Vasily Orlov, a member of the committee. The committee’s secretary, who knew Felix, chose not to expose him. Orlov was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. Felix remained in the orphanage until the Red Army liberated the area in 1944.
 +
 +
After liberation, Felix feared that his family had not survived. One day, he discovered that his father was alive and serving in the Red Army. Soon after, his older brother, Isaac, surprised him at the orphanage, and Felix learned that his mother, Frida, and sister, Rosa, had also survived by fleeing eastward. The family reunited in Moldova. Felix studied at the Polytechnic Institute in Odessa and became a lecturer and researcher. In 1992, he immigrated to Israel, where he shares his story with youth, students, and educators through Yad Vashem and survivor organizations. Felix and his late wife, Ida, had two children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
 +
 +
Rachel Katz.
 +
Rachel Katz was born in 1937 in Antwerp, Belgium, to a family of immigrants. She was the second of four children. Her parents, Feiga-Tzipora and Benjamin, had emigrated from Bukovina, Romania. Feiga was a seamstress, and Benjamin was a merchant and glazier. In May 1940, the Germans occupied Belgium. In June 1942, Benjamin was arrested and sent to a labor camp in France and later deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he was murdered in November 1942. Feiga supported the family while caring for her four young children. The family moved between hiding places, aided by their neighbor Maria Louben, who provided them with forged documents and assistance. When German searches increased, Louben took Rachel and her siblings to her home and later found them refuge in a convent near Antwerp. Louben was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for her efforts.
 +
 +
After several months, the children were removed from the convent due to Gestapo raids and returned to Antwerp, where they lived in hiding with their mother under false identities until Belgium was liberated in September 1944. After the war, Rachel attended Tachkemoni School and worked to help support her family. In 1957, she immigrated to Israel, married, and raised a family. In 2000, she joined the Yad Vashem-affiliated organization Yesh (Children and Orphans of Holocaust Survivors) and currently serves as chair of Amcha, an organization supporting Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Rachel and her husband, Shmuel, have two children and three grandchildren.
 +
 +
Arie Reiter.
 +
Arie Reiter was born in 1929 in the town of Vaslui, Romania, the eldest son in a religious Hasidic family. Arie attended the Jewish school "Asah Tov" and a Talmud Torah. In 1939, the antisemitic Romanian regime closed the school Arie attended. His family was expelled from their home and moved into a wooden warehouse.
 +
In 1941, Arie’s father, Eliezer, was taken to a Romanian forced labor camp and was murdered in 1943. Arie and his two younger brothers worked in shops to support the family and suffered from hunger. In January 1944, Arie was taken with dozens of children to a labor camp near the town of Ronc, Romania, where he worked paving roads in the forest and building a wooden bridge over a river—a bridge that still exists today. In the camp, Arie slept on a wooden bench in an abandoned cowshed, enduring cold and hunger.
 +
 +
In August 1944, the Red Army liberated the area, including the camp. Arie walked barefoot for 50 miles under Soviet bombings to return to Vaslui. When he arrived, he weighed a meager 66 lbs. He found his family, and together they lived in the basement of relatives, as their home had been destroyed in the bombings. Arie completed his studies at a school for commerce and economics. He joined the Bnei Akiva youth movement, became the head of the Vaslui branch, raised funds for the Jewish National Fund, and worked to promote youth immigration to Israel.
 +
 +
In 1947, he sent his two brothers to Israel aboard the illegal immigration ship Pan York and continued assisting aliyah efforts. In 1951, he immigrated to Israel and reunited with his family in Be’er Sheva.
 +
Arie worked in the Finance Ministry and Bank Mizrahi, eventually becoming the bank's deputy CEO. He completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the history of the Jewish people, held various public roles, and established the Struma Museum and the Great Synagogue of Struma, where he has served as gabbai for over 60 years. In 2002, Arie was awarded the title of Distinguished Citizen of Be’er Sheva in recognition of his public service.
 +
Arie and his wife, Yehudit, have five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
 +
 +
Gad Fartouk.
 +
Gad Fartouk was born in 1931 in Nabeul, Tunisia, to a religious family of 11. His father, Yosef, was a fabric merchant, a member of the community council, and a benefactor to the synagogue. Many of his customers were non-Jews. Jewish and Arab families in the city celebrated holidays together.
 +
 +
In November 1942, Nazi Germany occupied Tunisia. On a Friday evening, the family’s door was knocked on, and Yosef was ordered to report to the police station. Since Shabbat had already begun, he refused to travel by car and walked instead. He was detained for several hours. The next day, the family moved to Hammam Lif and lived under false identities. Gad’s mother, Oukhaya, became ill and passed away. Yosef remarried Marie, who cared for the children as her own.
 +
As German presence in the city increased, Yosef went into hiding, and Marie sent Gad’s two brothers to hide in the forest. The rest of the family moved to live with an uncle in Gabès, who was protected from deportation due to his work with the French Navy. Over time, the family ran out of money and jewelry, which had been used to bribe Germans conducting house searches. They suffered extreme hunger and searched for food. Gad was sent to the marketplace dressed as a local Arab boy to gather food, often scavenging from garbage bins.
 +
In May 1943, the Germans retreated from Tunisia. One day, a bearded man in non-Jewish clothing arrived at the house. Gad and his brothers didn’t recognize him at first, but it was their father. The family reunited, returned to Nabeul, and celebrated Gad’s bar mitzvah. They later moved to Tunis, where Gad became an active member of the Hashomer Hatzair ("The Young Guardian") youth movement.
 +
In March 1948, Gad immigrated to Israel aboard an Italian fishing boat. He was accepted into Kibbutz Beit Zera and joined the Palmach. Later, he was part of a group that founded Kibbutz Karmia and eventually settled in Ashkelon. Gad was an amateur photographer and later turned his hobby into a profession.
 +
Gad and his late wife, Mona, had four children and 13 grandchildren.
 +
 +
Eva Erben.
 +
Eva Erben was born in 1930 in Děčín, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). In 1935, her family moved to Prague. Eva studied ballet and played piano. After the German occupation in March 1939, the family’s home was confiscated, and they moved to a small apartment. Eva was banned from attending school or entering stores and was required to wear a yellow star. Jewish parents in the neighborhood organized private lessons in their homes for the children.
 +
In December 1941, the family was deported to the Theresienstadt ghetto. At first, Eva and her mother lived in communal, overcrowded housing, later moving to an attic with her father. Eva worked in a vegetable garden and occasionally smuggled vegetables to her parents. She also visited the elderly, sang to them, and participated in the children’s opera Brundibár.
 +
 +
In October 1944, Eva’s father was sent to Auschwitz, followed by Eva and her mother. In Auschwitz, a friend advised Eva to claim she was 18 to be sent to work instead of the gas chambers. After three weeks, Eva and her mother were sent on a grueling march to perform forced labor at a camp in the Gross-Rosen system.
 +
In January 1945, Eva and her mother were taken on a death march, during which her mother died in Eva’s arms and was buried in a mass grave. One night, Eva fell asleep in the corner of a barn. When the Germans woke the prisoners to continue marching, Eva was left behind. Exhausted, she continued alone toward the Czech border. A German soldier nearly killed her, but another told him it wasn’t worth wasting a bullet as she would soon die anyway.
 +
Eva reached the village of Postřekov, where she collapsed. She was taken in by Ludmila and Kristof Jan, who cared for her lovingly until the war ended. The couple was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem.
 +
After the war, Eva went to a Jewish orphanage in Prague, studied nursing, and worked at a hospital. At a party celebrating the establishment of the State of Israel, she met Peter, a fellow survivor of Theresienstadt. They immigrated to Israel in 1949.
 +
Eva is a witness to history, sharing her story in Israel and around the world. Eva and her late husband, Peter, had three children, nine grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
 +
 +
Yehuda Hauptman.
 +
Yehuda Hauptman was born in 1938 in Topoľčany, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia). Following the collaboration between the Slovak fascist regime and Nazi Germany, the situation for Jews worsened, and the family moved to Budapest, Hungary, in 1941. In 1944, the Germans occupied Hungary, and Yehuda was forced to wear a yellow star. Yehuda’s mother managed to obtain Swedish citizenship documents for the family, and they found refuge in a protected house, but his father was sent to a labor camp. He escaped from the camp, hid in the forests, and returned home. Two weeks later, Nazi soldiers again took him to a labor camp. Yehuda’s grandparents were placed in the ghetto, where they helped his mother care for her four children. Due to the hunger, Yehuda would leave the ghetto to search for food scraps in garbage bins, which he brought back to his family.
 +
In early 1945, the Soviets liberated Budapest, and Yehuda’s father returned from the labor camp. After the liberation, Yehuda’s mother was diagnosed with tuberculosis and hospitalized. Under the communist regime, the authorities demanded that children study on Shabbat, including writing, which conflicted with their religious beliefs. At this point, Yehuda’s father decided the family had to leave. In 1949, he was offered the opportunity to move to Austria. Due to his wife’s illness, he decided to send Yehuda and his sister Rachel ahead, paying smugglers to take them to the border. He stayed behind with his wife, hoping to join them later.
 +
 +
Yehuda and his sister reached Vienna, where they joined a youth group organized by Naftali Lau to immigrate to Israel. From Vienna, they moved to Italy and, in 1950, immigrated to Israel. They stayed with their uncle in Safed and later moved to a boarding school in Petah Tikva. Their mother passed away in Budapest. Yehuda’s father and two other sisters later immigrated to Israel. Yehuda joined Kibbutz Sha’alvim through the Youth Aliyah program, where he worked on a farm and studied. He enlisted in the Nahal Brigade and participated in Israel’s wars.
 +
 +
Yehuda and his wife, Yehudit, eventually moved to Moshav Tekuma, where Yehuda fulfilled his pioneering dream as a farmer. He held public positions in several local communities, contributed to their development, and worked to improve their welfare.
 +
On October 7, Yehuda and Yehudit were at their home in Moshav Tekuma, located in the Gaza border region. They were evacuated from their home for four months, during which Yehuda deeply missed the land he loved so much. The distance reinforced his deep-rooted connection to the land, and he clung to hope for a return, to rebuild and overcome.
 +
Yehuda and Yehudit have six children, 23 grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/h1p1jozjgx YNrt]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
‘It was fate,’ says Holocaust survivor who also survived October 7.
 +
Yehuda Hauptman, Moshav Tkuma’s last surviving founding member and a Holocaust survivor, recalls his harrowing time fleeing from the Nazis and shock of Hamas' attack; 'The terrorists drove by on the road and just kept going'.
 +
Gilad Cohen | 04.22.25.
 +
 +
For the past year and a half, the name of the Israeli town of Tkuma has been closely tied to the haunting image of scorched vehicles piled at its western edge — remnants of the October 7 massacre. The charred cars, gathered in a makeshift memorial in the fields, have become a site of pilgrimage for visitors to the region.
 +
Located just 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the Gaza border, Tkuma was spared that day, thanks to a small group of local alert squad members. Though Hamas terrorists passed by the village gate, they didn’t enter.
 +
 +
Tkuma was founded on the night between October 5 and 6, 1946, along with 10 other communities established immediately after Yom Kippur. That was 77 years — minus one day — before the darkest Saturday the region has known.
 +
Its first residents were mostly Holocaust survivors from Eastern Europe, which is reflected in the village's name, meaning “rebirth.” Last year, Shoshana Neumann, one of Tkuma’s founding members, died. With her death, 87-year-old Yehuda Hauptman became the last Holocaust survivor living in the village — his life a symbol of the Jewish people’s renewal after the Holocaust.
 +
More Stories
 +
 +
‘A matter of fate’.
 +
On the morning of October 7, Hauptman dressed in his Sabbath clothes — a suit and hat — and headed to synagogue for morning prayers. Along the way, a neighbor, Shlomo, stopped him and told him to return home due to the unfolding situation.
 +
 +
“It was Simchat Torah. My daughter and granddaughters were with us. We were planning to celebrate,” he recalled. “I didn’t feel anything unusual on my way out. I’m hard of hearing, so I wouldn’t have noticed the noise anyway. It was just fate — Tkuma’s fate,” he said.
 +
On Wednesday, Hauptman will recite the memorial prayer El Maleh Rachamim at the official state ceremony at Yad Vashem.
 +
 +
Born in 1938 in Czechoslovakia, Hauptman's family fled to Budapest in 1941 to escape the collaboration between the fascist Slovak regime and Nazi Germany.
 +
“I think of my father’s siblings. Those who stayed in Czechoslovakia didn’t survive,” he said. “We moved to Hungary and were saved. That generation had lived through World War I. They believed that if they kept their heads down, the trouble would pass. They hoped the same in World War II.”
 +
In 1944, when the Nazis occupied Hungary, Hauptman was forced to wear a yellow star badge and live in a ghetto. His mother managed to obtain Swedish citizenship papers, which allowed the family to seek shelter in a protected house. His father, however, was sent to a labor camp.
 +
 +
He escaped, hid in the forests and returned — only to be caught again and sent back. Hauptman’s grandparents helped his mother care for him and his three siblings in the ghetto. Due to starvation, young Yehuda would sneak out to scavenge for food scraps from garbage bins to feed the family.
 +
 +
The Nazi extermination campaign reached Hungary with devastating speed. Between May 15 and July 9, 1944, roughly 500,000 Hungarian Jews were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and murdered. “It was fate,” said Hauptman. “We weren’t put on those trains — others were.”
 +
 +
Aliyah and October 7.
 +
After the war, Hauptman and his sister made their way to Vienna, then to Italy and finally made aliyah to Israel in 1950. Their mother died in Budapest but their father and two other sisters joined them in Israel. Yehuda was placed in Kibbutz Sha’alvim as part of the Youth Aliyah program, where he worked in agriculture and studied. He later enlisted in the Nahal military unit and served in Israel’s wars.
 +
Yehuda and his wife, Yehudit, eventually settled in Tkuma, where they raised six children and today have 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He realized his pioneering dream by working as a farmer and taking on public roles in nearby communities, contributing to their development and welfare.
 +
On October 7, the Hauptmans were at home. “The security chief told us that most weapons were removed from the armory before the attack — only two were left. Kibbutz Sa’ad reported to Tkuma and we got ready. A police officer used his patrol car to block the village gate.”
 +
“The terrorists drove by on the road and just kept going,” he recalled. “There was an argument among residents whether to open fire but the commander said, ‘Let them go. We don’t have enough weapons or ammunition to face them.’”
 +
Like other residents, the Hauptmans were evacuated for four months. During that time, Yehuda longed for the land he loved. The distance only deepened his connection to it. He held on to the hope of returning, rebuilding and carrying on.
 +
 +
“Tkuma was established by Holocaust survivors and a few native-born Israelis. They rushed to settle the land before the UN’s partition vote — to show there was Jewish life in the Negev. That was the idea behind the founding of the 11 points in the Negev,” he explained.
 +
Hauptman added that Tkuma aimed to set an example for other villages in the region. “After the Six-Day War, we started growing industrial crops. We wanted to help the new olim villages learn what grows well here.
 +
“We pulled the cart forward. That was our message: to lead by example. As a village secretary and agricultural coordinator, I worked to develop the settlements and support the people. Many newcomers didn’t know how to farm. Our message was that they could learn from us.”
 +
 +
‘Too small to voice political opinions’.
 +
Hauptman rarely comments on current affairs, but said one issue bothers him: the lack of military conscription among ultra-Orthodox Jews..
 +
 +
“I’m too small to voice political opinions,” he added. “As it says, ‘Many are the thoughts in a man’s heart but the counsel of God will stand.’...
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1lfyebjgl YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
After threats, president will lead March of the Living in Auschwitz under heavy security.
 +
Shin Bet intensifies security for Isaac Herzog’s Poland visit following threats; Herzog will lead the March of the Living at Auschwitz, joined by Holocaust survivors, former Hamas captives and bereaved families, marking 80 years since the end of the Holocaust.
 +
Itamar Eichner | 04.22.25.
 +
 +
[March of the Living].
 +
[https://ynet-pic1.yit.co.il/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/picserver6/crop_images/2025/04/21/HJNlrMN11V1ge/HJNlrMN11V1ge_0_99_1280_720_0_x-large.jpg]
 +
Shin Bet has increased security measures ahead of President Isaac Herzog's upcoming visit to Poland on Thursday, following public threats and the display of antisemitic protest signs in Warsaw calling for his arrest...
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyw2x7bkle YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
The powerful unit, and Tehran's insistence: "We will not give it up."
 +
Why did Iran set a red line, and how dangerous is it for us? All the details.
 +
"Outside the scope of any agreement": Iran's insistence on the missile force, and Israel's containment battle.
 +
While the Iranian foreign minister claims that the American team did not raise "any issue other than nuclear" in the talks, Israel insists that any agreement with Iran must also limit the Iranian missile program. • How long will it take Iran to adapt a missile to a nuclear warhead? Can the Iranian missile array be hit by a military strike? And what has Tehran learned from the "Libyan model"?
 +
Eitam Almadun | N12 | Published 16:43 22.04.25.
 +
 +
...What types of missiles does Iran have?
 +
 +
Ballistic missiles such as the Khaibar, Shahab 3, Khormashar or Sejil have a range of 2,000 km with the ability to carry an explosive charge of up to 1,500 kg. The Iranians also have cruise missiles, the best known of which is the Somar, which has a range of 2,000-3,000 km with the ability to carry 500 kg of explosives. Some of the missiles are based on solid fuel and some on liquid fuel, and some are multi-stage missiles - after the engine falls, the front body itself continues its flight.
 +
 +
Why does Iran need ballistic missiles if it wants nuclear weapons?
 +
 +
"In general, nuclear weapons without a platform are worthless," emphasizes Kaliski.  "The Iranian missile program serves them as a platform to carry weapons, conventional or unconventional, and this by relatively simple means."
 +
 +
According to him, the advantage of using missiles is their relative simplicity: "You don't have to have a fleet of aircraft, airfields, shelters, train pilots and crew members. You have a long, rounded body, put it on a truck or a launcher and send it with minimal preparations and with a crew that doesn't have to be as skilled as a pilot." According to him, "Iran is developing long-range ballistic missiles for one purpose only - to carry nuclear warheads. They have no other use that justifies the enormous investment in this technology."
 +
 +
The defense establishment believes that the main purpose of long-range ballistic missiles is to serve as a platform to carry nuclear warheads, and therefore the missile program cannot be separated from the nuclear program...
 +
[https://www.mako.co.il/news-world/2025_q2/Article-e0f10a10be75691027.htm?pId=173113802&main_article=1 Mako]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes 40 Hamas engineering vehicles, some used in massacre.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 5:10 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407223 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Independence Day.
 +
3 Mossad agents who led Hezbollah pager op to light torch.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 5:56 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407224 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US:
 +
Al Gore compares Trump administration to Nazi Germany.
 +
Tziki Brandwine.
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 6:08 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407225 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
 +
CVJ:
 +
'Progressive rabbis choose Progressivism over Judaism'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 6:52 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407227 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
“FIVE-ALARM FIRE:” Jewish Americans Under Siege As Antisemitism Reached All-Time High In 2024, Report Says
 +
April 22, 2025.
 +
[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/general/2390528/five-alarm-fire-jewish-americans-under-siege-as-antisemitism-reached-all-time-high-in-2024-report-says.html YWN]
 +
 +
ADL:
 +
Growth in antisemitism in US fueled by anti-Zionism.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 8:40 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407231 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Holocaust Memorial Day:
 +
We Remember — And We Wake Up.
 +
We owe it to the six million. Their memory demands more than silence and sirens. It demands unity. It demands strength. It demands that we live as one people—with one heart—even if we don’t always agree.
 +
Juda Honickman.
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 8:42 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407230 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Supernova chief of security files complaint against ISA head.
 +
Supernova chief of security Elkana Federman, files complaint with the Jerusalem Police against Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, for an intelligence failure leading to his injury and the death of his friends.
 +
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 9:24 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407232 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Minister Ben Gvir visits Miami police station.
 +
Minister Ben Gvir, accompanied by the Miami Police Department's senior commander, learns about training processes, technology, operations at the station.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 22, 2025, 10:39 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407234 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Houthis claim US Air Force attacked Hodeidah, northwestern Yemen - report.
 +
By Liran Haroni.
 +
04/23/2025 01:37 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851143 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF NCO wounded by stray bullet during military curfew - KAN.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/23/2025 07:33 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851157 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Bag containing IED from Oct. 7 found near Netivot.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/23/2025 08:53 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851161 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran says new US energy sanctions contradict ongoing Iran-US talks.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/23/2025 10:47 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851171 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Ein Hashlosha's battle:
 +
Residents fought for hours, reinforcements arrived late
 +
Uzi Baruch
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 1:52 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407263 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IMF appoints first mission chief to Syria in 14 years.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/23/2025 01:47 PM
 +
[https://ww.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851195 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel's amb. to Vatican to represent Israel at Pope's funeral.
 +
By Amichai Stein
 +
04/23/2025 02:13 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851197 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Palestinian Authority president calls Hamas ‘sons of dogs,’ demands release of hostages and disarmament.
 +
By Ibrahim Dahman, Pauline Lockwood and Oren Liebermann, CNN.
 +
Updated: 10:48 AM EDT, Wed April 23, 2025
 +
[https://lite.cnn.com/2025/04/23/middleeast/mahmoud-abbas-calls-hamas-sons-of-dogs-demands-hostage-release-intl/index.html. CNN]
 +
Abbas:
 +
PA should return to ruling Gaza with Hamas as a political party.
 +
Dalit Halevi.
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 9:27 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407290 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Sharon Osbourne:
 +
Band should lose US visas after anti-Israel Coachella performance.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 10:14 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407292 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Yale:
 +
Anti-Israel encampment returns to campus exactly 1 year later.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 10:36 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407293 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Haunting:
 +
101-year-old Holocaust survivor prays for the victims.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 9:46 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407291 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Live:
 +
Holocaust Remembrance Day Opening Ceremony at Yad Vashem.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 8:00 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407273 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
President Herzog:
 +
Echoes of the past, demands of the present: a call to reunite.
 +
President Isaac Herzog.
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 8:33 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407284 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu at Yad Vashem:
 +
We are not a vassal state, no one can stop us from defeating evil.
 +
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the state Holocaust Remembrance Day opening ceremony and promised that Israel will defeat Hamas and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 23, 2025, 9:23 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407289 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF kills terrorist throwing explosive at Israeli forces.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/23/2025 09:29 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851264 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
The Dogs of October 7: Israeli Teens Launch Emotional October 7th Campaign.
 +
“They shot the dogs too”:  How teens are telling Israel’s story through canine heroes
 +
A group of Israeli teens from Emek Hefer has launched a powerful global awareness campaign using the emotional stories of dogs affected by the October 7 attacks to share the human impact of terrorism. Through creative storytelling and visual media, their project bridges hearts worldwide with a unique lens on tragedy and resilience.
 +
Eliana Fleming.
 +
04/23/2025
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/teens-israel-story-canine-heroes JFeed]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Pittsburgh trio lied to US Air Force, conspired to attack synagogue, per new federal indictment.
 +
 +
The Justice Department is committed "to working alongside federal, state and local law enforcement partners to investigate crimes like these and to safeguard both the Jewish community and the public at large.”
 +
 +
(April 23, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Three Pittsburgh residents conspired to deface a Jewish building, lied to the federal government about supporting terrorists and owned and detonated illegal explosives, according to a superseding indictment that a federal grand jury in the city returned on Tuesday, per the U.S. Justice Department.
 +
 +
The nine-count indictment—which amends a prior complaint—names Mohamad Hamad (23), Talya Lubit (24) and Micaiah Collins (22), the first two of whom were indictment previously for tagging a Jewish building with anti-Israel graffiti. (Some Justice Department releases refer to “Tayla” Lubit, although the indictment says “Talya.”)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/pittsburgh-trio-lied-to-us-air-force-conspired-to-attack-synagogue-per-new-federal-indictment/ JNS]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
Amid regional tensions, Netanyahu to visit Azerbaijan.
 +
The trip follows President Ilham Aliyev's talks with Erdoğan and Syria's new ruler, Ahmad al-Sharaa.
 +
Ariel Kahana.
 +
(April 23, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/amid-regional-tensions-netanyahu-to-visit-azerbaijan/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
 +
Hamas plotted attack on Tempelhofer Feld, one of Berlin’s most popular parks.
 +
 +
One of the accused ran a restaurant in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. Another one was a taxi driver. Inconspicuous, friendly – seemingly integrated.
 +
 +
The discovery of a USB stick made the investigators sit up and take notice. What they found on it was highly explosive: coordinates, photos, clues to possible targets in Germany. Several locations were spied on: the Israeli embassy in Berlin, the US military airport in Ramstein and Tempelhofer Feld, one of Berlin’s most popular parks.
 +
[Hamas-Terror in Europa? Prozess in Berlin erschüttert die Geheimdienste! | Exxpress].
 +
Apr 23, 2025.
 +
[https://exxpress.at/politik/hamas-terror-in-europa-prozess-in-berlin-erschuettert-die-geheimdienste/ Exxpress.at]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Socialists AOC, Bernie Sanders took $15K-per-hour private jet to attend ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ rally.
 +
Chris Nesi. April 23, 2025.
 +
 +
For socialists, they’re sure a couple of high flyers!
 +
 +
Far-left New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was spotted exiting a private jet with her comrade in arms, Sen. Bernie Sanders, after shuttling between stops for a campaign dedicated to denouncing the wealthy.
 +
 +
Video from Fox News shows AOC and Sanders exiting a Bombardier Challenger 604 — despite both railing against flying private planes and the people who own them — a luxury aircraft with a lofty $5 million to $7 million price tag and costing an eye-watering $15,000 per hour to charter.
 +
[https://nypost.com/2025/04/23/us-news/aoc-bernie-sanders-take-private-jet-to-fighting-oligarchy-rally/ NYPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Rubio torpedoes the left’s anti-Israel stronghold inside the State Department.
 +
The administration isn’t abandoning the cause of human rights. A reorganization will stop bureaucratic ideologues from using the government to attack the Jewish state.
 +
Jonathan S. Tobin.
 +
 +
(April 24, 2025 / JNS)
 +
For decades, a group of so-called “human rights” organizations—in particular, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch—have been waging war on the State of Israel. As NGO Monitor, the authoritative source on the subject, has documented, these groups have conducted a multifaceted campaign involving support for boycotts across the board, smearing it as an “apartheid” state, and promoting its isolation and prosecution on the international stage.
 +
 +
In doing so, these non-governmental organizations and the liberal publications that continue to treat them as credible sources have succeeded in transforming human rights from a righteous cause into a movement that is a politically powerful, thinly veiled engine of 21st-century antisemitism.
 +
 +
Those who follow U.S. foreign policy have become all too aware of this development, especially since the Hamas-led Palestinian terrorist attacks and atrocities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Since then, this bogus “human rights” lobby has stepped up its efforts to delegitimize Israel’s efforts to defend itself and acted as tacit advocates for Hamas in falsely depicting the war in Gaza and against other Iranian proxies in Lebanon and Yemen as acts of “genocide.”
 +
 +
Most Americans have been largely unaware that a band of activists with similar goals and beliefs to those at Human Rights Watch and Amnesty have been operating from a base inside the U.S. government. Thanks to a reorganization of the U.S. State Department, announced this week by Secretary of State Marco, that may now be coming to an end.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/rubio-torpedoes-the-lefts-anti-israel-stronghold-inside-the-state-department/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes terrorists located in Hamas, PIJ command facility in Gaza's Jabalya.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/24/2025 11:09 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851350 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Spain cancels purchase of bullets from Israel.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/24/2025 01:28 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851363 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Iran says relations with E3 'down', proposes restarting dialogue.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/24/2025 03:24 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851372 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
France backs diplomatic solution on Iran nuclear dossier, ready to continue talks with Iran.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/24/2025 03:57 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851382 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu expresses condolences over Kashmir attack to Modi.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/24/2025 05:41 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851395 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu expresses condolences over Kashmir attack to Modi.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/24/2025 05:41 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851395 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US names lead for technical talks with Iran, Politico reports.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/24/2025 05:41 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851396 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF Arabic spox. orders final evacuation of Beit Hanoun, Sheikh Zayed.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/24/2025 06:23 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851402 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Omri Miran sobs in video: 'I miss my family'
 +
The family of the hostage Omri Miran authorized the publication of parts of the Hamas psychological terror video of him. 'The situation here is very difficult.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 24, 2025, 6:54 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407349 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Honenu demands criminal investigation against head of Shin Bet Jewish Department.
 +
Honenu appeals to Attorney General and Police chief demanding a criminal investigation against head of Shin Bet's Jewish Department, in light of his published recordings.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Published: Apr 24, 2025, 7:19 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407350 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump to meet with The Atlantic editor who was added to Yemen attack group.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/24/2025 07:27 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851410 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Will the warrants be dropped?
 +
ICC sends Israel's legal challenge back for further review.
 +
Appeals Chamber rules that a lower court must reconsider Israel’s claim that the ICC lacks jurisdiction in the case against Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Minister Gallant.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 24, 2025, 7:45 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407353 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Holocaust survivor Ruth Haran: 'I remember the Holocaust through the eyes of a young girl'.
 +
90-year-old Ruth Haran survived the Holocaust and massacre at Kibbutz Be'eri: 'When the war ended, I was barely seven years old, about the age my great-granddaughter Yahel was when kidnapped to Gaza.'
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 24, 2025, 7:46 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407352 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
We are fighting for them': IDF chief of staff conducts situational assessment in Rafah.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/24/2025 08:44 PM
 +
..."Hamas is responsible for starting this war, Hamas is still cruelly holding the hostages, and is responsible for the dire situation of the population in Gaza," Zamir said
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851418 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump says effort for Iran nuclear deal going well.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/24/2025 09:45 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851429 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
The Trump plan is working: Palestinians leaving Gaza in droves.
 +
An increasingly large number of Gazans are leaving the Strip whenever they can or are allowed, driven by the need for not only medical treatment but also the harsh conditions in the Strip.
 +
Avi Woolf.
 +
04/24/2025.
 +
Some 36,000 Palestinians have left the Gaza Strip in the last few weeks, due to the increasingly harsh conditions in the Strip and the absence of hope for a lasting ceasefire or rebuilding of the area, according to a report today (Thursday) by Channel 12 News.
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/palestinians-leaving-gaza JFeed]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
On Israel's Holocaust Memorial Day.
 +
WATCH: Pro-Palestinian protestors wave flags in front of Auschwitz.
 +
In another example of provocative action by supports of the Palestinians, protestors stood in front of the Nazi death camp waving Palestinian flags.
 +
Avi Woolf.
 +
04/24/2025.
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-world/pro-palestinian-protest-auschwitz JFeed]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli forces arrest head of terror cell in Nablus.
 +
Islam Qara'an was arrested in a joint IDF, Shin Bet, and police operation; forces acted covertly on precise intel.
 +
Elisha Ben Kimon, Einav Halabi |04.24.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkp78mdjlg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli soldier killed, two seriously wounded in northern Gaza ambush.
 +
Terrorist cell from Beit Hanoun fires an anti-tank missile and sniper rounds at troops positioned at outpost not far from where Warrant Officer G'haleb Sliman Alnasasra was killed a few days earlier.
 +
Yoav Zitun | 04.24.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byidgzojgl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Celebrities Help ‘Spotlight’ Holocaust Survivors, Their Testimonies in New NYC Portrait Exhibit.
 +
by Shiryn Ghermezian. April 23, 2025
 +
 +
A new portrait series and exhibition that opened in New York City on Tuesday showcases Holocaust survivors paired up with some of the most notable figures in media, fashion, and entertainment, in an effort to preserve survivor testimonies and amplify their stories, as well as to help combat antisemitism.
 +
 +
The portraits in “Borrowed Spotlight,” which is on display at the Detour Gallery, were captured by South African-born, renowned fashion photographer Bryce Thompson. They debuted ahead of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), which begins on Wednesday night and marks 80 years since the end of World War II. The photographs feature portraits of survivors alongside prominent Jewish and non-Jewish figures such as Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Garner, Billy Porter, Wolf Blitzer, Chelsea Handler, Jenna Dewan, Barbara Corcoran, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Scooter Braun, David Schwimmer, Martha Hunt, Ashley Benson, Josh Peck, George Stephanopoulos, Sheryl Sandberg, and Julius Erving.
 +
 +
The recognizable names heard testimonies from the Holocaust survivor they were paired with and then posed for photographs together with the survivor. Several of the celebrities who participated in the project shared statements on social media about the experience, including Porter, Hunt and Dewan. A total of 18 celebrity and Holocaust survivor-paired portraits are in the series, and they were all taken by Thompson in 2023 and 2024. The exhibit features these large-scale portraits but also additional behind-the-scenes photos and other elements that aim to educate and inspire the public.
 +
 +
One section showcases notes written by some of the Holocaust survivors about life, hope, and reflection. In one such note that was on display, Holocaust survivor Risa Igelfeld, who is 107 years old, wrote: “I am writing this to urge the world to bring only positive thoughts to one another and let love flow.”
 +
 +
“Holocaust survivors are few and far between. Special people with special stories, and I really felt like they need to be told. [And] firsthand was really important to me,” Thompson, who is not Jewish, told the large crowd that attended the exhibit’s opening on Tuesday night. “Hearing a story from someone who has told a story is not the same as sitting in a room with someone who lived through something.”
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/23/celebrities-help-spotlight-holocaust-survivors-their-testimonies-new-nyc-portrait-exhibit/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
‘The Jewish Spirit’: Holocaust Survivors, Freed Israeli Hostages Gather at Auschwitz for ‘March of the Living’.
 +
By Debbie Weiss. April 24, 2025.
 +
Oswiecim, Poland — Holocaust survivors, relatives of Israeli hostages, and survivors of Hamas captivity marched together at Auschwitz, the infamous former Nazi concentration camp in Poland, for the first time on Thursday, joining Israeli President Isaac Herzog in the annual March of the Living.
 +
 +
The march from Auschwitz I to Auschwitz II-Birkenau — the Nazis’ largest death camp where 1 million Jews were murdered during World War II — took place on Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and included 80 Holocaust survivors, many of whom were also death march survivors, to mark 80 years since the liberation of the camps.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/24/jewish-spirit-holocaust-survivors-freed-israeli-hostages-gather-auschwitz-march-living/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
 +
‘Outrageous’ says Chicago Jewish Alliance of city’s mayor wearing keffiyeh.
 +
“The keffiyeh isn’t just a cultural symbol. Not anymore,” the organization wrote. “It’s a flag of war.”
 +
 +
(April 24, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The Chicago Jewish Alliance denounced Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday after the local chapter of the Council on American–Islamic Relations posted a photo of him wearing a keffiyeh to celebrate Arab Heritage Month.
 +
 +
“This is outrageous,” the alliance wrote. “For the mayor of Chicago to stand there—cloaked in a symbol now synonymous with Jewish bloodshed, flanked by an organization that justifies it—is more than tone-deaf. It’s a betrayal.”
 +
[https://www.jns.org/outrageous-says-chicago-jewish-alliance-of-citys-mayor-wearing-keffiyeh/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Freed hostage Tal Shoham: Hamas terrorist called his wife and threatened to kill him.
 +
He shed further light on Hamas' brutality: Guards would taunt and humiliate them, asking how the music festival was and making shooting noises; He told himself each day that he'd eventually be free
 +
AP | 04.24.25.
 +
Whether the threat was abusive Hamas guards, hunger, illness or Israeli strikes, there were moments during Tal Shoham's 505 days of captivity in Gaza when he didn't think he'd be alive the next morning.
 +
There were "many times that I separated from life and ... tried to accept death," the 40-year-old Israeli who also holds Austrian citizenship told The Associated Press. "There are so many ways to die there."
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/r1luvvwyxl YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Single tank crew killed over 100 terrorists at Nir Yitzhak on Oct. 7, IDF probe finds
 +
Internal military investigation finds major failures in defending kibbutz on Oct. 7, but credits bravery of soldiers and civilian first-response team, who blunted attack and prevented far deadlier outcome
 +
 +
Elisha Ben Kimon | 04.25.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjf1q9ujex YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Memorial Day 2025: 316 soldiers fallen, 79 civilians killed in terror attacks since last year.
 +
As Israel prepares to observe Memorial Day, Defense Ministry announces updated total of 25,417 military casualties since 1860; 5,229 civilians killed in acts of terrorism since 1851.
 +
Gal Ganot, Shira Kadri-Ovadia | 04.25.25.
 +
 +
As Israel prepares to observe Memorial Day, the Defense Ministry has announced the updated total of 25,417 military casualties since 1860. This figure includes 316 new fallen soldiers and 61 disabled veterans who died from injuries sustained in previous wars and were officially recognized this year as fallen soldiers.
 +
The Ministry also reported that 5,229 Israeli civilians have been killed in acts of terrorism since the establishment of the Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel in 1851. Among the civilian casualties, 800 were children and teenagers under the age of 18. In the past year alone, 79 additional civilians have died in terrorist attacks. Since the onset of the current war, 934 civilians have been killed, including 778 in the October 7 massacre.
 +
 +
Currently, there are 8,674 bereaved parents, 5,391 widows, 10,302 orphans and 34,250 bereaved siblings in Israel. The total number of family members affected by these losses stands at 58,617, with 5,944 new bereaved families added following the "Swords of Iron" conflict. In the last year, 1,647 more individuals have joined this group, including 487 parents, 85 widows, 163 orphans and 912 siblings.
 +
On Tuesday, April 29, at 8:00 PM, a one-minute siren will be sounded nationwide to mark the beginning of Memorial Day. Memorial services will follow across the country, with the central ceremony taking place at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. On Wednesday at 11:00 AM, another siren will be heard and memorial services will be held at military cemeteries and memorial sites. A flyover of fighter jets will take place at 11:02 AM over the Mount Herzl military cemetery and national memorial hall.
 +
 +
“Memorial Day is not just a sad day – it is a sacred day,” said Arie Moalem, Director of the Families and Commemoration Division at the Ministry of Defense. “The memory of the fallen is a perpetual flame.”
 +
 +
These are the Hamas leaders who fled and who have been killed.
 +
In 2021, just before Operation 'Guardian of the Walls,' the elected members of Hamas' Political Bureau in the Gaza Strip posed for a group photo; Four years later, amid the ongoing war, 11 of them have been killed, and most of the survivors live abroad, with only a few remaining in the Gaza Strip.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1ctooojxx YNet]
 +
 +
Special report:
 +
79 victims were murdered in terror attacks since in the past year.
 +
Orly Harari.
 +
Apr 25, 2025, 10:30 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407383 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Islamic Pakistani American Amna Nawaz and hypocrisy.
 +
 +
PBS Newshour: Apr 23-24, 2025.
 +
 +
Following over a year of shocking US viewrs by hundreds of clips from a carefully monitored media by genocidal Hamas regime to propagate, the death cult controlling "health ministry" using its non-combatants in order to inflame emotions against Israel and PBS Newshour playing along...
 +
Yet, following Islamic terrorists' massacre in Kashmir [4.23.25], worst since Mumbai attack of 2008, the very same Amna Nawaz all of a sudden has little to say or to show.
 +
4.25.25.
 +
[https://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2025/04/linda-sarsours-bds-group-implies-it-is.html?m=1#comment-6694408187 at EoZ]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Houthis claim US conduct airstrikes across Yemen, including Sanaa, Hodeidah.
 +
By Liran Haroni.
 +
04/25/2025 02:14 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851477 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
China, Russia and Iran jointly discuss Iran's nuclear program with IAEA, reports Xinhua.
 +
By Reuters.
 +
04/25/2025 02:34 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851478 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani to meet US official on Friday.
 +
By Amichai Stein.
 +
04/25/2025 09:44 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851505 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
JNS International Policy Summit to address major Mideast concerns.
 +
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and several prominent Israeli Ministers and Knesset Members headline the inaugural event in Jerusalem.
 +
Asher Daniels.
 +
April 25, 2025
 +
 +
The inaugural JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on April 27 and April 28 represents an opportunity for those eager to see Israel turn the page on decades of the failed conceptzia that culminated in the worst acts of savagery perpetrated en masse against Jews since the Holocaust.
 +
 +
The summit—headlined by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and several prominent Israeli ministers and Knesset Members —features an array of politicians and leaders, including Hungarian State Secretary Peter Sztaray, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, Culture Minister Mikki Zohar, Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, Fox television and radio personality Mark Leven and Pastor John Hagee.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/jns-international-policy-summit-to-address-major-mideast-concerns/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Cleared for publication:
 +
Master Sergeant Asaf Cafri fell in battle in northern Gaza.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 25, 2025, 6:04 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407360 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US authorities:
 +
Columbia grad student Mahmoud Khalil was a 'flight risk'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 25, 2025, 7:34 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407377 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Terror attack foiled: Armed terrorist arrested in Qalqilya.
 +
Officers from Unit 33 of Lahav 433 arrested a terrorist who was on his way to commit a terror attack.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 25, 2025, 8:15 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407379 INN]
 +
 +
Israel Police arrest armed terrorist from Kalkilya plotting operational mission.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/25/2025 08:57 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851501 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US military:
 +
Houthi missile caused deadly explosion in Sana'a.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 25, 2025, 8:39 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407380 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israel's oldest Holocaust survivor passes away at 110.
 +
Nechama Grossman, considered Israel's oldest Holocaust survivor, passed away on Holocaust Remembrance Day. She is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 25, 2025, 12:35 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407392 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
New interactive map shows locations of Gaza's terror tunnels.
 +
Yitz Goldberg.
 +
Apr 25, 2025, 1:22 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407389 INN]
 +
 +
_______
 +
 +
Yad Vashem denounces Latvia closing investigation on 'Butcher of Riga' Herberts Cukurs.
 +
Yad Vashem also denounced the "repeated attempts to rehabilitate Cukurs's image in Latvia by distorting and ignoring historical truth."
 +
By James Genn.
 +
April 23, 2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-851136 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Failed Israeli policies end country's special status in D.C.: All routes to Washington no longer pass through Jerusalem.
 +
Opinion: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt all take precedence over Israel and are in direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, while maintaining close relations with his main rival, China.
 +
Jonathan Adiri|04.23.25 |
 +
The recent developments in the direct negotiations between the United States and Iran are a reflection of Israel's failed foreign policy. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt have all taken precedence over Israel and are in direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, while maintaining close relations with his main rival, China.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byaepbiyee YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
ChicagoJewishAlliance @ChiJewishAllies:
 +
Three years in prison. That’s what you get for launching the world’s saddest hate crime spree—armed with nothing but a Sharpie and zero artistic talent.
 +
 +
Swastikas and “Free Palestine” scrawled across Rogers Park like a toddler’s rebellion? Was this even serious? If antisemitism had a D-list, this would be it.
 +
 +
But here’s the thing: even when the hate is sloppy, the harm is real. Defacing Jewish spaces isn’t edgy—it’s intimidation. It’s meant to make Jewish Chicagoans feel unsafe in their own neighborhood.
 +
 +
So yes, three years is justice. But let’s not pretend the bigger picture has changed. Antisemitism in Chicago isn’t just a one-woman graffiti spree—it’s a climate that tolerates this stuff far too often.
 +
 +
We’ll keep showing up. Because fighting hate—even the amateur kind—is serious work.
 +
 +
Source: [https://t.co/lnNjUYM8Bv] [https://cwbchicago.com/2025/04/woman-gets-3-years-for-anti-semitic-graffiti-spree-in-rogers-park.html]
 +
Apr 24, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/ChiJewishAllies/status/1915566410631127176 on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Qatar-Based And -Funded International Union Of Muslim Scholars And Its Members Incite To Armed Jihad Against Israel And Murder Of Israeli Tourists In Arab Countries.
 +
April 23, 2025
 +
[https://www.memri.org/reports/qatar-based-and-funded-international-union-muslim-scholars-and-its-members-incite-armed Memri]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Harvard Is an Islamist Outpost.
 +
 +
By Ruth R. Wisse. Apr 24, 2025.
 +
 +
I taught at Harvard from 1993 through 2014, and I don’t think the federal government’s threats will be effective at changing the university’s culture. Harvard’s leaders don’t yet understand the danger that culture poses to the country or why it required intervention.
 +
 +
On Sept. 11, 2001, the Islamists of al Qaeda attacked the U.S. in a suicide mission that used American planes as their instruments of destruction. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas Islamists exploited Israel’s openness by invading the country, massacring civilians and kidnapping others. Jihadists use these new forms of warfare against those they can’t conquer by force. What concerns us here is their capture of elite American schools as outposts.
 +
 +
Harvard became directly implicated on Oct. 8, 2023, when the Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee issued a statement endorsed by more than 30 student groups that asserted “the Israeli regime” was “entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.” Students for Justice in Palestine declared Oct. 12 a “day of resistance” and had a “toolkit” ready for the encampments and demonstrations that spread beyond campus. SJP praised the “unity intifada” and “resistance” and declared that Palestinian students were “PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement.” In 2001 there were no such support groups for Islamists at Harvard.
 +
 +
Harvard was a soft target for foreign penetration, having developed an adversarial relationship to the American government and increasingly to the country itself. Veterans of the antiwar movement banished the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps from Harvard in the 1970s and kept it off campus for 40 years. When memories of Vietnam faded, the military’s exclusion of open homosexuals became the high-minded excuse for shutting out recruiters—but not government funding. This selective antigovernment policy was reflected in the curriculum, which took an increasingly critical approach to America and Western civilization...
 +
 +
The most useful of many political functions of anti-Zionism—as with antisemitism before Jews returned to their homeland—is building coalitions of grievance and blame against a small nation with a universally inflated and mostly negative image. This galvanizing enmity has united the pan-Arab and Islamist alliance against Israel since 1948. It powered the red-green coalition at the United Nations and seeds anti-Israel campus coalitions that are anti-American in all but name. Attacking only the Jews—now only Israel—is its key to becoming the world’s most powerful antidemocratic ideology.
 +
 +
The goal of destroying Israel remains central to Arab and Islamist identity and was admitted to Harvard along with some foreign students and investors. The Education Department reports the university received more than $100 million from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bangladesh between January 2020 and October 2024.
 +
 +
In 2007 I began warning successive presidents and deans that academic standards were being violated by the substitution of anti-Israel propaganda for a comprehensive program in the Center for Middle East Studies. They acknowledged the problem but refused to address it. As long as other institutions took Muslim money and ignored the war against the Jews, why should Harvard be holier than the pope?
 +
 +
Oct. 7, like Kristallnacht in 1938, forced some people to confront what they had tried to ignore. Students and faculty celebrating the atrocities against Israel could have been perpetrating them, given the chance. A committee of the new Harvard Jewish Alumni Alliance investigated the campus “hatred” and found it “worse than we had anticipated.” Ideological anti-Zionism governed not only the Center for Middle East Studies but also the School of Public Health and the Divinity School and figured in departments ranging alphabetically from anthropology and African American Studies to the Weatherhead Institute of International Affairs, and academically from music to the medical school. Harvard undertook a similar review only under pressure from Congress.
 +
 +
The university had taken steps to prevent campus unrest—by curtailing the Jewish and Christian presence. The Semitic Museum, established by Jacob Schiff in 1907 to make the same point as the Abraham Accords about the common sources of the three religions, was renamed the Museum of the Ancient Near East. The only vestige of Schiff’s intention remains in carved stone above the entrance. Archeological projects in Israel were discontinued and museum collections that once centered on the Bible and Jerusalem were refocused on the pyramids. The Harvard Divinity School restructured its curriculum to reflect that it was no longer a Christian or Unitarian seminary but a “pluralistic” religious-studies program.
 +
 +
Just when Harvard’s proud heritage should have been strengthened, biblical studies were degraded, and its traditions put on the defensive—Christianity even more than Judaism. Islamism was on the rise against America in decline.
 +
 +
There are still good people and programs at Harvard, and I am grateful for my time there. In an ideal world the government wouldn’t micromanage universities. But if Harvard shirks its responsibility to shore up the foundations of America and allows itself to be hijacked by an Islamist-inspired grievance coalition, why would it expect any support from the government?
 +
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/harvard-is-an-islamist-outpost-fringe-leftist-views-eventually-united-by-antisemitism-42759e15?st=5ca7Kk&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
The age-old link between antisemitism and misogyny.
 +
The parallels between the abuse suffered by women at the hands of extreme trans rights activists and what Jews endure from self-professed Palestinian supporters are striking.
 +
 +
By David Bennun. April 24, 2025.
 +
 +
Whether this is what most trans people want is an open question. We only hear the loudest, most extreme advocates of a cohort whose national numbers are unclear, and whose consensus view is thus unknowable. How many trans people are more concerned with, say, the lack of tailored healthcare, but have very good reasons not to put themselves in the issue’s white hot spotlight, we can only guess.
 +
 +
It’s worth noting that trans rights are not inherently incompatible with the interests of women. To navigate a way forward between the sex-based rights of women and the equally valid civil rights of trans people is possible. But not when one side forever rejects – furiously, implacably, intractably – any hint of such an accommodation. If that sounds familiar to any Jewish person who supports a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, and despairs at just who Israel is supposed to negotiate with towards such a goal, then well it might.
 +
 +
This is what happens when an initially legitimate cause becomes a quasi-religious hybrid of a fandom and a cult. Thus does Hamas’ butchery of Jews and cruel oppression of its own people become “legitimate resistance”; thus does misgendering a rapist in a blond wig become a more grievous offence than the predator’s own. The welfare, the real lives, of the people involved are sidelined in favour of what gratifies their self-selecting advocates: the thrill of absolutism; the utter absence of doubt or self-reflection; the gleeful, self-valorising flights of grandiose rhetoric; the cosplay; above all, the joy of lighting upon an enemy for whom one’s exultant hatred far surpasses one’s advertised compassion for those one champions.
 +
 +
It is revealing that at the apex of The Good People’s demonology stand the twin evils: Zionist and Terf. Jews and women. Jack Holland’s 2006 book Misogyny, which bears the subtitle The World’s Oldest Prejudice, details the frequent historical conjunction with the second-oldest. This unholy alliance offers a perfect example of what The Good People™ would call intersectionality; one to which their cognitive dissonance blinds them, given their camp’s delight in directing vitriolic abuse towards insubordinate Jewish women in particular. Antisemitism and misogyny: hand in glove down the ages, long before the state of Israel was ever dreamt of, long before gender identity was conceptualised. There is perhaps no vanity more risible than the unblinking conviction of The Good People™ that they are “on the right side of history” as they refashion for the 21st century its two most archaic wrongs.
 +
[https://www.thejc.com/opinion/antisemitism-misogyny-supreme-court-trans-ruling-a6hk0pyi TheJC]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
European Rabbis bash Latvia’s closure of case against 'Butcher of Riga'.
 +
Itamar Eichner |04.25.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1q3ai00yex YNet]
 +
 +
Latvia:
 +
Butcher of Riga's actions do not constitute 'genocide' under law.
 +
Latvia again closes case against ‘Butcher of Riga,’ tied to mass murder of Jews. Yad Vashem: 'Baffling.'
 +
Shira Li Bartov, JTA.
 +
Apr 26, 2025, 9:45 PM
 +
 +
A probe into a Latvian officer who led mass killings of Jews during World War II has been dropped — for a third time.
 +
 +
Herbert Cukurs had a senior position in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi death squad in German-occupied Latvia. In late 1941, he personally took part in mass murder at the Riga Ghetto and the nearby Rumbula forest, earning him a title as “The Butcher of Riga.”
 +
 +
But the Latvian Prosecutor General’s Office closed its case against Cukurs on April 4, according to Ilya Lensky, the director of the Jews in Latvia Museum who presented research on Cukurs. Prosecutor Juris Ločmelis determined that Cukurs’ actions did not constitute the criminal offense of “genocide” according to Latvian law.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407422 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Zoning Out the Jews.
 +
 +
By Seth Mandel. Apr 25, 2025.
 +
 +
It’s not difficult to suss out town officials’ motives. Last year, Mayor Derek Armstead was recorded telling school officials that hiring practices should be in accord with “what has to happen in order to keep our community being taken over by guys with big hats and curls.”
 +
 +
Landa wondered why towns keep doing this to themselves: Clifton, Toms River, and Jackson (towns near where I was born and raised) all tried zoning discrimination and eventually all lost lawsuits.
 +
 +
But there’s another aspect to this that has always bothered me. Having reported on land-use law and property disputes in New Jersey early in my career, one theme was hammered home: Residents wanted construction that wouldn’t add school-aged children to the town’s population, because that would cost the public-school system more money and that, in turn, would necessitate higher property taxes.
 +
 +
What happens when a large group of Orthodox Jews moves into town? It’s a municipal dream come true: They don’t put kids in the school system, so their taxes essentially subsidize the existing student population, and because of holidays and other observances they spend less time on roads and using other public services.
 +
 +
Orthodox Jews tend to be a massive gift to a town’s finances, paying into services they don’t use and driving up property values. The only reason to work so hard to prevent them from living in your town is if you hate Jews more than you like the town you claim to serve. Anti-Semitism is self-defeating, rarely more so than for a municipal official.
 +
 +
And that’s the truly disturbing thing about the rise in anti-Semitism in America. Jew-hatred trumps every other concern. It is irrational, and much of the time its purveyors cannot be reasoned with. In Jersey City in 2019, it ended in a mass shooting of Jewish establishments.
 +
 +
And as always, the supposed provocation is Jews merely living somewhere. A chunk of America is trying to drag the country back to where it was 100 years ago regarding its treatment of Jews. And some of the worst cases barely make headlines outside of local news.
 +
[https://www.commentary.org/seth-mandel/zoning-out-the-jews/ Commentary]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Former hostage Ron Krivoi: No one can truly understand what it’s like down in the tunnels.
 +
25 Apr 2025.
 +
 +
Former hostage Ron Krivoi has spoken out for the first time about his time in captivity and about the abuse suffered by the young man he met in the tunnels, Matan Angrest. Angrest, a hostage soldier, is still held in Gaza, Krivoi, an Israeli-Russian citizen, was taken hostage from the Nova music festival and was freed during the November 2023 ceasefire, in a Hamas nod to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
 +
 +
“As a person, I’m a quiet man, I live my life. That’s why I didn’t give interviews, I just continued my life as it was before – that’s what I asked for, to return to my life,” he tells Channel 12.
 +
 +
Krivoi, a soundman, was working at Nova when terrorists struck, massacring hundreds, raping, abusing and taking dozens hostage to Gaza.
 +
 +
Krivoi was first held for some time in a Gaza apartment. At one point, the house was bombed by the Israeli military and Krivoi was able to escape his captors, trying to make his way through devastated Gaza for several days before being recaptured.
 +
 +
“Once someone saw me – it ended badly. The people who caught me beat me up. It wasn’t simple. I went through something there… When they caught me and brought me back, the people who beat me were ordinary Gazans who took out all their frustration on me,” he says.
 +
 +
Of the tunnel he was then taken to, Krivoi says, “These aren’t the tunnels you see in pictures. We were in something really small, deep underground. There wasn’t even a floor – we were on sand, and the mattresses were all moldy. We were inside a very, very small cage. Honestly, about a meter and a half by a meter and a half, and we had to lie down and rest in it – you couldn’t stand. No height, no toilets, no food. We were five people, we ate one small dish with some canned food and a pita that we divided among us. I was there for 51 days and lost nine kilograms of body weight.”
 +
 +
Krivoi says soldier Matan Angrest arrived a day after he did, and was “completely, completely terrified.” Angrest was in a tank that was attacked by terrorists on October 7. The rest of the crew were killed.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/former-hostage-ron-krivoi-no-one-can-truly-understand-what-its-like-down-in-the-tunnels/ TOI]
 +
 +
lelemSLP @lelemSLP
 +
 +
"Matan gets beaten, passes out, tries to wake up, Hamas interrogate him, passes out again. They connected him to a battery on the way. And tried to wake him up. Yes, they electrocuted him with car battery.
 +
 +
His injuries are very bad. He goes through abuse that even if a person tries to imagine - he can't imagine, ever. The electrocute him to bring him back to consciousness to get information out of him.
 +
 +
He had burns on his fingers, something I've never seen, I haven't seen such form of burn. Looks like from acid or something like that."
 +
 +
Former hostage Ron Krivoi speaks out for the first time about his captivity and attempt to escape (he was captured by "ordinary Gazans", beaten and sold back to Hamas), and about horrific abuse that Matan Angrest (that was held with him) suffered.
 +
 +
Ron is a soundman that was working at Nova music festival when Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and "ordinary Gazans" invaded Israel, massacring 1200 innocent people, r*ping, abusing, cutting to pieces, burning people alive and taking 250 people, including toddlers and a baby, hostage to Gaza.
 +
 +
Video via
 +
@N12News , I added subtitles in English [pic.twitter.com/grqpmnxLJE]
 +
 +
— lelemSLP (@lelemSLP) April 25, 2025
 +
[https://twitter.com/lelemSLP/status/1915882272898879838 on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
"He didn't talk much about what he went through in Iraq."
 +
 +
It was only after Shlomo Mansour, z”l, was kidnapped by Hamas that his family found his secret journal about his experiences in the Farhud, a Nazi-inspired massacre of Baghdad’s Jews.
 +
 +
“They massacred Jews in a very brutal way: they beheaded people, cut off the limbs of babies, threw babies into wells in front of their parents, and cut off their heads. The Muslims broke into my parents' house when Shlomo was 3 years old and my sister was a baby in a crib. They beat my parents badly and shot their dog," says Hadassah, Shlomo’s sister.
 +
 +
"After that, Shlomo ran in a panic to the roof, saw a scene from there that left an impression on him, and wrote about it in his diary, which was found after he was kidnapped.
 +
 +
“Two Muslims were playing with the child, the baby, like a ball – and the mother was begging to take him. They impaled him and gave him to her."
 +
 +
Shlomo witnessed such horrific anti-Jewish violence that he couldn’t bear to tell his closest loved ones.
 +
 +
Violence of the same kind that traumatized him as a three-year-old eventually claimed his life at age 85, when Hamas murdered him and took his body captive.
 +
 +
Shlomo’s story is unspeakably heartbreaking. It is precisely because it was too painful for him to tell that we must tell it now.
 +
 +
May Shlomo’s memory be a blessing 💔. [pic.twitter.com/3qq1aJRzhN]
 +
 +
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) April 24, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/HenMazzig/status/1915497180431045020 on X]
 +
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Political hypocrisy under guise of broad Jewish coalition.
 +
A letter opposing the Trump administration's actions to counter antisemitism on campus doesn’t pass the smell test.
 +
Alan Newman.
 +
(Apr. 25, 2025 / JNS).
 +
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), under CEO Amy Spitalnick, released a letter last week titled “Broad coalition of mainstream Jewish organizations release statement rejecting false choice between Jewish safety and democracy.” In it, Spitalnick, a former press secretary for the group J Street, and the other signatories questioned the motives of the Trump administration to rein in antisemitism on college campuses and suggested that something more nefarious was at play, something threatening “democracy.”
 +
 +
The JCPA letter stated: “In recent weeks, escalating federal actions have used the guise of fighting antisemitism to justify stripping students of due process rights when they face arrest and/or deportation, as well as to threaten billions in academic research and education funding.”
 +
 +
“We reject any policies or actions that foment or take advantage of antisemitism and pit communities against one another,” the letter went on to say, “and we unequivocally condemn the exploitation of our community’s real concerns about antisemitism to undermine democratic norms and rights, including the rule of law, the right of due process, and/or the freedoms of speech, press and peaceful protest.”
 +
 +
Apparently, the JCPA sees a conspiracy where the Republicans hide their malign activities behind the “guise” of helping Jews and believe that Trump will “take advantage” of the civil unrest. It sounds like the JCPA views victimized Jews as fortuitous tools of Trump.
 +
 +
Did the JCPA or any of the coalition’s 10 Reform and Conservative administrations explore the Democratic Party’s flabby response to campus antisemitism, or the skyrocketing hate crime in America against Jews, or the half-baked condemnations of how the Israel Defense Forces conducted war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip after Oct. 7, 2023, and its meddling in Israeli politics?
 +
 +
Did the JCPA or any of the organizations that signed onto the letter pen critical commentaries about the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran or former President Joe Biden’s slow-walking supplies to Israel after Oct. 7?
 +
 +
What about the Robert Malley Iran security-clearance mess? Crickets.
 +
 +
The JCPA characterized its coalition as “broad,” yet it failed to mention that Orthodox institutions were not included.
 +
 +
On behalf of progressives, the JCPA has sanctimoniously questioned Trump’s actions. During the Biden administration, it tolerated the anti-Zionists and pro-Hamas antisemites who camped out at universities across the country and protested with hate-laced speeches.
 +
 +
The letter exposes a politically motivated hypocrisy, and the JCPA and others’ silence then negates their right to complain now. Their grousing is a day late and more than a few dollars short, and demonstrates how politics is, for some, their new religion.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/political-hypocrisy-under-guise-of-broad-jewish-coalition/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Why Israelis criticising Israel is fine but that FT letter was anything but.
 +
Jan Shure says the BoD must move quicker to deal with the deluded virtue-signalling deputies that kicked off the row.
 +
Jan Shure. Apr 25, 2025.
 +
...That said, I also recognise that some of the criticism expressed by the letter-writers is being openly aired in Israel. But Israelis vote. Israelis serve in the army. Israelis live or die by the actions of their government so any criticism, however harsh, by any Israeli – ideally inside Israel – is fine by me (and I imagine fine by most British Jews.)
 +
 +
But criticism of the Israeli government in Israel is very different from a renegade group of brain-washed, virtue-signalling useful idiots using manipulation – possibly even outright deception – to mislead by creating the illusion that their personal misguided and unrepresentative views are a majority view.
 +
 +
And not just misleading, but actively dishonest because a week or so earlier the Board had dismissed a call from the group to release a statement condemning “Israel’s decision” to “resume” its “offensive in Gaza,” on the grounds that the group was echoing the Islamist terrorists’ version rather than the facts.
 +
 +
But despite having been informed that their version of events was based on Hamas’s version of events, or that they did not reflect the Board’s view, they refused to be deflected from their course, and went ahead with their letter regardless.
 +
 +
As previously stated, any criticism of the Israeli government by any Israel is fine – though, I repeat, ideally if expressed in Israel. But not so fine in Britain at a time when British Jews are fighting a tsunami of misinformation and disinformation about Israel that has led to a terrifying surge in anti-Jewish racism.
 +
 +
And at such a time, it is especially abhorrent that a group whose members clearly base their view of the conflict on the very same misinformation and disinformation, has made it seem that their profoundly misguided views are “representative” of British Jews.
 +
 +
Through their – at best “disingenuous” – actions, this unrepresentative minority has helped to invert reality by making it seem that a majority of British Jews believe the Gaza lies and the terrorist distortions. They have made us appear complicit in Israel-hate. But most heinous of all, they have turned us into ammunition that Israel’s enemies can use against Israel and us.
 +
 +
Their actions are unforgiveable, and the BoD executive need to deal with these deluded, virtue-signallers more swiftly, more decisively, in a way that the media will find it harder to ignore.
 +
[https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/opinion-why-israelis-criticising-israel-is-fine-but-that-ft-letter-was-anything-but/ JewishNewsUK]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
But of course. @amanpour brings an anti-Zionist Jew @SharonBrous to undermine Pres. Trump's actions against the unabated surge of antisemitism on campus. Where was Sharon the last 4 years? [https://t.co/WIwpYMlH7a]
 +
 +
— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) April 25, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/Ostrov_A/status/1915684316543160472 on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Columbia Radicals Ditch Reported Encampment Plans After University Threatens Arrests.
 +
Agitators instead promoted a separate protest where students were pepper sprayed
 +
 +
Jessica Costescu and Jessica Schwalb.
 +
April 24, 2025.
 +
Columbia University student radicals abandoned their plans to launch an anti-Israel encampment Thursday afternoon after the Ivy League school warned that participants could face disciplinary actions, including arrest. Instead, agitators pushed protesters to join unrest elsewhere in New York.
 +
 +
During one of those protests, at City College of New York, police pepper sprayed keffiyeh-clad students clashing with law enforcement. Radicals there, about a mile from Columbia’s main campus, had established a "liberated zone," while dozens of additional agitators gathered outside the campus gates and taunted police.
 +
[https://freebeacon.com/campus/columbia-radicals-ditch-reported-encampment-plans-after-university-threatens-arrests/ FreeBeacon]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
PA no different, Chikli says after Abbas calls Hamas ‘sons of dogs’
 +
"Abu Mazen is one of the world's leading Holocaust deniers, a vile antisemite, and a sworn enemy of the State of Israel," the Israeli Cabinet member said.
 +
Akiva Van Koningsveld, Amelie Botbol.
 +
 +
(April 25, 2025 / JNS)
 +
Mahmoud Abbas “cannot claim to be any different from Hamas” as long as he rewards terrorists for their attacks, Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli said on Thursday after the Palestinian Authority chief called the Islamist terrorist group “Sons of dogs.”
 +
 +
“Abu Mazen is one of the world’s leading Holocaust deniers, a vile antisemite, and a sworn enemy of the State of Israel,” the Cabinet minister told JNS, using Abbas’s kunya, or Arabic nickname.
 +
 +
In rare televised remarks broadcast from Ramallah on Wednesday, Abbas had called on Hamas to “end its control over Gaza, hand over all its affairs to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the legitimate Palestinian National Authority, refrain from carrying arms, transform into a political party that operates according to the laws of the Palestinian state and adheres to international legitimacy.
 +
 +
Abbas accused the rival terrorist group of “inflicting severe damage to the Palestinian cause” since it took control of the Strip in a 2007 coup.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/pa-no-different-chikli-says-after-abbas-calls-hamas-sons-of-dogs/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
“May their father be cursed” – Mahmoud Abbas curses America twice in televised speech.
 +
Ephraim D. Tepler  | Apr 25, 2025.
 +
"May their father be cursed," sneered Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, mocking the United States in a televised speech. This crude insult wasn't a one-off—Abbas repeated it and was met with laughter and applause by the audience. It takes some nerve for Abbas to say something like that, after the Palestinians have received over $2.1 billion in American taxpayer-funded aid just since October 7, 2023.
 +
 +
In the speech, which was broadcast on official PA television, Abbas did not just curse but openly ridiculed the US, boasting about his repeated defiance of American leaders and policies: "33 times I told them [the Americans] 'No!'"
 +
 +
Abbas also used the occasion to lavish praise on Saudi Arabia for refusing to normalize relations with Israel, crediting Riyadh for conditioning any peace on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
 +
 +
This is not the first time the Palestinian leadership has responded to American generosity with insults and rejection.
 +
[https://palwatch.org/page/37118 PalWatch]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Rescued Hamas Hostage Noa Argamani References Coachella While Urging Public to Visit Nova Exhibit.
 +
April 25, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/25/rescued-hamas-hostage-noa-argamani-references-coachella-while-urging-public-visit-nova-exhibit// Algeneiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli Consulate Launches Times Square Billboard Campaign Condemning PA’s ‘Terror-Fueled Education’.
 +
April 25, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/25/israeli-consulate-launches-times-square-billboard-campaign-condemning-pas-terror-fueled-education// Algeneiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Israeli FM Praises Paraguay Decision to Label Iran’s IRGC, Proxies Hamas and Hezbollah as Terrorist Organizations.
 +
April 25, 2025
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/25/israeli-fm-praises-paraguay-decision-label-irans-irgc-proxies-hamas-hezbollah-terrorist-organizations/ Algeneiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Russia to Fund New Nuclear Power Plant in Iran as Bilateral Ties Deepen Amid US Talks.
 +
April 25, 2025
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/25/russia-fund-new-nuclear-power-plant-iran-bilateral-ties-deepen-amid-us-talks// Algeneiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Jewish Agency funded group that praised Netanyahu arrest order.
 +
The Zionist organization gave $43,000 to Physicians for Human Rights, which represents terrorists and blamed Israel for Oct. 7.
 +
Canaan Lidor.
 +
 +
(April 25, 2025 / JNS)
 +
The Jewish Agency for Israel defended on Thursday its gifting of tens of thousands of dollars in 2023 to an organization that has accused Israel of practicing apartheid, blamed it for the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in the northwestern Negev on Oct. 7, 2023, and offered to help the International Criminal Court build a war crimes case against the Jewish state.
 +
 +
The donation of 160,000 shekels ($43,000) to Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHR-I) “aligns with one of the Jewish Agency’s goals—supporting those in need,” a spokesperson told JNS in response to a query seeking a reaction to criticism about the donation, which the recipient group reported in a recent budget report
 +
[https://www.jns.org/jewish-agency-funded-group-that-praised-netanyahu-arrest-order JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Released Hostage:
 +
'God, thank you for the miracle'.
 +
Released hostage Eliya Cohen celebrated his first birthday after being freed today, surrounded by his family and friends.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 25, 2025, 3:35 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407403 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US DOJ rules:
 +
'UNRWA not immune from lawsuit over October 7 Hamas attacks'.
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
Apr 25, 2025.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407410 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
IAF strikes in Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff, Amir Bohbot.
 +
04/25/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851539 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Iran, US to resume talks in Oman to narrow gaps over new nuclear deal.
 +
Teams to meet in Muscat, Oman, with the mediation of Oman at an expert level to begin drawing up a framework for a potential nuclear deal.
 +
Reuters|04.26.25.
 +
 +
Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators will meet again on Saturday to hammer out a new deal curbing Tehran's advancing nuclear program, while U.S. President Donald Trump signalled confidence in clinching a new pact that would block Iran's path to a nuclear bomb.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjaxactyll YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Houthis target Beer Sheva in missile strike.
 +
The IDF says its aerial defenses intercepted the missile before it entered Israeli airspace, no injuries or damage reported.
 +
Ilana Curiel, Iris Lifshitz-Klieger | 04.26.25
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skghcnfyel YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Syria says will not become source of threat to Israel.
 +
In a letter responding to U.S. demands ahead of sanction relief, Syria says armed factions outside state control will not be permitted;  the U.S. says future normalization of ties to be determined by the interim authorities.
 +
Reuters | 04.26.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkdenl5ylg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US strikes target Sanaa, nearby districts in Houthi-controlled Yemen - reports.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/26/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851552 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF finds remains of Houthi missile while fighting Jerusalem fires.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/26/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851561 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas negotiators to arrive in Cairo on Saturday for hostage-ceasefire talks - report.
 +
By Maariv.
 +
04/26/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851577 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IAF intercepts drone from the East before it reaches Israeli territory.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
04/26/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-851568 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
New US under secretary of defense holds first call with Israel
 +
“Israel is not only a close ally, but a model one that takes its own self-defense with utmost seriousness and is willing to invest and act accordingly,” wrote Elbridge Colby.
 +
 +
(April 25, 2025 / JNS).
 +
In his first foreign engagement since taking on the role of U.S. under secretary of defense in April, Elbridge Colby spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart, Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, director general of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, prior to hosting Baram’s team at the Pentagon, Colby announced on Friday.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/new-us-under-secretary-of-defense-holds-first-call-with-israel/  JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Trump: Willing to ‘lead the pack’ in strike against Iran.
 +
The U.S. president further denied reports that Washington blocked an Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
 +
(April 26, 2025 / JNS)
 +
If the negotiations on a deal to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program fail, the United States will lead an attack against it, President Donald Trump said on Friday.
 +
 +
“It’s possible we’ll have to attack, because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” the president told Time magazine in an interview conducted last week and published on Friday, marking his first 100 days in office.
 +
 +
Asked by the interviewer whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might drag the U.S. into war with the Islamic Republic, Trump said, “he may go into a war. But we’re not getting dragged in. … You asked if he’d drag me in, like I’d go in unwillingly. No, I may go in very willingly if we can’t get a deal. If we don’t make a deal, I’ll be leading the pac
 +
[https://www.jns.org/trump-willing-to-lead-the-pack-in-strike-against-iran/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
700 injured in blast at Iranian port.
 +
Orly Harari.
 +
Apr 26, 2025, 8:04 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407418 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Fierce battles in Gaza, three divisions fight Hamas.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 26, 2025, 8:08 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407419 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Border Police officer and Armored Corps officer fall in battle.
 +
Captain Ido Voloch, 21, of the Armored Corps, and Sergeant Neta Yitzhak Kahana, a Border Police officer, fell in battle in Gaza.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 26, 2025, 8:34 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407421 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas offers:
 +
All hostages released in exchange for five-year ceasefire.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Apr 26, 2025, 9:05 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407420 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Fierce battles in Gaza, three divisions fight Hamas
 +
Mahmoud Abbas' new deputy
 +
Israel National News
 +
Apr 26, 2025, 10:12 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407419 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
One day tourists would travel from Jerusalem to Damascus: US lawmaker optimistic after al-Sharaa meeting.
 +
Rep. Marlin Stutzman returns from Syria optimistic about new ties with Israel and the West, urging a trust but verify approach; despite Israeli skepticism, he sees a historic chance for change if Syria’s new leadership proves genuine.
 +
Daniel Edelson, New York | 05.26.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1kgphcjxx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Mahmoud Abbas' new deputy.
 +
Palestinian Authority chair Mahmoud Abbas' new deputy named as Fatah Secretary-General and terrorist Hussein al-Sheikh, who served a prison sentence in Israel.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: Apr 26, 2025, 10:12 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407424 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
'We’ll burn Jews like Hitler did’: Freelance journalist for BBC Arabic praises attacks on Jews: report.
 +
Samer Elzaenen, who appeared on BBC Arabic multiple times since war began, shared posts promoting hatred, violence against Jews and support for terror; BBC says he is not an employee and they were unaware of his social media activity
 +
Ynet|04.26.25.
 +
 +
A Gaza-based journalist who has appeared frequently on BBC Arabic since the beginning of the war expressed support for violence against Jews and praised terrorist attacks, the Telegraph reported on Saturday.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkunysq1xg YNet]
 +
 +
The Jerusalem Post @Jerusalem_Post:
 +
BBC Arabic journalist Samer Elzaenen has called for Jews to be burned “as Hitler did,” The Telegraph quoted him as saying in a Saturday report.
 +
From jpost.com [https://t.co/7EIuznMifx].
 +
Apr 26, 2025.
 +
[https://x.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/1916151450637369711 X]
 +
 +
Aviva Klompas @AvivaKlompas:
 +
A snapshot of Samer Elzaenen's posts:
 +
“My message to the Zionist Jews...We shall burn you as Hitler did, but this time we won’t have a single one of you left.”
 +
“When things go awry for us, shoot the Jews, it fixes everything.”
 +
Elzaenen has praised over 30 terror attacks against Israeli civilians.
 +
Is this what passes for an impartial journalist @BBCNews ?
 +
Quote:
 +
Aviva Klompas
 +
@AvivaKlompas ·
 +
Another day. Another example of @BBC bias.
 +
Samer Elzaenen, a journalist reporting for BBC Arabic from Gaza, has repeatedly called for violence against Jews on social media and even called for Jews to be burned “as Hitler did.”
 +
Apr 26, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/AvivaKlompas/status/1916177268373594529 X]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
==Apr 27 - May 4, 2025 (Houthi's missile hit)==
 +
Garber announces new initiatives to fight antisemitism, anti-Israeli bias.
 +
Jared Ellias and Derek Penslar.
 +
Co-chairs for the Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias Jared Ellias (left) and Derek Penslar.
 +
 +
Photos by Jessica Scranton and Robin Levin Penslar.
 +
Julie McDonough.
 +
Harvard Staff.
 +
April 29, 2025
 +
 +
Actions come as task force releases full report.
 +
Harvard University will build upon its previous work, as well as launch new initiatives and actions, to combat antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias, President Alan M. Garber announced on Tuesday. The actions laid out by Garber come in conjunction with the release of the final report and recommendations from the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias.
 +
[https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/04/garber-announces-new-initiatives-to-fight-antisemitism-anti-israeli-bias/ Harvard]
 +
 +
Harvard president apologizes following anti-Semitism report.
 +
Harsh reports reveal harsh reality for Jewish students after October 7. In one case, a Jewish student was forced to censor a mention of Israel from a speech about his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. The university president responded: 'We have failed to live up to our own high expectations'
 +
Efrat Numberg Junger | Mako |
 +
Published 06:03 30.04.25 | Updated 08:18 30.04.25.
 +
 +
Harvard University President Alan Garber has apologized after scathing reports of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia on campus were released. "I regret the moments when we fell short of the high expectations we have for our community," Gerber wrote in a letter accompanying the reports.
 +
 +
The reports, spanning more than 500 pages, reveal a difficult reality for Jewish and Israeli students on campus following the massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in the southern communities. Garber himself admitted that he had recently experienced anti-Semitism at the university.
 +
[https://www.mako.co.il/finances-news/Article-17e6b65ff548691026.htm Mako]
 +
 +
Harvard Releases Long Awaited Antisemitism Task Force Report — and an Apology From the University’s President.
 +
by Dion J. Pierre.
 +
May 1, 2025.
 +
 +
Harvard University has released its long anticipated report on campus antisemitism and along with it an apology from interim president Alan Garber which acknowledged that school officials failed in key ways to address the hatred to which Jewish students were subjected following Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, massacre across southern Israel.
 +
 +
The over 300-page document, released on Tuesday, provides a complete account of antisemitic incidents which transpired on Harvard’s campus in recent years — from the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee’s (PSC) endorsement of the Oct. 7 terrorist atrocities to an anti-Zionist faculty group’s sharing an antisemitic cartoon which depicted Jews as murderers of people of color — and said that one source of the problem is the institution’s past refusal to afford Jews the same protections against discrimination enjoyed by other minority groups. It also issued recommendations for improving Jewish life on campus going forward.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/30/harvard-releases-long-awaited-antisemitism-task-force-report-and-an-apology-from-the-universitys-president/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Kosher🎗🧡 @koshercockney:
 +
Shocking new footage coming out of Pro-Palestine mobs hunting and attacking Jews in Brooklyn.
 +
 +
I never knew how humanity could let the Holocaust happen until now, this is starting to get very close to 1930s Germany.
 +
 +
From:
 +
Canary Mission
 +
11:38 AM · Apr 29, 2025
 +
[https://x.com/koshercockney/status/1917272290279956914 on X]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'ACCOMPLICE' NABBED Shock twist in Nola terror attack as second suspect is arrested months after Shamsud-Din Jabbar killed 14 and wounded 57
 +
Jabbar served in Afghanistan before pledging his allegiance to ISIS in an eerie video.
 +
Forrest McFarland, Senior News Reporter. Apr 30 2025.
 +
[https://www.the-sun.com/news/14136570/nola-terror-attack-arrest-isis-shamsud-jabbar/ TheSun]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Palestinian Columbia University student freed from ICE custody on judge’s orders.
 +
Palestinian Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi freed from ICE custody on judge’s orders, immediately sends message to Trump.
 +
Israel National News
 +
Published: Apr 30, 2025, 9:05 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407654 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
Katz: Israel is determined to prevent a nuclear Iran.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/30/2025 09:19 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852074 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
First to engage: Remembering the commandos who put everything on the line on October 7.
 +
New documentary reveals powerful testimonies from Yamam counterterrorism fighters and families of those killed during October 7 Hamas terror attack; film captures stories of courage, loss and dedication to protecting lives in Israel's darkest moments.
 +
Meir Turgeman | 04.30.25.
 +
 +
A documentary by the Border Police released on Wednesday to mark Memorial Day for Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, reveals rare footage in which members of the Yamam (Israel's elite counterterrorism unit) share their personal stories for the first time about comrades who fell in battle during the Hamas terror attack on October 7.
 +
"On the morning of 'Black Saturday,' Yamam fighters were the first to respond, engage and fight," said Border Police Commander Deputy Commissioner Berik Yitzhak.
 +
 +
Nine Yamam fighters were killed in the bloody battle during the Hamas terrorist attack. Sergeant First Class Y., a fighter in the unit, shared in the new film: "We realized something unusual was happening, but we didn’t fully understand what was going on. We were told it was another call-up, there were sirens, there was some drama, but we didn’t comprehend the magnitude of the event."
 +
Sergeant Major A., another fighter in the unit, recounted: "What we knew was a white pickup truck with armed men rolled into Sderot. We reached the Sderot junction, where we encountered a vehicle and started exchanging fire."
 +
More Stories
 +
US backs Israel's ban on UNRWA Gaza aid operations at World Court
 +
In memory: Jewish convert killed in Gaza will keep saving lives
 +
'The time of the fragile and puny Jew no longer exists': Jewish leaders defiant in face of antisemitism surge
 +
Border Police Commander Yitzhak noted, "The first encounter was with fighters from the unit. I received reports of one engagement, then another. Battles were taking place on different fronts, along with concerns of an officer being kidnapped, yet the fighters kept fighting."
 +
 +
Chief Inspector A., a Yamam commander, explained: "Our unit trained for years, we were prepared for this kind of event. When I reached Sderot, I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll give it my all; there are several terrorists here.’ Along the way, I heard that each of the guys thought they were giving their all and that the event was over. But then you realize it’s an ongoing event, and you only finish it by Sunday afternoon."
 +
Sergeant Major B., another fighter in the unit, described: "We saw hundreds of abandoned cars and bodies strewn on the ground; it was like a resounding slap in the face." Sergeant Major A. said: "We have been here long enough to sense whether we are in a dangerous situation or one that will pass easily. The fear of what could happen only sinks in later when you hear about more and more wounded and dead. Every few minutes, you hear another name, and it seeps in."
 +
 +
The film also features the families of the Yamam fighters who fell in battle. Shmuel, the father of Chen Nachmias, said: "These fighters set aside their emotions, doing what they were trained to do—fight, concentrate on the mission, and achieve the objective." Tal, Chen’s widow, added: "If he were here, I think he would be incredibly proud, knowing that everyone gave above and beyond. They were a significant part of turning that day toward its end."
 +
Shachar, the widow of Moshael Shlomo, shared: "At first, it weighed heavily on me that I didn’t get to say goodbye to him, but in the end, that was him—Moshael never stopped for a moment. He always put his friends first, and we knew that. It wasn’t something new or unusual. He wouldn’t have wasted time on saying goodbye, at least not to me."
 +
Yulia, the sister of Alexei Shmeklov, mentioned in the film that she later understood he had fought at the police station in Sderot. "When they told us there were hostages and that he saved them, we knew that for Alexei, that was everything. There was no way civilians or hostages would remain in the police station if he was there; he would get them out. Alexei wrote in his personal notebook, ‘I am fighting the good fight, not for honor, not for money, but so that good will triumph over evil. Fighting is the only thing that matters.’"
 +
 +
Fani, the mother of Avshalom Peretz, said in the film: "They truly loved him; he is deeply missed by them. To this day, they accompany us, saying how much he is missed in every situation." Anton, the cousin of Stanislav Sheinkman, added: "Every stage of life was shaped by him. He was truly a role model." Alona, Stanislav’s widow, stated: "The bravery in this man, his sharpness, his sense of purpose—he was a warrior at heart."
 +
 +
Avraham, father of Dror Elton, shared: "Dror was a joyful person. Everywhere he went, he spread goodness. One of his sayings was, ‘Brother, I’m coming,’ meaning that if someone asked for his help, he would always show up. He could inspire everyone to bring out their best." Lilach, Dror’s widow, remarked: "The last action he took before he was killed encapsulates both his identity as a National Counterterrorism Unit fighter and as a bomb technician. He identified a large explosive, ran toward it, and neutralized it under fire. It’s an honor to know he fulfilled everything he trained for."
 +
Ayelet, the widow of Bar Sivan, said: "In his final moments, he realized that the three comrades he was with had found themselves in a difficult situation. All three were injured. He understood that his only option was to enter the danger zone and, to some extent, risk his own life. During those moments, he sent me a farewell message. Even then, he managed to balance between his operational life and the chaos, taking a moment to stop, perhaps to say goodbye, perhaps not, and then deciding to go in and save them. Unfortunately, he was killed along with two of them, while one survived."
 +
 +
Esti, the mother of Yorai Cohen, shared: "He was a child who knew how to maintain his circle of friends throughout his entire life—a wonderful trait that still helps us today. He was an amazing father." His father, Yaakov, added: "The deeds he accomplished in his life, and what his friends did, will accompany us for generations." Adar, Yorai’s widow, mentioned that she tells their young daughter everything important about her father: "It’s important to me that she knows he was allergic to watermelon, that he loved a song by Noa Kirel—all these little things that made him who he was."
 +
Racheli, the sister of Avraham Henkin, shared: "Aside from Avraham the commander, the brave and daring fighter, he was an incredible brother and a wonderful father."
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/by08anjggg YNet]
 +
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas Urges Arson as Wildfires Grip Israel on Memorial Day.
 +
May 1, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/04/30/hamas-urges-arson-wildfires-grip-israel-memorial-day/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
'May [Allah] burn[sic] Them’: Jerusalem wildfires prompt celebration, incitement on Palestinian and Arab social media.
 +
Wave of online posts praise wildfires near Jerusalem, with some users inciting arson and sharing instructions for setting fires.
 +
Einav Halabi | 04.30.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/sybbhggxlg YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
No active threats, Benjamin Regional Council confirms after terrorist infiltration alert.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/30/2025 11:20 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852201 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
During operational activity.
 +
Reservist severely injured by explosive in Samaria.
 +
Uzi Baruch.
 +
Apr 30, 2025, 11:33 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407664 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IED explosion in West Bank seriously wounds IDF soldier.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 04/30/2025 11:43 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852203 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Trump hints no more grants to Harvard: They are not behaving well.
 +
 +
US President hints at halting federal grants to Harvard, citing concerns over the university's handling of speech, hiring, and recent pro-Palestinian Arab protests.
 +
 +
Elad Benari.
 +
May 1, 2025, 3:09 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407669 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Watch:
 +
Captivity survivor Agam Berger plays violin alongside Dudu Fisher.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 1, 2025, 4:23 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407670 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Republicans propose cut to UN funding over anti-Israel actions.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 1, 2025, 5:51 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407673 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
President Trump nominates Mike Waltz as US Ambassador to United Nations.
 +
Trump nominates Mike Waltz to be replaced as national security adviser; to be appointed as US Ambassador to United Nations.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
Published: May 1, 2025, 10:05 PM (GMT+3)
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407715 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump:
 +
Fewer than 24 hostages are still alive.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 1, 2025, 10:21 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407717 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hersh's mother reveals shocking details about her son's murder.
 +
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin who was murdered while in captivity, speaks to diplomatic staff stationed in Israel, reveals details about her son's murder in a Hamas tunnel.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 1, 2025, 11:40 PM
 +
[...]
 +
Hersh was one of six hostages who were murdered in captivity and whose bodies were recovered from the Gaza Strip last August.
 +
 +
“My name is Rachel and I will always be the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin…the beautiful six, Eden, Ori, Elmog, Alex, Carmel, and Hersh, had been held in an airless pitch-black tunnel 20 meters underground. It was only a meter sixty in height and just 60 centimeters wide,” said Hersh’s mother in her remarks.
 +
 +
“There was no electricity nor plumbing. All of them were emaciated. Hersh, who was 1.85 meters tall, weighed 53 kilograms. Delightful Eden was 1.60 meters tall. She weighed just 35 kilograms. They were all bullet-ridden and filthy, having not showered in months.”
 +
 +
“Hersh was shot in his only hand. His other hand had been blown off on October 7th during his abduction. He was shot in his shoulder, his neck, the side of his head below his ear, and in the back of his head,” the mother said.
 +
 +
“He was found frozen on his knees with his face resting on the face of Eden, Eden, a girl named after Paradise. And since then, we have lived on another galaxy.”
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407720 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Brandeis Center sues anti-Israel activists in federal court over Jew-hatred at UCLA, Columbia.
 +
Antisemitism at both schools is part of an “international effort to bring Hamas’s terror agenda to the United States,” Kenneth L. Marcus told JNS.
 +
Vita Fellig.
 +
 +
(May 1, 2025 / JNS)
 +
In recent months, colleges and universities have been sued in court and undergone federal probes for alleged inaction protecting Jews on campus. Two federal lawsuits, which the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and others filed on Friday, target different defendants—individuals accused of setting up anti-Israel encampments and carrying out antisemitic attacks and making threats at UCLA and Columbia University.
 +
 +
“This is not just hate-filled students spewing ugliness,” Kenneth L. Marcus, chair of the Brandeis Center, told JNS. “This is a network of outside organizations working with students and faculty to engage in significant criminal behavior.”
 +
 +
“It is necessary here not just to hold the university accountable but to go after the perpetrators directly,” Marcus said.
 +
[https://www.jns.org/brandeis-center-sues-anti-israel-activists-in-federal-court-over-jew-hatred-at-ucla-columbia/ JNS]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
British Foreign Secretary Lammy: UK, France discuss recognizing Palestinian state.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 05/01/2025 12:52 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852247 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu to meet with security officials to discuss expanding Gaza op. Friday noon.
 +
By Amichai Stein. 05/01/2025 12:57 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852248 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes kill three in Lebanon, seven in Gaza.
 +
By Amit Bohbot, Liran Aharoni 05/01/2025 01:25 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852251 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
IDF thwarts weapon smuggling attempt from Egypt.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 05/01/2025 06:40 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852276 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US VP Vance says Indian response to Kashmir attack should avoid regional war
 +
By Reuters. 05/02/2025 01:33 AM
 +
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852323 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Iran should not be afraid of nuclear inspections, Rubio says.
 +
By Reuters. 05/02/2025 04:51 AM
 +
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852335 JPost]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Irish Rap Trio Kneecap Sees More Concerts Canceled as British Artists Express Solidarity With Anti-Israel Remarks.
 +
May 1, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/05/01/irish-rap-trio-kneecap-sees-more-concerts-canceled-british-artists-express-solidarity-anti-israel-remarks/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US-Iran Nuclear Talks Postponed Amid Rising Tensions.
 +
May 1, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/05/01/us-iran-nuclear-talks-postponed-amid-rising-tensions/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
DNI: Almost 1,200 foreign terror suspects are inside the U.S. thanks to Biden... and there are likely more.
 +
by: Pat Droney 2025-05-01 Source: Law Enforcement Today Editorial.
 +
[https://lawenforcementtoday.com/dni-tulsi-gabbard-says-almost-1200-foreign-terror-suspects-are-inside-the-u-s-thanks-to-biden-there-are-likely-more lawenforcementtoday]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Massive Druze Protests: "Israel is Committed to Protecting Our Brothers".
 +
Chizki Stern. May 1, 2025.
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/druze-protests-israel-syria-response JFeed]
 +
 +
Druze protesters march towards PM's Caesarea residence.
 +
By Walla! 05/02/2025 12:30 AM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852317 JPost]
 +
 +
"Critical Minutes" IDF Poised to Strike any Moment in Syria If Druze Massacre Confirmed.
 +
If reports of an imminent attack on the Druze community in southern Syria prove true, Israeli defense officials say the IDF will launch a full military response.
 +
Yair Kleinbaum.
 +
May 1, 2025.
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news/idf-poised-strike-syria-druze-massacre JFeed]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF strikes near Syrian presidential palace amid violence against Druze.
 +
Akiva Van Koningveld.
 +
(May 2, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/idf-strikes-near-syrian-presidential-palace-amid-violence-against-druze/ JNS]
 +
 +
Israeli strike hits Syria's Hama countryside.
 +
Syrian media says Israeli jets struck near Shtaha in Hama, targeting Assad-linked air base; later hits in Damascus, Latakia
 +
Lior Ben Ari |05.02.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjwjb3gxgx YNet]
 +
 +
IDF strikes multiple targets in Syria
 +
IDF confirms strikes on a military site, anti-aircraft cannons, and surface-to-air missile infrastructure in Syria. Syrian media report that Israeli fighter jets struck multiple areas in the country, including an air defense base used by the former regime.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 3, 2025, 1:17 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407767 INN]
 +
 +
Druze and Jews Together.
 +
Report: IDF taking "active measures" to protect Druze - near Damascus.
 +
Israel is taking an increasingly active role in seeking to protect Druze from Jihadi terrorists in southern Syria, both in the Golan Heights and even near Damascus, following a series of murderous attacks.
 +
Avi Woolf.
 +
May 2, 2025 14:44
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/middleeast/idf-protecting-druze-in-syria JFeed]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Sergeant Niv Dayag, 19, killed in accident in Golan Heights
 +
Uzi Baruch
 +
May 2, 2025, 9:53 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407741 INN]
 +
 +
Soldier killed in Golan Heights, bringing IDF wartime toll to 851.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(May 2, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/soldier-killed-in-golan-heights-bringing-idf-wartime-toll-to-851/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Second time in a day:
 +
Sirens in northern Israel following missile launch from Yemen.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 2, 2025, 2:10 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407748 INN]
 +
 +
______
 +
 +
 +
US, Israel near deal on aid delivery to Gaza without Hamas interference - report.
 +
Operations into this new aid delivery initiative would be led by an internationally governed foundation.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
May 3, 2025.
 +
...
 +
The report cited Israeli officials saying that this new system of aid delivery will weaken the terrorist organization because the aid delivery will "deny it the revenue and decrease the population's dependence on the group."...
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852422 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Anti-Israel protests on campus recall Europe under the Nazis, survivor tells Senate panel.
 +
"What's happening today looks and feels the same," David Schaecter testified before the Senate Aging Committee during a hearing on "addressing the rise of antisemitism and supporting older Americans."
 +
Jonathan D. Salant.
 +
 +
(May 2, 2025 / JNS).
 +
The ways that Jewish college students are treated at anti-Israel protests look and sound like the period leading up to the Holocaust, David Schaecter, president of the Holocaust Survivors Foundation USA, told the Senate Special Committee on Aging at a hearing on Wednesday.
 +
Wednesday.
 +
 +
“Protests on college campuses that intimidate and threaten Jewish students are not benign and cannot be ignored,” Schaecter, who survived Buchenwald and Auschwitz, told the Senate panel. “I remember vividly when Slovakian classmates taunted Jewish kids like me, and what’s happening today looks and feels the same.”
 +
 +
For the 1.6 million American Jewish seniors, including more than 30,000 Holocaust survivors, the rise in Jew-hatred is more traumatic,
 +
[https://www.jns.org/anti-israel-protests-on-campus-recall-europe-under-the-nazis-survivor-tells-senate-panel/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Keffiyeh-clad protesters ram fence at US military airbase in Ireland.
 +
The activists attempted to reach a US Air Force aircraft that had stopped at the location for refueling but were caught by the airport's security unit and removed from the site.
 +
by Sahar Avrahami and Neta Bar. Published on 05-02-2025 09:00
 +
[https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/02/keffiyeh-clad-protesters-ram-fence-at-us-military-airbase-in-ireland/ ILH]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Tranche of 800+ Audio Tapes, Including Conversations with Nazis, Digitized and Available for Research at Hoover.
 +
 +
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s surrender in May 1945, the Hoover Institution Library & Archives has released more than 800 digitized audio recordings and transcripts of conversations relating to 20th century conflict – most notably, undercover conversations with high-ranking Nazis who had fled to South America.
 +
 +
Friday, May 2, 2025.
 +
featuring the work of Katharina Friedla, Thomas Weber.
 +
[https://www.hoover.org/press/tranche-800-audio-tapes-including-conversations-nazis-digitized-and-available-research-hoover Hoover]
 +
 +
Hitler's Extermination Order: Rare Conversations with Senior Nazis Released Online.
 +
Over 800 rare recordings of conversations with senior Nazis have been released to the public. In these recordings, high-ranking officials can be heard openly discussing Hitler's extermination order and Holocaust atrocities. The recordings and additional rare materials are available to the public.
 +
Kikar Hashabbat.
 +
May 4, 2025 15:41
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/history/nazi-holocaust-recordings-released JFeed]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Mixed reactions from Jewish leaders, lawmakers on Trump’s first 100 days.
 +
“Unlike other presidents who make empty promises, President Trump keeps his promises, delivering for the American Jewish community and pro-Israel patriots across our country,” RJC spokesman Sam Markstein told JNS.
 +
Izzy Salant, Jonathan D. Salant.
 +
(May 2, 2025 / JNS).
 +
[https://www.jns.org/mixed-reactions-from-jewish-leaders-lawmakers-on-trumps-first-100-days/ JNS]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Senior terrorist eliminated in Shechem.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 2, 2025, 8:02 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407761 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Germany labels AfD a far-right extremist group.
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
May 2, 2025, 10:13 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407764 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Third time in one day:
 +
UAV from Yemen intercepted.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 2, 2025, 11:03 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407765 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Lebanese gov’t body: Tell Hamas to cease terror operations in country.
 +
The Supreme Defense Council asks parliament to warn the Palestinian group not to jeopardize the country's stability.
 +
JNS Staff.
 +
(May 2, 2025 / JNS)
 +
[https://www.jns.org/lebanese-govt-body-tell-hamas-to-cease-terror-operations-in-country/ JNS]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Senators push to strip UNRWA of legal immunity.
 +
Elad Benari, Canada.
 +
May 3, 2025, 12:32 AM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407768 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Attack of Gaza aid ship near Malta is a warning sign.
 +
Analysis: The organizers of the Gaza-bound aid ship don’t know who struck it, but only a regional power can hit a vessel at sea with drones from such a range. The message was clear. The question is: was it received?
 +
 +
Ron Ben-Yishai|05.02.25
 +
 +
It remains unclear when exactly the organizers of the “Freedom Flotilla,” aimed at delivering aid to Gaza in defiance of Israel’s naval blockade, intended to approach the enclave. What is known is that one of the vessels slated to participate in the flotilla was attacked near Malta, reportedly from the air.
 +
 +
According to the flotilla’s organizers, who are linked to Hamas, the ship, departing Tunisia several days ago, was targeted by drones. They told CNN and Maltese maritime authorities that they could not identify who carried out the attack but speculated that it was an Israeli drone or drones that fired munitions at the ship’s bow, where its generators are located. None of the passengers were injured in the strike, which occurred after midnight in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
 +
 +
Foreign hostages forgotten in Gaza: ‘They were beaten for not understanding Hamas’.
 +
Five foreign hostages remain in captivity, as their families facing language barriers and isolation; 'To speak with them, we send a cousin on a two-hour journey into the mountains just to translate,' says Lt. Col. A. 'But I’ve never felt anger from their side'.
 +
Rotem Izak |05.03.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hk11wnszelx YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
PA leader Abbas: ‘Hamas-affiliated gangs primarily responsible’ for Gaza aid looting
 +
Statement says Palestinian people ‘will not forgive these disgraceful acts committed in such a critical time’.
 +
By ToI Staff.
 +
May 3, 2025.
 +
[https://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-leader-abbas-hamas-affiliated-gangs-primarily-responsible-for-gaza-aid-looting/ TOI]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
US, Israel near deal on aid delivery to Gaza without Hamas interference - report.
 +
Operations into this new aid delivery initiative would be led by an internationally governed foundation.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff.
 +
May 3, 2025.
 +
...
 +
The report cited Israeli officials saying that this new system of aid delivery will weaken the terrorist organization because the aid delivery will "deny it the revenue and decrease the population's dependence on the group."...
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852422 JPost]
 +
 +
Israel, US in talks to resume aid deliveries to Gaza as famine looms, sources say, with announcement possible in coming days
 +
By Dana Karni, Jennifer Hansler and Oren Liebermann
 +
4 minute read
 +
Updated 2:10 PM EDT, Sat May 3, 2025
 +
[...]
 +
The delivery mechanism in the works would allow aid to reach the Palestinian population with safeguards to ensure it is not diverted by Hamas or Islamic Jihad, according to a State Department spokesperson.
 +
 +
An unnamed private foundation would manage the aid mechanism and the delivery of the humanitarian supplies into Gaza, the spokesperson said.
 +
 +
“Safeguards are finally in place. Israel remains secure, Hamas empty handed, and Gazans with access to critical aid,” the spokesperson said, adding that the mechanism “helps fulfill President Trump’s commitment” to help Gaza. The spokesperson described the project as an element of “creative thinking” but did not provide any details on how it would function in the besieged enclave.
 +
[https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/03/middleeast/israel-us-aid-talks-gaza-intl CNN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
Hostage Deal.
 +
Another round of hostage deal talks expected, Israel prepares for escalation.
 +
by Danny Zaken and Shachar Kleiman. May 3, 2025
 +
As Israel prepares for an escalation in Gaza, Palestinian sources say the upcoming talks will revisit previous proposals, as Hamas demands a five-year truce while mediators push a two-phase plan.
 +
[https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/03/another-round-of-hostage-deal-talks-expected-israel-prepares-for-an-escalation/ ILH]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Some non-Israeli hostages beaten to death by Hamas for not understanding Arabic, English - report.
 +
On October 7, 35 foreigners were kidnapped. Five foreign hostages remain in Hamas captivity, of whom three are believed to be dead.
 +
By Jerusalwm Post Staff.
 +
May 3, 2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-852428 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
France: Left-wing MP Ismaël Boudjekada arrested for glorifying terrorism.
 +
Ismaël Boudjekada, an opposition politician in Grand-Charmont (Doubs), who is on the Union citoyenne de gauche et écologistes (Left Citizens’ Union and Environmentalists) list, was arrested by border police at Basel-Mulhouse international airport at around 10am this morning, Europe 1 reports.
 +
May 3, 2025.
 +
[Doubs : l’élu de gauche Ismaël Boudjekada interpellé pour apologie du terrorisme
 +
L’élu avait déjà été condamné pour ses propos polémiques sur le conflit israélo-palestinien.
 +
Par valeursactuelles.com
 +
Publié le 3 mai 2025 à 22h12]
 +
[https://www.valeursactuelles.com/societe/doubs-lelu-de-gauche-ismael-boudjekada-interpelle-pour-apologie-du-terrorisme valeursactuelles.com]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Riding Anti-Trump Wave, Australia’s Albanese Secures 2nd term.
 +
by i24 News and Algemeiner Staff.
 +
May 3, 2025.
 +
[https://www.algemeiner.com/2025/05/03/riding-anti-trump-wave-australias-albanese-secures-2nd-term/ Algemeiner]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Maltese government on Gaza flotilla: 'No aircraft entered Maltese airspace' - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 05/03/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852452 JPost]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
Strikes carried out against military targets in Hama area, Syria - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 05/03/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852456 JPost]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak resigns.
 +
By Reuters. 05/03/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852459 JPost]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
IAF intercepts drone approaching from the east.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 05/03/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852479 JPost]
 +
 +
___
 +
 +
 +
Psychological terrorism:
 +
Hamas publishes sign of life from hostage Maxim Herkin.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 3, 2025, 8:06 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407771 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
IDF destroys Hamas weapons storehouse in Gaza.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 3, 2025, 8:32 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407773 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Syria:
 +
12 IAF fighter planes strike dozens of weapons in Syria.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 3, 2025, 8:46 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407774 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Due to developments in Syria: Netanyahu postpones Azerbaijan trip.
 +
Ido Ben Porat.
 +
May 3, 2025, 8:57 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407775 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Trump fires advisor over alleged contact with Israel against Iran.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 3, 2025, 10:49 PM
 +
...According to the Washington Post, Waltz and Netanyahu had several conversations before the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in February, which angered the American president.
 +
 +
The Prime Minister's Office denied the claims: "Contrary to the Washington Post report, PM Netanyahu did not have intensive contact with Mike Waltz on Iran. PM Netanyahu had a warm meeting with Mike Waltz and Steve Witkoff at Blair House in February prior to the Prime Minister's meeting with President Trump at the White House. Mike Waltz also joined VP JD Vance in a meeting with the PM before leaving Washington. Since then, the PM, the former National Security Advisor and Steve Witkoff had one phone conversion that did not deal with Iran."
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407781 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Netanyahu:
 +
'Qatar must stop playing both sides'.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 3, 2025, 11:28 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407786 INN]
 +
 +
PMO tells Qatar to 'stop the double talk' after Doha ICJ comments.
 +
By Amichai Stein. 05/03/2025 11:12 PM
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852489 JPost]
 +
 +
Netanyahu to Qatar: 'Stop playing both sides'.
 +
PM renews criticism of Doha, declaring Gulf state must 'decide if it's on the side of civilization or the side of Hamas barbarism'.
 +
Itamar Eichner, Lior Ben Ari|05.03.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkfnuz4lxg YNet]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
Shoulder-fired missile launched towards home in northern Israel.
 +
Israel National News.
 +
May 3, 2025, 11:49 PM
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407788 INN]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Unidentified remains of October 7 victims await identification amid bureaucratic stalemate.
 +
Roughly 350 body bags from the Hamas massacre remain unidentified at Shura base, as dispute between Military Rabbinate and Religious Services Ministry stalls further DNA testing over concerns of resources and desecration.
 +
Guy Asif |05.04.25.
 +
[https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/b1trjcjgex YNet]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Police arrest two suspects in arson of Ben-Shemen forest.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 05/04/2025 3:31 PM.
 +
Israel Police arrested two Arab suspects in the arson of the Ben-Shemen forest on nationalistic grounds.
 +
Amar Dar Daoud, a 19-year-old resident of Jerusalem, was arrested with an additional minor after a civilian saw them lighting an object on fire near a road in the area of Modi’in.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852567 JPost]
 +
 +
Ben Shemen Forest: Two Israeli Arabs arrested for suspected arson.
 +
Israel National News. May 4, 2025.
 +
Officers from the Modiin police station apprehended two Israeli-Arabs from Jerusalem on Saturday near Ben Shemen Forest in central Israel for alleged arson. The court extended the custody of the suspects on Sunday by two days.
 +
[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407821 INN]
 +
 +
_____
 +
 +
 +
US carries out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen - report.
 +
By Jerusalem Post Staff. 05/04/2025 2:59 AM.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852494 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Hamas pledges to execute, amputate Gazans accused of ‘treason,’ ‘theft’.
 +
The terrorist organization said that it would "strike with an iron fist all these renegades," that threaten civilians[sic].
 +
By Ohad Merlin. 05/04/2025.
 +
[https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852578 JPost]
 +
 +
____
 +
 +
 +
Terror in the textbooks: Palestinian Authority teaches kids to "burn Zionist soldiers".
 +
A recent study reveals how another generation of Palestinians is being raised on anti-Semitism and glorifying terror attacks.
 +
Avi Nachmani.
 +
May 4, 2025.
 +
[https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/palestinian-authority-textbooks-glorify-terror JFeed]
  
 
==Further reading==
 
==Further reading==

Latest revision as of 02:06, May 11, 2025

This is part 5 of primary sources for Swords of Iron" or use the Template:

Main article: Swords of Iron

Continuing from Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

Next Part 6.

Introduction

Oct 7, 2023 atrocities, the thousands of "Palestinian" Arab Muslim barbarian (Hamas/PIJ, PFLP & ordinary Gazans) onslaught on southern Israel - under Allah Akbar cries: massacring youth at a festival, torching families alive at their homes, suffocating shelters with people in them, mass torture, mass rape - some even post mortem - all while laughing, slaughtering children in front of their parents - parents in front of their children, beheading babies, dismembering bodies, kidnapping kids, men women into Gaza while parading them to cheers of other racist Arab masses. It led to operation Swords of Iron.

Notes Part I: Jan 17 2025 - Feb 26 2025

US military strikes Houthi targets in Yemen - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/17/2025 07:26 AM JPost

____


Macron to travel to Lebanon on Friday. By Reuters. 01/17/2025 07:27 AM JPost

____


Bibas family marks Kfir's second birthday in captivity. Israel National News. Jan 17, 2025, 8:54 AM INN

_____

'We are dealing with the devil'. Col. (ret.) Amit Assa on the hostage-for-ceasefire deal: 'You can't deal with the devil if you want to kill him'. Lidar Grave-Lazi, ILTV|1.17.25. YNet

_____


Hostage's father: This deal comes too late for my son. Israel National News. Jan 17, 2025, 11:31 AM INN

_____


PMO: First hostages expected to be released on Sunday. Israel National News. Jan 17, 2025, 12:00 PM INN

____


These are the 33 hostages who are expected to be released. The list does not indicate the conditions of the hostages or which of them are still alive. Yoni Kempinski. Jan 17, 2025, 10:26 AM (GMT+2)

The list of the names of the hostages who are expected to be released in the first phase of the hostage deal has been published.

The hostages who are expected to be released include Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Ohad Ben Ami, the four members of the Bibas family, Yarden, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir, Agam Berger, and Romi Gonen.

In addition, Daniella Gilboa, Emily Damari, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Yair Horn, Omer Wenkert, Alexander Troufanov, Arbel Yehud, Ohad Yahalomi, Eliya Cohen, Or Levy, Naama Levy, Oded Lifshitz, Gadi Moshe Mozes, Avera Mengistu, Shlomo Mansour, Keith Samuel Siegel, Tsahi Idan, Ofer Calderon, Tal Shoham, Doron Steinbrecher, Omer Shem-Tov, Itzik Elgarat, Hisham al-Sayed, and Eli Sharabi are expected to be freed during the first phase.

It is important to note that the list does not indicate the condition of the hostages or if they are still alive.

The kidnapped civilian women and the Bibas children are expected to be released first, followed by the female IDF observers, the men over 50, and the wounded and sick younger men.

Senior officials clarified that since Israel is dealing with the Hamas terrorist organization, nothing is certain and Hamas may try to torpedo the deal at various stages. Therefore, this list should not be taken as a guarantee that the hostages named within will be released.

In addition, it should be noted that at each stage, only after the hostages are released and received by IDF forces and after the families have been updated, will the Prime Minister's Office issue an official announcement containing the names of the hostages who are expected to be released that day. INN

____


Israel's Security Cabinet to convene to approve hostage deal. Itamar Eichner|1.17.25. YNet

_____


Republican Senator Graham: I don't doubt Bibi. Most Israelis understand that the deal was necessary.

Graham told KAN news reporter that the relationship between the Trump administration and Israel will be strong and solid, and that the agreement to the hostage deal did not stem from Trump's pressure on Netanyahu.

Natan Gutman | January 16, 2025.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told our reporter tonight (Thursday) that relations between the Trump administration and Israel will be strong and solid, and that the agreement to the hostage deal did not stem from pressure from Trump on Netanyahu: "It's not just Bibi, but a large majority of Israelis who understood that a deal had to be made to return their hostages". Graham said. 

"It is not easy to deal with terrorist organizations," he added. "The choice was either to abandon the hostages and continue fighting, or to harm Hamas and then return the hostages. I do not doubt Bibi's decision." Kan

_____


Fate of Bibas kids, Gaza’s youngest hostages, grips Israel as deal set to return them. Two small children who have become a symbol of Oct. 7 are to be brought back under the agreement, but it is unclear they are alive. By Sharon Aronowicz and Michael Blum. January 17, 2025, 8:53 am [1]. TOI

____


In latest antisemitic attack in Australia, cars and home vandalized in Sydney. Vehicles painted with anti-Jewish slurs, as former house of Jewish community leader is defaced; police minister vows to ‘hunt’ down perpetrators. By AFP. January 17, 2025, 9:03 am TOI

____


IDF begins proceedings against haredim who did not report for draft. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/17/2025 09:20 AM JPost

____


'Significant progress' in talks between Netanyahu, Smotrich regarding hostage deal. By Amichai Stein. 01/17/2025 09:36 AM JPost

_____


Katz cancels administrative detention orders against Jews in the West Bank. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/17/2025 10:04 AM JPost

____


Iranian president arrives in Moscow for treaty signing with Putin, TASS says. By Reuters. 01/17/2025 10:50 AM JPost

____


For many Israelis, prospect of hostage release is tempered by concerns about freeing terrorists. Supporters of the Gaza accord often acknowledge it is a ‘bad deal,’ yet one they vehemently believe Israel must accept in order to be true to its values By Deborah Danan. January 17, 2025, 12:16 pm TOI

____


Hamas claims these are the achievements of the 10/7 massacre. Dalit Halevi. Jan 17, 2025, 12:20 PM INN

_____


Guidelines for hospitals set to receive hostages include STD checks, pregnancy tests. Ministry official says new protocols differ ‘significantly’ from November 2023 hostage release, as captives to return from over 15 months in captivity By Diana Bletter. January 17, 2025, 12:56 pm TOI

____


Katz releases all settlers in administrative detention, ties it to Palestinians’ release ‘It is better for the families of Jewish settlers to be happy than the families of freed terrorists,’ defense minister says ahead of Gaza deal. By Emanuel Fabian and ToI Staff. January 17, 2025, 1:03 pm TOI

_____


Iran and Russia can finalize nuclear plant agreements, Pezeshkian tells Putin. By Reuters. 01/17/2025 01:36 PM JPost

____


'Operation Way of the Land'. Israel Prison Service prepares to release thousands of terrorists. Israel National News. Jan 17, 2025, 2:11 PM INN

_____


Hostage deal: Murderers to be released into Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem. Orly Harari. Jan 17, 2025, 2:27 PM INN

_____


Former National Security Adviser: 'The war will continue even during the ceasefire'. Nitzan Keidar. Jan 17, 2025, 2:26 PM. INN

_____


Security Cabinet approves hostage deal ICC prosecutor meets with Syria's de facto ruler in Damascus, SANA says. By Reuters. 01/17/2025 03:29 PM JPost

____


Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed hostage deal framework. Uzi Baruch. Jan 17, 2025, 3:31 PM ...Minister of Culture Miki Zohar stated: "After I learned the details of the deal, I was convinced that Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump insisted on the fundamental principles critical to Israel's security and more is unknown than is known." INN

_____


President Herzog: 'I harbor no illusions - the deal will bring challenges'. Israel National News. Jan 17, 2025, 3:33 PM INN

_____


Ugandan judge who backed Israel in genocide[sic] case said set to become ICJ chief. Julia Sebutinde, court’s current vice president, is expected to succeed Nawaf Salam after he is appointed Lebanon’s PM; Sebutinde was sole dissenting vote on every ICJ measure. By ToI Staff. January 17, 2025, 4:14 pm TOI

____


Netanyahu seeks US visit, Trump promises on Iran. Incoming US president says PM will be among first to visit him, during which Netanyahu will try to secure best cooperation. Itamar Eichner|1.17.25. YNet

_____


Trump names Mel Gibson, with history of Jew-hatred, ‘special’ Hollywood envoy. JNS Staff. (Jan. 17, 2025 / JNS). JNS

_____


January 17, 2025. Human Rights Watch ignores international law in condemning Israeli attack on Houthi installations. Human Rights Watch issued a press release condemning Israeli airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.  Everything you need to know about how ... EoZ

____


Syria claims to thwart weapons smuggling attempt into Lebanon. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/17/2025. JPost

_____


Justice Ministry releases names of Palestinian prisoners to be released in deal. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/17/2025. JPost

_____


Israel expands war objectives to address West Bank security. Shirit Avitan Cohen. 01-17-2025. ILH

_____


Photos: Female Cabinet ministers, PMO employees light Shabbat candles. As the Cabinet meeting discussing the hostage deal continued into Shabbat, female ministers left the meeting for the lighting of Shabbat candles, along with the employees of the Prime Minister's office. [2] Israel National News. Jan 17, 2025, 8:08 PM INN

_____


G7 condemns Kremlin-funded Russian 'global disinformation and influence campaigns'. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/17/2025. JPost

____


US imposes sanctions on Yemen Kuwait Bank, Treasury website shows. By Reuters. 01/17/2025. JPost

US imposes sanctions on Yemeni bank accused of financing Houthis. US Treasury Department designates Yemen Kuwait Bank, saying Houthis exploit Yemeni banking sector to launder money and transfer funds to Hezbollah, facilitate Iran oil sales. By Agencies. January 17, 2025. TOI

____


UN chief: UNIFIL found 100 Hezbollah arms caches in south Lebanon since truce began. Only peacekeepers, Lebanese military should be in the area, says Guterres, calling for end to Israeli ‘occupation’; Macron, Aoun also demand IDF withdraw, as Jan. 26 deadline looms. By Agencies and ToI Staff. January 17, 2025. TOI

_____


CIA employee pleads guilty to leaking classified intel on Israel’s plans to strike Iran. Asif William Rahman admits he illegally downloaded, printed and distributed classified information on several occasions; sentencing is scheduled for May. By Reuters and ToI Staff. January 17, 2025. TOI

_____


Russia, Iran deepen defense ties as Putin and Pezeshkian sign 20-year pact. While agreement doesn’t specify arms transfers between the two sanctioned countries, Putin offers aid to Tehran’s nuclear program as he and Pezeshkian express hope for a Gaza truce. By ToI Staff and Agencies. January 17, 2025. TOI

Iranian President meets with Putin ahead of new pact. Jan 17, 2025 [...] While Tehran has previously expressed its hope for accelerated cooperation in the North-South Corridor and the Russia-Iran gas transfer project – there has been little progress on Iran becoming an energy hub for Russian gas.

As several analysts have noted, the pact’s timing is a sign that Moscow and Tehran are bracing for Donald Trump’s return to the White House this month.

Hanna Notte, expert in arms control, security, and Russian foreign policy, said in a thread on X, that both countries have emerged as “losers” in the post-October 7,2023 Middle East, referring to the weakening of Iran's "axis of resistance" due to Israeli-led attacks and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally to Russia and Iran.

“Both Russia & Iran see some utility in signaling the robustness of their partnership at this time - and that Trump won't be able to drive a wedge between them,” Notte wrote.

Nearly three years on, Russia's war on Ukraine continues, with Iran playing a key role as Moscow's ally in supplying drones and missiles. Iranian-made drones, including the Shahed series, have been crucial in Moscow’s attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Reports also suggest that Tehran provided ballistic missiles to enhance Russia's military capabilities.

Advisers to Trump, who takes office next Monday, are reportedly crafting a wide-ranging sanctions strategy to facilitate a Russia-Ukraine diplomatic accord in the coming months while at the same time squeezing Iran, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. IranIntl

_____


Israel publishes list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed in hostage deal’s first phase. Among those slated for release is notorious Fatah terrorist Zakaria Zubeidi, convicted murderers from Hamas and Islamic Jihad * PA reaches deal with armed groups in Jenin to end standoff By ToI Staff. January 18, 2025. TOI

Palestinian Authority, Jenin Battalions sign truce following month of clashes - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025. JPost

PA makes deal with Jenin Battalion, ending standoff in West Bank city and camp. Truce comes after rupture in talks said to have been caused by IDF’s resumption of airstrikes in area; battalion members to surrender arms to Ramallah following 6-week operation. By Jacob Magid and ToI Staff. January 18, 2025. TOI

_____


Trump Appoints Mel Gibson, With Antisemitic Past, Pro-Israel Actor Jon Voight as Hollywood Ambassadors. by Shiryn Ghermezian. January 17, 2025. Algemeiner

____


Ireland Adopts IHRA Definition of Antisemitism Amid Row With Israel. January 17, 2025. Algemeiner

____


Netanyahu Says Israel Has ‘Unequivocal’ Guarantee of US Support Should Gaza War Resume. January 17, 2025 Algemeiner

____


Critically injured soldier: A mother’s struggle for support and recovery. For over a year, Inbal Nechmad has fought for her son Ido, a soldier critically injured by a sniper in Gaza; As he lies unconscious, family dedicates their lives to his recovery, advocating for support and singling out one member of Knesset for praise. Alexandra Lukash|1.18.25. YNet

_____


Terrorist infiltration sirens sound in West Bank community. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025. JPost

_____


Lack of moderates among Palestinian Islamo-Arabs [Sodom] - forced humane Israel into a dangerous hostage deal.

01.17.25

This is about the agreement to a bad deal in principle, forced by the situation, though the pressed on a date [per US politics, optics on Jan/20 inauguration] probably made a bad deal, worse.

GAZANS

The horrors of Oct/7 led by Islamic-Caliphate-seeking genocidal Hamas (who succeeded as a result, after Israel gave all Gaza away in 2005, the terror entity which controls Gaza Ministry of Health which provides false data to media) by some 6,000 -- suffocating families hiding in shelters, raping while shouting in ecstasy 'Allah hu akbar' and demoniacs laughs; beheadings, body mutilations; burning families alive -- had included also: the sick cheering by masses in Gaza receiving the hostages. The twisted jubilation.

The searing question is: where are the moderate Arabs?

1930s-1940s Arab-Palestine legacy.

It's logical to assume that, hypothetically, if the inventor of genocidal "adbakh al Yahud' some nine years before agitating to the butchering accompanied with rapes of Haredi non-Zionist pious Jews in Hebron, two decades before becoming Hitler's Mufti - Haj Amin al- Husseini via his gangs (which included Ahmad Shukeiri who even assisted in assassination of his brother Dr. Anwar) had not massacred the thousands of moderate Arabs between 1936-1939, the Feb 1941 poll by Sari Sakakini would not have shown as it did: 88% Arab-Palestine for Nazis, (though 23 May 1937 NYT reporting showed pro Hitler, how all Arabs celebrated Muhammad's birthday). CIA report Aug-1942 also showed a majority guilty.

It seems, looking back at history, the guilty mainstream there, never ceased since - at least considerably. So was the 1947/1948 explanation by Arab Higher Committee’s Jamal Husseini on Arab objection to Israel as a State - because it will interrupt the "Arab race", through: 'Mein Kampf' a bestseller since 1999; mixture of: Holocaust denial on one hand and despicable comparisons to fighting on the other with Nazi glorification in-between - 'Swastika-Palestine'; 2014 93% of Arab Palestinians anti-Semitic (ADL poll); 2015 reported shameless 'Hitler' store so popular there - destroyed by IDF in 2023, and the present situation: as it is today.

[And just who are the main agitators for anti-Jewish racism in the West, today, "Buddhist" immigrants ya think?]

The talk about de-radicalizing Gaza, isn't just talk. It's THE issue.

No one is born a racist. Excuse the pun, but Arab-Islamic-Palestine textbooks are textbook racism, and deaths glorification [in their jargon "martyrdom"], continuing with officials media official linked sermons. That goes for "moderate" PA too, of course.

IMAGINE

Imagine had there been a considerable moderate part in Gaza, if the answer is that everyone is afraid, naturally, of the brutal regime, but at least a protest through poll.

But no.

Public opinion on Gaza's regime Hamas among Palestinian Arabs living there, has been mixed throughout the war, with some polls showing a significant decline in support for the terrorist group due to the deprivations of the war, and some polls showing enduring support for Hamas continuing to rule or at least making the right decision in launching the October 7 attack. Yet, most polls conducted by "Palestinian" polling firms show more support for Hamas as well as its decision to launch the October 7 attack in Judea and Samaria compared to in Gaza. Nevertheless, at least a significant portion of Gazans want Hamas to stay. That, after all the destruction it has caused, triggering the war to begin with, mingling among civilians, controlling aid. Not to mention the general, always brutality and torturous dictatorship throughout.

Of course terrorists' continued use of civilians is boosted by fuel flooding from protests with drama slurs and media broadcasting graphic imagery. But what are most Gazans' simple personal priorities, aspirations?

[As a whole, the Arab "Palestinians" are not terribly diverse. It's so amazing how Israelophobes, gleefully, will choose to cite Israelis only who criticize their own government and the many organizations with some, at least on the exterior, portraying themselves as for human tights (still very politically motivated in they hyperbolic charges), but can never cite parts of the Arab Palestine side, any equivalent. BTW, the southern Israelis victims on Oct/7, were peace-nicks, many - activists for the Arabs, and even while being attacked, reminding the Arabs that they are 'friends,' they still murdered them].

Rejoicing by brainwashed Arab kids shouting 'Mohammed Deif' -- Oct/7 mastermind No. 2 -- in public, as hostage deal was announced, doesn't give much hope.

AJA President Dr David Adler asked a question not asked publicly by others and which has become even more relevant. The article, written before the hostage deal, published by the Spectator magazine days later: "Where are the righteous of Gaza? Glorifying jihadists has created a populace that supports terrorism." 'The most distressing aspect of Israel’s prolonged defensive war against the barbaric Hamas terrorists is the plight of the remaining 100 hostages in Gaza. Recent testimonies from released hostages provide an insight into the dreadful conditions which hostages endured. There is evidence of beatings, starvation, sexual abuse and confinement in underground tunnels with minimal light and poor air quality.'

It's not just that crimes against humanity perpetrated by journalists including Al-Jazeera's, UNRWA guys, and doctors, but there wasn't even one righteous person to be found. One.

It reminds Abraham pleading with Almighty Creator in Genesis 18 to spare Sodom, giving his last shot: "And he said: 'Oh, let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak yet but this once. Peradventure ten shall be found there.' And He said: 'I will not destroy it for the ten's sake.'"


ISRAELIS: ONE BIG FAMILY'S DILEMMA AND FACING THE 'DEATH CULT'

So Israel was facing internal pressure from Israelis, who are like one big family and one cares for each other and moved by love and emotions for hostage families. This humanity overpowered in the dilemma of releasing butchers amidst trembling fear of what's to come, learning hard, very bloody lessons from releasing over 1,000 Arab terrorists in exchange for 1 Israeli soldier, in the Yigal Shalit deal, years ago. Most notoriously, Yahya Sinwar, the very masterminded Oct/7 massacres.

Sinwar, the admittedly willing to sacrifice 100,000 Arab Palestinians in order to stay in power (as testified by a dentist treating him), and as revealed (per WSJ report June 10, 2024) in his messages, a calculated strategy for maximize Arab Palestinian casualties for its goals.

How sad it is, that the non-Israel side is trying to boast about a "victory," after losing so many people, which includes also non-combatants. JustSayin'. [3]


_____


Houthi missile intercepted after sirens sound in central Israel, Jerusalem. IDF says aerial defenses shot down the missile; Ben-Gurion International Airport suspends flights to ensure no damage is caused to the runway; Royal Jordanian flight from Chicago to Amman diverted away from Israeli airspace amid the attack. Iris Lifshitz-Klieger, Yoav Zitun|1.18.25. YNet

____


US CENTCOM commander meets SDF commander-in-chief in northern Syria. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025. JPost

_____


‘Selective indignation’: Rome’s chief rabbi criticizes Pope Francis over Israel remarks. Speaking Catholic-Jewish dialogue event, Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni accuses the pope of of unfairly focusing on Israel, while ignoring other world conflicts. By Agencies and ToI Staff. January 18, 2025. TOI

____


‘Shalom, friends’: US Jews on TikTok brace for app’s ban after Supreme Court ruling. With the platform possibly set to be barred in the US as soon as Sunday, Jewish creators credit it for their success even as others blame it for allowing viral antisemitic content. By Andrew Lapin. January 18, 2025. TOI

____


Foreign minister says Syria looking forward to return to Arab League. By Reuters. 01/18/2025. JPost

____


Israel to free up to 1,904 Palestinians in 1st stage of hostage deal, including killers. Figures comprises 737 jailed Palestinians, 1,167 Gazans detained in ground op; notorious terrorist Zakaria Zubeidi, others responsible for the murder of dozens, to be freed. By Emanuel Fabian and ToI Staff. January 18, 2025. TOI

SHOCKING LIST: Israel will free 735 terrorists in the hostage deal The first phase of the deal includes prisoners serving life sentences for deadly attacks and detainees from Gaza operations. Author avatar Gila Isaacson Gila Isaacson|JFeed|16:39 01.18.25. [...] Notable prisoners to be released include Iyad Jradat, convicted of involvement in a 2003 terror attack; Mahmoud Atallah, serving a life sentence for murder; and Mahmud Abu Varda, who is serving 48 life sentences for orchestrating multiple attacks.

Among those to be released are prisoners convicted in the murders of Malachi Rosenfeld, the Henkin couple, Ari Fuld, and other attacks. The notable releases include Zakaria Zubeidi, former head of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in Jenin who escaped from Gilboa Prison in 2021, and Wael Qassem, leader of the Silwan cell responsible for attacks that killed 35 Israelis, including bombings at Moment Cafe and Hebrew University.

The releases include those convicted in attacks at Jerusalem bus lines, the Stage Club bombing, Sharon Mall attack, and Hillel Cafe attack, the murder of Dvir Sorek, and multiple suicide bombings in Jerusalem and other cities during the Second Intifada. JFeed

Hostage release deal: List of 95 terrorists to be released in first phase published. Israel National News. Jan 17, 2025, 6:34 PM INN

Terrorists who murdered hundreds of Israelis to be freed in deal. Israel National News. Jan 18, 2025, 6:49 PM INN

Sickening - the monsters being released. Responsible for murder of hundreds of Israelis: These are the terrorists to be released in hostage deal. Zakaria Zubeidi, the terrorist in the affair of the pimping of the prison guards and many other murderers; The Ministry of Justice published the list of terrorists who are expected to be released as part of the first phase of the deal. Avi Nachmani| JFeed | 19:12 01.18.25. JFeed

____


IDF: Two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen at Israel intercepted; no injuries. First attack sends millions to bomb shelters in central Israel, Jerusalem area; debris falls in communities near capital without causing damage; 2nd missile targets Eilat area. ([4]. Debris from a missile fired from Yemen that fell near Jerusalem on January 18, 2025. Israel Police) By Emanuel Fabian and ToI Staff. January 18, 2025. TOI

____


IDF confirms it conducted strikes on 50 terror targets across Gaza on Friday. By Reuters. 01/18/2025. JPost

____


Gunman shoots dead 2 judges in Iran’s capital tied to 1988 mass executions Assailant said to kill himself after attack at high-security Palace of Justice in Tehran; bodyguard also wounded. By AP. ([5]. Portraits of victims are displayed by representatives in France of the People's Mujahedin of Iran on the Esplanade des Invalides in Paris on October 29, 2019 to commemorate the executions of thousands of Iranian political prisoners in 1988. Photo by Eric Feferberg / AFP) January 18, 2025. TOI

____


Security sources estimate 25 of the 33 hostages to be released to be alive - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025. JPost

____


PA cannot replace Hamas, expert says Einat Wilf: The problem is ‘Palestinianism’ as an identity, as an ideology unites those obsessed with Israel's existence. Emily Schrader, ILTV|1.18.25. YNet

_____


NY’s anti-Zionist protesters celebrate ceasefire as victory, hail the ‘resistance’ No indication of a change in direction among anti-Israel activists after Gaza deal announced — only vows to continue calling to eradicate the Jewish state. ([6]. Pro-Palestinian activists during a protest in New York City, October 8, 2023. Luke Tress/Times of Israel) By Luke Tress. January 18, 2025. TOI

____


US promises $117 million in support for Lebanese Armed Forces. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025. JPost

_____


Houthi rebels target Eilat after missile fire to central Israel. IDF says missile intercepted outside Israeli territory after sirens blared in the Arava Desert and the southern port city hours after central Israel comes under attack. Ynet|1.18.25. YNet

_____


Israel ceasefire deal: ‘Victory’ sets up Hamas’ next war. Netanyahu will be not the last US ally humiliated by self-centred presidential demands. The deal releases many hundreds of hardened Islamist criminals, now free to return to their murderous ways.

Daniel Pipes. January 18, 2025 - 12:00AM TheAustrsalian

The Momentous, ‘Horrific’ Hamas-Israel Deal Netanyahu Came Under Enormous Pressure to Negotiate with Hamas for the Release of Israeli Hostages, and Thereby Implicitly to Permit the Jihadi Organization to Survive. January 18, 2025. Daniel Pipes. The Weekend Australian.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas announced on Jan. 15 has implications nearly as momentous as the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre that precipitated it.

The deal comes after fifteen months of protracted indecision by the government of Israel, during which Jerusalem followed two contradictory policies toward Hamas: Destroy the organization. Make a deal with it.

The first policy, victory over Hamas, clearly appealed more to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. By my informal count, he mentioned “victory” 216 times in 76 discreet statements, from the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7 to lighting the Hanukkah candles three weeks ago. At times, as in a statement on French television, his sentences amounted to a barrage of victory talk: “Our victory is your victory,” he said. “Our victory is the victory of Israel against antisemitism. It is the victory of Judeo-Christian civilization against barbarism. It is the victory of France.”

Netanyahu spoke variously of “absolute victory,” “clear victory,” “complete victory,” “decisive victory,” “full victory,” and “total victory.”

Nor did Netanyahu just seek plain victory. He spoke variously of “absolute victory,” “clear victory,” “complete victory,” “decisive victory,” “full victory,” and “total victory.” Of these formulations, “total victory” led the pack, mentioned 81 times and showcased via a “Total Victory” baseball cap during a visit with former president Donald Trump.

Internal Israeli debates confirmed Netanyahu’s preference for victory. For example, he banged on the table and told off his national security team, according to Israel’s Channel 12: “You are weak. You don’t know how to run a tough negotiation.” An informed source concluded, “He has given up on the hostages.”

But, simultaneously, Netanyahu came under enormous pressure to negotiate with Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages, and thereby implicitly to permit the jihadi organization to survive. In agreeing to haggle with Hamas, Netanyahu heeded two powerful lobbies, one foreign, one domestic.

Internationally, governments keenly sought a hostage deal, either because they sympathized with Hamas or because they feared a conflagration across the Middle East. Institutions such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court manifested the wide hostility toward Israel. Even friendly governments worried that fighting already encompassing Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, and Yemen would further expand, perhaps dragging in their own forces, with ominous consequences.

Meanwhile, a domestic lobby pressured the government to make the return of hostages the paramount goal. Lobby members emoted, marched, and engaged in various forms of political theater, winning public opinion in the process. Polls consistently showed a massive majority prioritizing hostages over victory. One poll in October found 77 percent of Israelis saying the “main goal” of the war in Gaza should be to bring the hostages home and 12 percent say it must be to topple Hamas. A month later, another poll reported 69 percent deeming a hostage deal “more important” and 20 percent calling to continue the war until victory.

Not reaching a decision allowed Netanyahu to postpone fraught choices and prevarication staved off a governing coalition collapse.

Politicians jumped on the bandwagon, with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog declaring that “There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, or Israeli obligation than to bring our sons and daughters back to us.” Military leaders legitimized this sentiment. Maj. Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon announced that “The release of all hostages is the supreme mission of the war, before any other mission! And at the top of our priorities.” Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad went further: “No victory is possible over Hamas if it later turns out that not everything possible was done to retrieve them. An exchange is a matter of national security.”

Former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Benny Gantz stated that “The hostages must be returned, even at a very heavy price.” IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari added that “We will do everything, everything, to bring all the hostages home” and “We remain committed to one central war objective – the return of the 109 hostages.”

Torn between his own preference and these dual pressures, Netanyahu prevaricated for over fifteen months between victory and hostages. He ordered a military assault on Gaza that much reduced Hamas’ capabilities even as he sent signed a partial ceasefire deal with it. He ordered the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran while insisting that hostages remained his top concern.

Not reaching a decision allowed Netanyahu to postpone fraught choices and prevarication staved off a governing coalition collapse. In the end, however, he spurned his preference for victory in favor of the hostages and a decisive ceasefire. The complex, three-phase agreement includes many moving parts and extremely detailed provisions, such as how many and what kind of Palestinians are to be exchanged for what kind of hostage.

In outline, it calls for the release of 33 hostages in exchange for the release of more than 1,000 Palestinians, including murderers, now in Israeli prisons; the withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza; an increase in aid to Gaza; the return of Gazans in most of Gaza; and the opening of a border crossing to Egypt. Further, it requires that negotiations resume within 16 days of signing to work on the release of all remaining 65 or so hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners released, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a permanent end of hostilities.

In brief, as Israel Hayom‘s senior diplomatic and White House correspondent Ariel Kahana puts it, “Israel is, with its own hands, helping its enemy to prepare to wage war.” Netanyahu obviously knows this, if only because prior exchanges have led to disaster, so why did he agree to an agreement that his own coalition partner Itamar Ben-Gvir called “horrific”?

Why did he agree to an agreement that his own coalition partner Itamar Ben-Gvir called “horrific”? Because he fears Donald Trump.

Because he fears Donald Trump.

The president-elect stated on Jan. 7 that “all hell will break out” in the Middle East if Hamas did not release the captives it held. That seemed to mean, as vice president-elect J.D. Vance interpreted it, pressure on Hamas: “It’s very clear that President Trump threatening Hamas and making it clear that there is going to be hell to pay.”

Trump dispatched private citizen and future presidential envoy Steven Witcoff to read Netanyahu the riot act. A report in Ha’aretz tells how Witcoff compelled Netanyahu to break the Sabbath for a meeting in which he was forced “to accept a plan that [he] had repeatedly rejected over the past half year.”

This new, aggressive approach, Ran Porat of Monash University explains, obliged Netanyahu “to recalculate his positions, seeking to appease Trump.” In an unexpected irony, Sanam Vakil of Chatham House notes “the Biden administration proved unwilling to exert adequate pressure over Israel’s leadership” but Trump did. Netanyahu stood up to timid President Joe Biden but acquiesced to cowboy Donald Trump.

Why did Trump push so hard for a deal? One can only speculate but I believe him inspired by the events of Jan. 20, 1981, when an airplane carrying all American hostages took off from Tehran moments after Ronald Reagan was sworn in as president, leading to an ebullient and triumphal inauguration.

Trump demanded a done deal before taking office on Monday to win a like glory for himself. Predictably, he lavishly praised on the “EPIC ceasefire agreement,” describing himself as “thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home.”

The deal releases many hundreds of hardened Islamist criminals, now free to return to their murderous ways. It nearly assures continued Hamas rule in Gaza.

He ignored, of course, the grievous future costs of his momentary success. The deal releases many hundreds of hardened Islamist criminals, now free to return to their murderous ways. It nearly assures continued Hamas rule in Gaza. It boosts Islamist morale worldwide. It humiliates the West’s foremost Middle Eastern ally. It also confirms Donald Trump’s inconstant, unreliable, and ego-driven foreign policy. Benjamin Netanyahu will be not the last U.S. ally humiliated by self-centered presidential demands.

Putting this error in the context of George W. Bush’s over-ambition (“Mission Accomplished”), Barack Obama’s shallow defeatism (“leading from behind”), and Joe Biden’s geriatric passivity (the Afghanistan rout), clarifies the shambles of U.S. foreign policy over the past quarter-century.

This leads to an inescapable conclusion: allies such as Australia must reduce their dependence on Washington. This may well be a good thing. Decreased reliance on American leadership concentrates the mind, exercises unused talents, and encourages a seriousness of purpose. Thus does an incompetent America, as symbolized by the “horrific” Hamas-Israel ceasefire, push free countries more actively to determine their own futures. MEForum

_____


24 in favor, 8 opposed: Israeli government approves ceasefire deal. After over seven hours of discussions, Israeli government approves deal to release around 2,000 terrorists, over 100 of whom are serving life sentences for mass murders; 33 living or dead hostages to be released in first stage of deal. Orly Harari. Jan 18, 2025, 6:18 PM (GMT+2) INN

_____


'The Syrian people are convinced that Israel is better than Iran'. Syria's once-thriving Jewish community of 100,000 now numbers only 8; one of them is Bakhour Chamntoub, who describes improved freedoms under the new regime, warm ties with Muslim neighbors and hope for peace between Syria and Israel despite past bloodshed. Lior Ben Ari|1.18.25. YNet

_____

One seriously injured in stabbing attack in Tel Aviv. Man of about 30 stabbed in upper body by 19-year-old illegal Arab from Tulkarm, armed civilian eliminates terrorist.

Israel National News. Jan 18, 2025, 5:46 PM INN

Terrorist stabs man in Tel Aviv The attacker, from Tulkarem in Samaria, was slain by a passerby.

(Jan. 18, 2025 / JNS) A Palestinian terrorist stabbed a man at the intersection of Levontin and Mikveh Yisrael streets in Tel Aviv on Saturday afternoon, a police spokesman said.

The 27-year-old victim was taken to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) with a wound to the head area. His condition was variously described as moderate and serious.

A passerby shot and killed the attacker, reportedly Salah Yahya, 19, from Tulkarem in Samaria, who was within the Green Line illegally. JNS

An hour before the end of Shabbat WATCH [GRAPHIC]: Arab stabs Jew on Shabbat afternoon in Tel Aviv . Gunman Intervenes: Assailant killed after stabbing leaves one seriously wounded on busy Tel Aviv street an hour before the end of Shabbat. Gila Isaacson |1.18.25. 17:58 JFeed

______


We'll achieve goals of the war, we'll bring back all the hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Israeli public for the first time following signing of ceasefire deal with Hamas, promising to achieve all goals of the war and responding to criticism. Nitsan Keidar. Jan 18, 2025, 8:29 PM INN

Benjamin Netanyahu on the deal: We reserve right to return to fight the war The Prime Minister stressed the need to release as many hostages as possible; says he received assurances from Trump that Israel can return to fight the war.

Avi Nachmani | 20:16 01.18.25. JFeed

______


Hostage families: 'mixed emotions' around deal'. While families of the hostages are eager to see their loved ones, other families are expressing concerns about nation’s security . Shosh Bedrosian, ILTV|1.18.25. YNet

____


IDF on high alert as Gaza cease-fire set to begin. IDF readies for cease-fire with repositioning in Gaza, bolstering forces in West Bank and protocols for safe return of hostages Yoav Zitun|1.18.25. YNet

____


Netanyahu says cease-fire 'temporary'. PM says both Biden and Trump provided assurances Israel would be supported in resuming hostilities if talks on a 2nd phase fail. Itamar Eichner|1.18.25. YNet

_____

Halevi calls for reinforcements of IDF troops in Central Command. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025 06:00 PM JPost

____


Hostage and Missing Families Forum: Stop spreading rumors about hostages to be released. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025 06:54 PM JPost

____


Police thwart stabbing attack at Kalandiya crossing in the West Bank. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025 07:30 PM JPost

____


Notices to be delivered to families of victims of terrorists released in deal. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025 07:41 PM JPost

____


Milei promises justice for AMIA bombing prosecutor Nisman, terrorism victims. By Michael Starr. 01/18/2025 09:01 PM JPost

____


Hamas to be defeated, celebrations prevented in Judea, Samaria. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich successfully pushed for the ceasefire deal with Hamas to include a section requiring the prevention of celebrations following the release of convicted terrorists into Judea and Samaria. Israel National News. Jan 18, 2025, 9:17 PM (GMT+2) INN

___


IDF says its prepared for ceasefire, schools in Gaza envelope to start at 10 a.m. on Sunday. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025 10:42 PM JPost

____


Israeli delegation arrives in Cairo to examine implementation of hostage deal - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025 11:03 PM JPost

____


IDF declares Nitzana Border Crossing a 'closed military zone'. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/18/2025 11:35 PM JPost

____


Trump: The hostage release deal better hold. US President-elect comments to NBC News on ceasefire and hostage release deal, says he told Netanyahu: Just keep doing what you have to do. We want it to end, but to keep doing what has to be done. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 1:15 AM (GMT+2) INN

____


Ari Fuld's brother: 'The release of his murderer hurts because of the next victims'. Israel National News. Jan 18, 2025, 10:52 PM INN

_____


Neo-Nazi impersonated a rabbi and tried to enter a Jewish center in Nashville. Neo-Nazi dresses like rabbi, enters Nashville JCC. He arrived at Gordon Jewish Community Center wearing fake beard and sidecurls and filmed himself entering the building Daniel Edelson, New York|1.19.25. YNet

____


State Attorney's office rejects petition against hostage deal. By Bini Ashkenazi 01/19/2025 01:55 AM JPost

After Israel submits response. Supreme Court rejects petitions against hostage deal. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 4:56 AM INN

_____


Israeli forces start withdrawing from Rafah to areas along Egypt-Gaza border, Hamas media says. By Reuters. 01/19/2025 03:43 AM JPost

____


Netanyahu instructs not to stop fighting until Hamas provides hostage list. By Amichai Stein. 01/19/2025 07:34 AM JPost

_____


In a secret mission: IDF recovers body of fallen soldier Oron Shaul from Gaza. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 8:00 AM INN

Body of soldier Oron Shaul, held by Hamas since 2014, rescued from Gaza Sergeant Oron Shaul fell in battle in Shejaiyah during Operation Protective Edge in July 2014; In a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the IDF, in which special units participated, his body was recovered from the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours Yoav Zitun|1.19.25. YNet

____


Mia Schem: I can't believe the dream is happening & the nightmare is ending. Israel National News Jan 19, 2025, 8:16 AM INN

____

Cease-fire set to start at 8:30 a.m. delayed. Government says in contact with mediators to ensure compliance with deal, IDF won't begin until name delivered  Ynet correspondents|1.19.25. YNet

Hamas fails to give names of hostages to be freed. Hamas repeats its commitment to the deal, says in a statement delay is due to logistical reasons. Ynet correspondents|1.19.25. YNet

Ceasefire didn't begin, Hamas didn't give names of hostages. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 8:49 AM INN

_____


IDF strikes terror targets in north, central Gaza. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 9:15 AM INN

IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after ceasefire delay. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 09:27 AM JPost

IDF currently striking terror targets in the Gaza strip. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 09:40 AM JPost

_____


Pres. Herzog: 'Moment of solace, of resolving uncertainty and agonizing sorrow'. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 9:59 AM INN

_____


Ben-Gvir, Otzma Yehudit MKs resign from coalition, gov't. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 10:12 AM JPost

_____


Today is day 471 of the war. 255 hostages. 98 in captivity. 157 freed. 1834 fallen and murdered. 840 IDF soldiers. 917 civilians. 77 police officers and ISA agents. INN

_____


'Clear and immediate danger' Prison guards appeal decision to release terrorist to Shechem. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 10:17 AM INN

_____


After 1.5 hours, Hamas gives names of hostages. The start of the ceasefire was delayed by Hamas' failure to provide the names of the hostages who are supposed to be released today by the deadline.

Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 10:19 AM INN

After 18-Hour Delay: Hamas Says Emily Damari, Romi Gonen & Doron Steinbrecher To Be Freed Today. January 19, 2025. YWN

______


Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbecher to be released today.

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher are the three hostages who will be released this afternoon after more than 470 days in captivity in Gaza.

Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 12:21 PM INN

______


Elder Of Ziyon - Israel News. Sunday, January 19, 2025. Reminder: @UNRWA teachers in Gaza celebrate terror - and Hitler. International organizations are rallying to pressure Israel not to shut down UNRWA in its territory. The World Food. Programme, for example, last week wrote in a report, "WFP can send around 1,600 trucks of food (30,200 tons) each month to facilitate distributions for over 1 million people. In order to reach everyone in need, UNRWA’s support is critical. WFP is committed to bolstering UNRWA’s food assistance delivery efforts. "

I was just browsing around some UN documents and I came across a submission by an Israeli NGO Amuta called "Palestinian Exploitation of Children as Weapons of War."

One footnote references a post I wrote on this site in 2015, which is quite relevant today as the international community wants to shore up UNRWA as a legitimate organization.

I had found a Facebook group of Gaza UNRWA teachers. Among the things the teachers posted were photos of their students pretending to be jihadists: [7].

Here is a "prescription" for shooting rockets to Israel. [8] Name of patient: Ben Gurion Age: 78 years old Male. 1 M75 (Hamas rocket) twice a day, a rocket in the morning and a rocket in the evening at 6 o'clock, before eating, together with a warning siren.

And here is a (false) Hitler quote: [9] "I could have killed all the Jews of the world but I left some of them (alive) so that the world knows why I am killing them" - Hitler.

UNRWA never acknowledged this. They silently removed the group without apology. They never, as far as I know, disciplined the teachers and employees who proudly posted antisemitism and support for terror in their group. [10].

There is no reason whatsoever to think that those teachers are not still teaching hate in Gaza.

This is only one reason why UNRWA should not exist. EoZ

____

PMO: Ceasefire to go into effect at 11:15. By Amichai Stein. 01/19/2025 11:09 AM JPost

____


PMO: First hostages scheduled to be released today at 4:00 PM. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 11:40 AM JPost

____


Two Hundred aid trucks arrive at Kerem Shalom crossing. By Reuters. 01/19/2025 12:55 PM JPost

____


Hamas says Israel will submit list of 90 Palestinian prisoners to be freed on Sunday. By Reuters. 01/19/2025 01:15 PM JPost

____


PMO: Sara Netanyahu's invite to Trump inauguration a 'complete lie'. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 03:15 PM JPost

____


Israel's Smotrich threatens to quit government if Gaza war ends. By Reuters. 01/19/2025 03:23 PM JPost

____


Chilling: Hundreds of Mass Murderers To Be Released; Families Of Victims Will Be Personally Notified. January 19, 2025. YWN

_____


End of 471-day nightmare: Hostages Romi, Doron and Emily handed over to IDF | Live. Ynetnews, ILTV|1.19.25.1.19.25 YNet

_____


To prevent attacks: This is how the IDF is preparing for the return of terrorists to Judea and Samaria. Reinforcement of forces, practice of "escalation scenarios" - and the lesson from the Shalit deal. Nir Dvori | 16:35. 1.19.25. Mako

____


IDF readies for release of Palestinian prisoners back to West Bank Elisha Ben Kimon|1.19.25. YNet

_____


Leopard blanket and a mother’s love: Anticipation builds for Romi’s release from Gaza. Yael Ciechanover|1.19.25. YNet

_____


Germany's Scholz: 'Important' that Gaza ceasefire finally implemented, hostages to be released. By Reuters. 01/19/2025 03:52 PM JPost

____


Thank G-d. Photo Essay: The Red Cross have our hostages. We have made a deal with devil. But getting our hostages back is all we can think about right now. Gila Isaacson | JFeed | 1.19.25 14:22 | Updated: 15:11 | JFeed

_____


Watch: Thousands sing at Hostages Square. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 5:45 PM INN

_____


At the center of an excited Gaza crowd: Documentation of the kidnapped women on their way to the IDF force. Rivka Sorek. 1.19.25. Amidst chants in Arabic and in the midst of an excited Gazan crowd: the kidnapped Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbracher, who are being released as part of the deal with Hamas, have been handed over to the Red Cross and are now making their way to the IDF and Shin Bet in the Gaza Strip. Now14

______


Biden: Phase Two of Deal Includes End of Hamas Rule. Outgoing President Makes Special Statement: "One of the Most Difficult Negotiations". Tomer Almagor | 18:27. 1.19.25 Mako

____


Romi, Doron and Emily returned to Israel and met with their mothers. The three kidnapped girls were returned to Israel after 471 days in Hamas captivity • Before being handed over to the IDF - the three were filmed walking and being transferred to the Red Cross, and in Israel they were updated: "Their condition is good" • The IDF published footage of the helicopters that were prepared to receive the kidnapped girls • Footage: Crowds celebrate and are excited in the abductees' square and with the relatives of the three • All updates. News Reporters 12| N12 | Published 08:46 19.01.25 | Updated 18:14 19.01.25.

.... 17:47- Prime Minister's Office: "We embrace the three kidnapped women. Blessed are you, God - who releases the bound." Mako

_____


IDF readies for release of Palestinian prisoners back to West Bank Elisha Ben Kimon|1.19.25. 3:50 YNet

_____


Leopard blanket and a mother’s love: Anticipation builds for Romi’s release from Gaza. Yael Ciechanover|1.19.25 16:37 YNet

_____


Back In Israel! 3 Female Hostages Reunite With Their Mothers After Being Returned To Israeli Territory January 19, 2025.

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, marking a turning point in the 15-month-long conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip. In a key first step of the agreement, Hamas released three Israeli hostages who had been held captive since the start of the war.

The released hostages—Romi Gonen, 24, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, and Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, both abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza—were handed over to Israeli forces near the border with Gaza.

The IDF confirmed that the women have been reunited with their mothers at an IDF facility, where they underwent initial medical assessments before being taken to hospitals to meet other family members.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu described the day as “incredibly moving” and hailed the return of the hostages as a significant achievement. Speaking with Gal Hirsch, the government’s point person on hostage negotiations, Netanyahu said, “The whole nation is embracing you, welcome home.”

The Prime Minister added, “They went through hell, they are going from darkness to light, they are truly exiting slavery for freedom. This moment was achieved through the sacrifice and bravery of our heroic fighters… this is a big moment, an emotional moment. A big day.”

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas has agreed to a gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages over the next six weeks. In return, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including detainees from Gaza. Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release approximately 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of this arrangement.

U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking from North Charleston, South Carolina, expressed optimism about the ceasefire. “The guns in Gaza have gone silent,” Biden said, adding that he had received a call confirming the release of the first three hostages. While he noted it was still early and details about their health and safety were emerging, he said they “appear to be in good health.”

Biden emphasized the importance of persistence in ensuring the agreement’s success. “Success is going to require persistence and continuing support for our friends in the region, and the belief in diplomacy backed by deterrence,” he said.

The deal, which Biden initially outlined in May, now falls to the Trump administration to oversee and implement in the coming months. Biden credited his administration’s efforts in shaping the agreement, describing the unity among his team in its final days as “necessary, effective, and unprecedented." YWN

Welcome returnees. From the moments of liberation in the heart of Gaza until the return to Israel step by step An exciting summary from the homecoming

After 471 days in the jaws of Hamas, in terrible suffering in body and soul, today the first three abductees in the deal were released, on the way to freedom, to a sane and healthy life | 'Kikar haShabbat' in a moving summary of the dramatic moments of the liberation and the return home - to Israel, step by step. "And the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy." (News) | Kikar haShabbat. (1.19.25).

After 471 days of war, the three abductees Romi Gonen, Emily Demari and Doron Steinbracher were released today (Sunday) from the captivity of Hamas in the Gaza Strip - and reached Israeli hands at the border of the Gaza Strip.

[11].

At 5:56 p.m., the IDF spokesman informed the people of Israel that "the three returnees are now being accompanied by an elite unit of the IDF and Shin Bet forces on their way to Israel, back to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation." The announcement stated, "The commanders of the IDF and its soldiers salute and embrace the returnees on their way to Israel. The IDF spokesman asks the public to show responsibility and sensitivity and to respect the privacy of the returnees and their families."

A few minutes later, the IDF spokesman announced that "the three returned civilians have now crossed with IDF and Shin Bet forces into Israeli territory. The returnees, accompanied by IDF and Shin Bet forces, crossed the border into the territory of the State of Israel a short time ago." According to the announcement, "the returnees are now on their way to the initial reception point in the area surrounding Gaza, where they will receive an initial medical evaluation."

At 18:25 the IDF spokesman announced that "the three returnees have now arrived at the initial reception point in the area surrounding Gaza, and they are now meeting with their mothers." First, IDF representatives accompany the families to the hospital and provide them with regular updates.

Head of the Shin Bet Ronan Bar, head of the Mossad Dedi Barnea and Major General (resp.) Nitzan Alon in the Operation. [12].

The Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement: "The Government of Israel embraces the three returnees. Their families were informed by the appointed officials that they joined our forces. The Government of Israel is committed to the return of all abductees and missing people."

Zvi Yehezkali in a message in Arabic to the Gazans: "Congratulations on the victory, but wait for the rest". [His harsh message to Gaza:] "Prepare for what is to come" | watch

"The list of our citizens: Gonen Romi (24). Demari Emily (28). Doron Steinbracher (31)". "The government together with all the security forces will accompany them and their families." "Blessed are you, O Lord - who releases the bound."

(The families watch the moment of absorption Watch with joy. photo: IDF spokesman).

The Director of Abducted, Returned and Missing Persons in the Prime Minister's Office said: "How good that you came home."

"The Directorate of Abductees, Returnees and Missing Persons [POW/MIA ]at the Prime Minister's Office warmly congratulates Emily, Doron and Romi and their families, upon their return home.

The director will continue to accompany the returned girls, their families and all the families of the other abductees, in prayer and in the hope that they will all return home soon."

(Netanyahu receives the news. Photo: Prime Minister's Spokesperson)

A short time ago, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke with the coordinator of the Israel Defense Forces, Brigadier General Gal Hirsch, at the moment of the handover of the abductees Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbracher and Emily Demari to the IDF forces in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Netanyahu: "This is an exciting day. I would like to convey to Romi, Doron and Emily - a whole people embraces you, happy returns home. We will bring them all back and achieve all the objectives of the war.'

Prime Minister: "Gal, can you hear me?"

The POW/MIA coordinator: "Yes, hello, Prime Minister, I am at the center of our operations, of the security system - with the Mossad, the Shin Bet, the IDF and with our entire system. I want to report to you that our abductees have been handed over to our forces and right now they are crossing the border into our territory. I'm very excited."

Prime Minister: "Have they already crossed the border into Israel?"

The POW/MIA coordinator: "It's really happening in these minutes, right now."

The Prime Minister: "So as soon as this happens, I was informed that they are in the territory of our country. It is a very exciting day. These are the first abductees in this round that we are bringing home. I am asking for a wave that you give to them: to Rumi, Doron and Emily - a whole nation embraces you, welcome home.

I know, we all know, they've been through hell. They come out of darkness into the light, they literally come out of slavery to freedom. This moment was achieved thanks to the sacrifice and fighting of our heroic warriors - the heroes of Israel.

I also want to bring appreciation to everyone who contributed to this move. You will of course keep your NPCs open until we get them all back - that is one of the goals of the war. I emphasize to you as well, and to everyone who is listening to me now, that we will achieve all of our war goals.

The most important thing right now is to make sure that the manager in the Prime Minister's office gives them all the envelope, all the support that needs to be given to them so that they absorb properly here at home. This is a big moment, an exciting moment. A big day. Many blessings."

Gal Hirsch: "We will embrace them and continue and bring them all."

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, MK Yuli Edelstein on the release of the abductees Rumi, Doron and Emily from the hands of the Hamas terrorist organization:

"To turn the hourglass from one big nightmare into one big rehabilitation." These words of Eitan Gonen, Romi's father, sum up the task of all of us now. To return everyone and all of them home and to restore the lives of the abductees, the families and the entire Israeli society.

We will not give up on achieving the goals of the war and overthrowing the rule of the terrorist organization Hamas, so that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. [Shehechiyanu]."Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion."

Passing to the Red Cross Passing to the Red Cross. [13] The transition to the Red Cross. screenshot)

Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri said: "O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever!". "Together with all the people of Israel, I am excited to see Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbracher and Emily Demari - three of our sisters who were brutally kidnapped on October 7 by Hamas terrorists, get to return home today, after 471 days!". He also said: "I wish them to be reunited with their families soon in good health, and I pray for the release of all the abductees - that life will return to the bosom of their families, and that the dead will be brought to the Kever-Yisrael [Jewish burial] with dignity. The State of Israel is obligated to return everyone home with God's help, this is our moral and Jewish duty!"

Defense Minister Israel Katz said: "Romi, Doron and Emily returned home. This is a moment of hope for an entire nation that now embraces them and their families in their hearts. I salute the soldiers of the IDF, the security system and all those who worked with devotion to return them to the bosom of their families. The State of Israel will not rest or be silent until every abductee returns home - the living to their families and those who are not between life and burial."

State President Yitzhak Herzog said: "Romi, Emily and Doron - so loved and precious - a whole nation is happy that you are back.

We send a huge hug to you and your families. It is a day of joy and comfort, and the beginning of a challenging journey to restoration and healing together.

"A tearful eye and a happy heart" - at this time, our hearts go out to all the anxious and grieving families, whose loved ones have not yet returned. We will not rest or be quiet until we return all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza - the living for restoration and their families and the dead for the grave of Israel.'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote: "Emily, Doron and Romi, welcome home! My heart goes out to you, our dear sisters! An entire nation is proud of you, tears with you, and hugs you endlessly!".

The chairman of Torah Judaism, Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf wrote: "And the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy."

The first receiving point that the abductees will reach (photo: IDF spokesperson)

Minister Yoav Ben Tzur wrote: "And there is hope for thy future, saith the LORD; and thy children shall return to their own border."

"Between despair and hope, between weakness and strength, an entire country clinging to faith." After 471 days of uncertainty and immense anxiety for the fate of the abductees, we brought Romi, Doron and Emily home with tears of joy.

The State of Israel is obliged to act in every way to return the abductees to their families. We will not give up on anyone, this is our commitment, of all of us.

The Damari family, Gonen and Steinbracher, an entire country embraces and strengthens you, sorry that we failed to protect them, that we were not able to return them faster.

Minister of Communications Dr. Shlomo Karai said: "Blessed is He who releases the bound!" Romi, Doron and Emily returned home. Despite the unbearably difficult images of the Nazis celebrating in Gaza and the terrorists..., today we are all happy and excited to see our loved ones at home again. We will continue to fight until we eliminate terrorism and return everyone home to Gaza soon. The nation of Israel lives [Am Yisrael Chai]."

Chairman of the Noam Party, Deputy Minister Avi Maoz wrote: "Happy and moved to tears along with the whole House of Israel at the sight of the abductees returning home. Accompanying the joy is a feeling of pain and shame for the fact that after 15 months of fighting the cruel enemy is standing on his feet and did not go down on his knees.

Member of the Knesset Keti Shitrit wrote: "Blessed are you, our God, King of the world, who releases the bound." "The return of Romi, Doron and Emily, refines the soul and uplifts the spirit. I salute the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces, who in the war of resurrection, made their return possible. The State of Israel is committed to repatriating all of the abductees, and will do everything to bring the living to the bosom of their families and the dead to Kever-Yisrael [Jewish burial]." Kikar

____


Hostage returns to be ‘very slow and brittle’ coming from Hamas. Sky News Australia. Jan 19. 2025 Sky News host Paul Murray says the hostages held by Hamas will be returned “very slow” and “brittle” as the ceasefire continues... “The concern of the next little while is while it is going to be three people now and three people later, it is very slow, very, very slow, very, very brittle YouTube

After over 470 days: Romi, Emily, and Doron come home. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher have returned to Israel after more than 470 days in captivity in Gaza. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 8:29 PM INN

Government releases first pictures of released hostages reuniting with their mothers. By Amy Spiro. January 19, 2025, 8:28 pm TOI

____

How did Il Police prepare for the hostages return. 'It’s important to remember that in the framework of the release of our loved ones, is the release of terrorists'. Ariella Lahyani, ILTV|1.19.25. The Israel Police carried out extensive preparations for various security scenarios as the country prepared to welcome the first three hostages to be released as part of Phase I of the hostage deal, according to International Police Spokesperson Dean Elsdunne. YNet

____


IDF Chief Attributes Hostage Release to Stiff Israeli Military Pressure. i24 News. January 19, 2025. Algemeiner

_____


Gulf states will not rush to pay for reconstruction. An estimated $40 billion to $80 billion will be needed to rebuild Gaza, but it remains unclear where the money will come from  Doron Paskin|1.19.25. YNet

_____


Oron Shaul's funeral will be held on Monday in Poria Illit. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 07:11 PM JPost

_____


IDF Arabic spokesperson warns against rioting, marching in support of terrorism. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 08:07 PM JPost

_____


'Hope of bringing loved ones back home': Zelensky writes on X. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 09:13 PM JPost

_____


El Al celebrates freed hostages with announcement on all flights. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/19/2025 09:28 PM JPost

_____


The moving reunion. Wrapped in Israeli flags with tears in their eyes and huge smiles. Israel National News. Jan 19, 2025, 10:22 PM INN

_____


Son of hostage to Arutz Sheva: 'Hostages' return shows the fighting was not in vain'. Yoni Kempinski. Jan 19, 2025, 11:45 PM INN

_____


Eyal Yakoby @EYakoby: CNN International couldn't manage to use a picture of the three female hostages for their coverage.

You don't hate the media enough. Jan 19, 2025. On X

____


Hamas Releases Hostages With Creepy 'Gift Bags' With Photos Of Captivity, “Certificates Of Release”. Oneindia News. Jan 20, 2025. In a chilling propaganda display, Hamas handed released hostages bizarre “gift bags” featuring photos of their captivity, a commemorative Gaza photo, and gold-gilded “certificates of release.” The released hostages, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, described the gesture as a “cynical game” aimed at psychological manipulation. Video footage shared by Hamas shows the hostages being escorted through Gaza City by a motorcade of armed, masked terrorists, with crowds mobbing the vehicles. Eventually handed over to the Red Cross, the hostages were transported to safety, marking the first phase of a cease-fire deal. On YouTube


____


Trump: 'Hostage deal a first step toward lasting Middle East peace'. US President-elect comments on hostage deal at rally in Washington, DC: This agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November. Elad Benari. Jan 20, 2025, 12:53 AM INN

_____


Israel frees 90 terrorists in exchange for three hostages. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 1:42 AM INN

_____


Palestinians cheer as dozens of terrorists freed to Judea and Samaria. “The wholesale release of terrorists into Judea and Samaria is a clear danger to the country,” said Samaria Regional Council’s head Yossi Dagan. JNS Staff.

(Jan. 20, 2025 / JNS) Crowds of cheering Palestinians late overnight Sunday greeted 90 terrorists in Beitunia in Judea after they were released by Israel as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal with Hamas, AFP reported.

Earlier on Sunday, three Israeli female hostages were released from the Gaza Strip after 472 days in captivity and were escorted by the Israel Defense Forces to reunite with their families.

The Israel Prison Service said in a statement just before 1:30 a.m. that “All the terrorists were released from Ofer prison and the Jerusalem detention center.”

AFP reported that members of the crowd climbed on the lead bus and unfurled a Palestinian flag, later being joined by others who waved the flags of the Fatah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist factions.

The IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee issued a warning on X against participation in riots or armed marches supporting terrorism.

“Anyone who participates in such terrorist acts exposes himself to danger,” Adraee said in Arabic.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan harshly criticized the ceasefire agreement, expressing his concerns over the consequences of releasing Palestinian terrorists to Judea and Samaria.

“Releasing terrorists into Judea and Samaria is a clear danger to the country! This is a dramatic and negative change on the ground,” Dagan was quoted as saying by Israel National News.

“Sadly, we are now witnessing celebrations of terror supporters in Judea and Samaria and around the world,” he went on to say.

Dagan stressed that “Every Jewish heart and every normal person in the world is moved to tears seeing the hostages returning to their families.”

But, he added, “The wholesale release of terrorists into Judea and Samaria is a clear danger to the country. It doesn’t just endanger the residents of Judea and Samaria; it clearly endangers all citizens of Israel, especially the ‘Judea and Samaria envelope’—from Tel Aviv through Netanya, Hadera to Jerusalem. The Israeli government made a terrible and difficult decision.”

Israel’s Supreme Court, sitting as the High Court of Justice, on Sunday morning rejected a petition filed by terror victims that sought to block the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

“It is not our place or custom to intervene in matters of this type in which the scope of judicial review is extremely narrow,” the justices stated in their ruling. JNS

Yossi Dagan: 'Releasing terrorists to Judea and Samaria - a clear danger'. Head of Samaria Regional Council blasts the release of terrorists to Judea and Samaria: We warned and cried out not to release terrorists to Judea and Samaria and not to stop the war. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 4:10 AM INN

_____


Amid terrorist release. Israel's warning to the Palestinian Authority. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 5:22 AM INN

_____


German Chancellor: 'Germany must never turn the page on the Holocaust'. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 5:54 AM INN

_____


British Airways to resume flights to Tel Aviv. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/20/2025 07:39 AM JPost

_____


Following terrorists' release: Jerusalem Minister demands reinforced security for city. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 8:55 AM INN

____


'I came back to life'| Emily Damari's moving post: 'Thanks be to G-d, I'm so happy to be'. Emily Damari, released Sunday night from Hamas captivity, pens moving first social media post: 'You've shattered my heart from emotion. I've come back to life, my loved ones.' Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 10:07 AM (GMT+2)

Emily Damari, released Sunday evening from Hamas captivity, on Monday morning posted on social media for the first time since her release.

"I'm loving, loving, loving. Thanks be to G-d. Thanks to my family, to Oreli, to the best friends I have in this world. I have returned to life, my loved ones," she wrote.

"I have managed to see just a tiny bit of everything, and you have shattered my heart from emotion. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am the happiest person in the world, just to be."

At the end of her post, Emily added a 🤟🏼emoji, hinting at her victory and release, despite the fact that she lost two of her fingers after Hamas terrorists shot at her on October 7.

Emily was released together with Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, in exchange for 90 convicted terrorists. The next group of hostages is expected to be released on Saturday. INN

____


Eviatar Ben Yehuda fell during operational activity.

Sergeant First Class (res.) Eviatar Ben Yehuda served in the 8211th Battalion of the Efraim Brigade and fell during operational activity.

Uzi Baruch. Jan 20, 2025, 10:41 AM INN

H’YD: IDF Reservist Killed, Officer Seriously Injured In Arab Village Near Jenin. January 20, 2025. YWN


_____


In runup to Trump's inauguration Yesha Council displays greeting in Times Square. Despite the bitter cold, dozens of Jewish students and youngsters came to Times Square last night to express support for the initiative and wore "Trump" hats. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 11:38 AM (GMT+2) INN

_____


Senator Tom Cotton: 'Hostages still in Gaza because Biden didn't back Israel'. Nitsan Keidar. Jan 20, 2025, 12:25 PM INN

____


At Smotrich's orders: Amnesty International loses tax benefits in Israel Israel's Tax Authority, acting on instructions from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, revokes Amnesty International's tax benefit due to organization's anti-Israel activities, support for BDS. Hezki Baruch. Jan 20, 2025, 2:23 PM (GMT+2) INN

_____

IDF Chief of Staff: 'We must be ready for counterterrorism operations in West Bank' By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/20/2025 03:40 PM JPost

_____


Khamenei: 'Hamas is alive and will remain alive'. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/20/2025 04:46 PM JPost

_____


IDF Chief of Staff in Syria: 'We need to make every effort to bring back Hadar Goldin'. While visiting troops in Syria, IDF Chief of Staff LTG Herzi Halevi discussed the recovery of the body of Oron Shaul, which had been held by Hamas since 2014. Uzi Baruch. Jan 20, 2025, 5:47 PM (GMT+2) INN

_____


Herzog congratulates Trump, calls him 'a true friend of Israel'. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/20/2025 06:02 PM JPost

_____


Israel Police, Land Authority demolish Negev house used to harbor Hamas. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/20/2025 06:10 PM JPost

_____


Watch: PM Netanyahu Congratulates President Trump. January 20, 2025.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Monday, 20 January 2025):

“Congratulations President Trump!

Sara and I send our warmest wishes to you, Melania and the American people on your second inauguration as President of the United States.

Your first term as President was filled with groundbreaking moments in the history of the great alliance between our two countries.

You withdrew from the dangerous Iran nuclear deal, you recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, you moved the American embassy to Jerusalem and you recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

You brokered the historic Abraham Accords in which Israel made peace with four Arab countries.

I believe that working together again we will raise the U.S.-Israel alliance to even greater heights.

I’m confident that we will complete the defeat of Iran’s terror axis and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for our region.

On behalf of the people of Israel, I also want to thank you for your efforts in helping free Israeli hostages.

I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.

I am sure, Mr. President, that under your leadership, the best days of our alliance are yet to come.” YWN

_____


Trump: All hostages must be freed immediately. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/20/2025 08:24 PM JPost

_____


At the inauguration: Rabbi Berman prays for hostages' return and peace in Israel. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 8:18 PM INN

_____

Hamas delays next hostage release to Sunday, violating deal terms. Israel prepared for second phase of hostage release Saturday, set to include 4 captives; however, terror group announces would provide names Saturday, with release itself now delayed to Sunday. Einav Halabi, Itamar Eichner|1.20.25. YNet

Hamas announces next phase of hostage release will be on Sunday, not Saturday. By Amichai Stein. 01/20/2025 07:29 PM JPost

_____


Moved dozens of times, kept in darkness: Inside Romi, Doron and Emily's captivity.

Freed hostages say Hamas informed them of their release only hours before; 'We were terrified of the Gazan crowds,' they share; moved dozens of times, often underground, they say, 'We cared for each other constantly,' with one adding, 'I thought I’d die'.

Yael Ciechanover|1.20.25. YNet

_____

In case ceasefirefalls apart: Netanyahu presented document on resumption of war. Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 9:00 PM INN

_____


Defense Minister tells IDF to prevent Palestinian celebrations for released terrorists. By Avi Ashkenazi. 01/20/2025 09:37 PM JPost

_____


'Trump felt fulfilled when he saw the hostages & their families'.

Steven Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, describes how he and President Trump felt when they saw the first images of the 3 hostages meeting their families after they were freed yesterday.

Israel National News. Jan 20, 2025, 9:40 PM INN

_____


Shas Minister against death penalty for terrorists: "Not simple halachically". 20th of Tevet 5785. 20.01.25

Religious Affairs Minister Melchieli said that "we do not kill terrorists for revenge, but only if it brings deterrence".

Religion Minister Michael Malchieli expressed opposition to calls for the death penalty for terrorists.

In an interview he gave to Kol Chai radio today, a day after the release of the three abductees, Malchieli explained that from a halachic point of view the issue is complex and that according to security officials, such a step would not result in an effective deterrent.

"From a halachic point of view, it's not that simple," explained the minister. "We do not kill terrorists for revenge, but only if it will bring deterrence. The security officials claim that killing terrorists will not bring the desired deterrence."

Referring to the kidnapping deal, Malchiali mentioned Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's support for the Shalit deal, even though it included the release of many more terrorists. "Can anyone think that the children would have remained in captivity for another whole year?" he asked. INN

_____


Hamas backtracks, confirms second hostage exchange to proceed Saturday. Einav Halabi, Itamar Eichner|1.20.25. YNet

______


'Just bravado': No charges in Hamas operative’s killing as case dismissed. State attorney decides to close investigation against five suspects in case of killing of bound Hamas operative at start of war, citing lack of evidence of wrongdoing Lior Ohana, Meir Turgeman, Tova Zimuki | 1.20.25. YNet

_____


American Historical Association Vetoes Defaming Anti-Israel Resolution. by Dion J. Pierre. Jan 20, 2025.

The American Historical Association (AHA) has vetoed a controversial resolution, passed by its members earlier this month, which falsely accused Israel of sabotaging the higher education system in Gaza during its war to eradicate the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. Algemeiner.

_____


Jewish Onliner @JewishOnliner Palestine Red Crescent Spokesman Photographed with Apparent Terrorists

A new investigation reveals PRCS spokesman Raed Al-Nams photographed alongside armed terrorists.

Al-Nams (wearing glasses) can be seen with Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade member Abdul Qadan (center, keffiyeh).🧵. [14]. [15]. Jan 20, 2025 On X

_____


Monday, January 20, 2025. Israel is seen more favorably than CNN and the EU by Americans - and young Americans now support Israel more than most other age groups! A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll was just released, and it shows that Americans remain strongly pro-Israel.

Taken on January 15-16, the survey asked 2,650 US voters a series of questions about the political environment ahead of President-elect Trump's inauguration today.

One question asked how favorably Americans judged a series of institutions:

Israel is seen more favorably by Americans than the European Union, CNN. MSNBC and X. The gap of favorable over unfavorable is better for Israel than the US Supreme Court, the Department of Justice and Fox News. (If you calculate the percentage of favorable answers over all people who held an opinion, Israel also edges Facebook.)

Given the huge amount of anti-Israel reporting and coverage of anti-Israel events for the past 15 months, this is pretty remarkable.

Another response is perhaps even more surprising:

It is not surprising that 4 out of 5 Americans support Israel over Hamas. But the age breakdown shatters the impression that has been given that young Americans are inexorably becoming more anti-Israel.

A higher percentage of US voters 18-24 say they support Israel than any other age group under 55!

The pattern of younger people becoming more and more anti-Israel appears to have been broken by Gen Z.

This is something worth investigating. Did the pro-Hamas college encampments turn them off? Are they now getting most of their news from social media and therefore not as exposed to the toxic hate from the mainstream media? Is hasbara actually working for the first time in decades? [16] EoZ

____


January 21, 2025. Al Jazeera unwittingly proves yet again that Hamas lies constantly.

From Al Jazeera: 'The Palestinian Civil Defence agency said it estimated there are 10,000 bodies under destroyed structures across the strip. At least 2,840 bodies were melted and there are no traces of them, said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson of the Palestinian Civil Emergency Services in Gaza.'

2,840 is a curiously specific statistic for bodies that, by definition, have no evidence of ever existing. How can they count bodies that leave no trace?

If you that Gaza civil defense is simply counting missing people, then why not assume that they are missing under the rubble and simply not found yet? How could they possibly determine that 2,840 bodies are invisible under rubble and 10,000 are not? (Actually, Hamas just updated the number of people missing to be exactly 14,222, which must mean 2,840 melted and 11,382 buried.)

It is impossible to count thousands of invisible people. The "2,840" figure by itself is 100% proof that Hamas makes up very specific casualty statistics out of thin air.

Combine this with the facts that the 10,000 buried under rubble number has also been made up by Hamas with no evidence or procedure for counting them, and that there is no known weapon short of a nuclear bomb that leaves no trace of a human body, this gives us 100% proof from Al Jazeera itself that Hamas lies about Gaza casualties. EoZ

_____


Israeli Military Says Killed '20,000 Hamas Operatives' In Gaza. By AFP - Agence France Presse. January 21, 2025. Outgoing military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said on Tuesday that Israeli forces had killed "20,000 Hamas operatives" during 15 months of war in Gaza. Barrons

"I had the duty and the right to stand up to failure and turn it into a lever and not a weight". 21.01.25

Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Herzi Halevi: Good evening,

This is the 473rd day of the war. A long war, which requires great sacrifice from us, but it also has very important achievements for our future. The IDF is still fighting in the various arenas.

We are in the days of realizing one of the most important goals of the war - the return of the kidnapped. The forces, as I am impressed by in my visits to them, are very determined and know what they are fighting for - the dismantling of Hamas, its rule and capabilities, the return of the kidnapped and the return of Israeli citizens to their homes in safety. Even in distant theaters, the IDF continues to operate with all its might.

I am now near Miflasim, a place where many were murdered and from where others were kidnapped. In this place I choose to talk about the situation and also talk about myself.

The day a person assumes the burden of command in the Israel Defense Forces, he shoulderes a responsibility, a responsibility that has no expiration date. On the first day of the war, in the General Staff's assessment of the situation, I loudly and clearly took responsibility, my responsibility, for the IDF's failure to protect civilians on Simchat Torah 5744. I did the same publicly on the sixth day of the war.

The IDF's primary mission is to protect the citizens of the country. We failed in that. I have carried the results of this terrible day ever since and will carry them with me for the rest of my life.

At my duty stations in the IDF, I was taught that an operation ends when the tasks are completed, an operation ends when everyone returns. An operation ends after a debriefing.

The purpose of the IDF investigation is to learn - whether the force failed or succeeded. Already at the beginning of the war, the IDF initiated investigations that were carried out - in an unprecedented manner - during the war.

The desire and need to balance the attention of the commanders leading the fighting with the required commitment from them to conduct in-depth investigations, faithful to the facts and the truth, required a lengthy process. October 7 was a day when the focal points of fighting were numerous and complex. The desire of the bereaved families to arrive at the investigation of the events, as quickly as possible, is understandable and very important to us.

The IDF must provide answers and conduct truthful investigations: high-quality, thorough, and fully transparent. We are investigating out of a commitment to the fallen, the kidnapped, their families, and the communities of the Western Negev; we are investigating out of a duty to learn and in a way that will allow us to better protect the citizens of Israel in the future. I will present the full findings to the Minister of Defense and, as far as possible, to the citizens of Israel as well. Above all, we will learn and assimilate them into the IDF in order to improve and strengthen capabilities.

I can say with confidence right now – no one hid information. No one knew what was about to happen. No one helped the enemy carry out his cruelty. These statements, beyond being untrue, harm loyal servants, who have done and are doing for the security of the country and deeply understand their responsibility in the face of the consequences.

At the end of the IDF investigations, we will be better able to say what happened to us, why it happened, and how we should fix it. The military investigation deals only with the IDF and cannot encompass all the reasons and areas that may prevent such events from recurring.

An investigative committee or any other external body will be able to investigate and verify and will achieve full transparency in the IDF.

I have responsibility for the IDF's failure, I also have responsibility for the achievements. I say in advance, I wish we were not required to achieve these achievements, and there is no achievement that will undo the immense pain, sorrow, and loss that has been caused since the day the war began.

An army is an organization for crisis situations – it is tested in its prevention and ability to deal with difficult and surprising situations when they occur. We failed in prevention and defense. IDF soldiers, commanders, security forces personnel, together with many brave citizens, acted heroically to minimize the damage, contain and repel. We embarked on a difficult war, the arenas joined one after another.

The IDF, under my command, with my colleagues on the General Staff and together with the political echelon, brought about many achievements in this war. The IDF planned, the IDF executed. The Middle East has changed, our threat map has completely changed, opportunities have opened up and we must constantly measure the risks as well.

Hezbollah was defeated – most of its leadership was eliminated; we eliminated over 4,000 terrorist operatives, including most of the organization's most senior chain of command, headed by Hassan Nasrallah. These are the results of quality planning, initiative, and courageous and thorough execution on land, in the air, at sea, and in supporting capabilities.

This is also the result of very high-quality intelligence. The same intelligence officers who failed on October 7 and feel this way are the ones who brought the intelligence that made the achievements possible. The weakening of Hezbollah's power in the Lebanese arena is very evident, and it is our duty to preserve this in the future.

Hamas' military wing was hit very hard. Most of the organization's leadership was killed, headed by Yahya Sinwar, as were senior military wing officials, headed by Muhammad Deif.

The IDF has eliminated nearly twenty thousand Hamas terrorist operatives. We have not yet returned all the abductees and we have tasks to complete against the Hamas regime and against the guerrilla and terrorist capabilities that the organization still possesses. We are very determined to realize and prevail.

In the fight against terrorism, civilians and soldiers were killed in Judea and Samaria last year. Since the beginning of the war, we have killed 794 terrorists in this sector. For the most part, we have prevented evil before the terrorists reach the citizens of Israel.

This is a broad effort, carried out in deep partnership with the Shin Bet, a high-quality organization that joins us in combining forces, responsibility, and learning from the past. Terrorism in Judea and Samaria could have been much more significant in this war, if not for the offensive and defensive efforts we have taken.

In this war, we fought directly against Iran for the first time, striking its proxies in the region - Hezbollah, Hamas, and the assets of the Iranian axis in Syria. Syria changed - in a rapid move of maneuvering for defense, and an air strike to damage the axis' capabilities, we completely changed the scope of the future threat in Syria.

We attacked Iran following missile and drone barrages launched into the territory of the State of Israel. We carried out the strikes over two nights using the Air Force, based on very high-quality intelligence and with courageous strategic partnerships and defensive moves that greatly reduced the damage. No one was killed in these attacks, very few were injured, and we suffered some property damage. This was in light of the hundreds of tons of explosives launched into the State of Israel.

Against these, we attacked Iran. We knew where we were attacking and why. Our armament reached the target precisely and destroyed it in all the targets we aimed at. Iran today knows our power, understands our might, and will feel the comfort of our arm when needed.

These IDF achievements place Israel in a different light in the region and in the world, both in relation to October 7 and in relation to what existed before the outbreak of the war. This is of enormous importance; we will be required to preserve these achievements in the concept of action that will guide us in the future. These achievements will never be enough to alleviate the loss and pain, but they will enable the establishment of a better future for all of us.

The transition from the searing failure to the achievements was fraught with difficulties and required great strength and talent. I am proud of the IDF for coming to its senses, for the path and the results. I am proud of the commanders, the reservists, the regulars, the conscripts and the civilians who work with us.

I have no desire to hold on to my position. From an ethical perspective, it is not appropriate for my term to be complete, and I have stated this in the past. Now is the right time for decisions. I have been investing my all in the war for 473 days, in order to succeed in eradicating Hamas, both military and governmental.

In order to succeed and return the kidnapped and in order to return the residents of the western Negev and the residents of the north to their homes in safety. I informed the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense today of my desire to fulfill my responsibility and end my duties on March 6th of this year. By then, we will properly complete all investigations and urgent tasks, and I will transfer command of the IDF in a thorough and responsible manner to whichever candidate is chosen to replace me.

I will soon complete 40 years of military service. The needs of the State of Israel and the IDF have always been before me and have been more important to me. Even at this time. I made this decision a long time ago, and now, when the IDF has the upper hand in all theaters of combat and another agreement to return hostages is underway, the time is ripe. I found it appropriate to wait with these words for several weeks.

I thought it inappropriate to preoccupy myself and at the time of the end of my duties when the fate of the hostages is in doubt and their families are under enormous stress. When the fighting in Gaza is at its peak and the lives of fighters, my subordinates, are at stake. I am strengthening the families of the hostages in this difficult and long wait. I want you to know that we are doing everything possible; I embrace the bereaved families and greet the wounded, strengthening them on their journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

Throughout the war, since October 7, I have looked straight at the failure every day. I have not shied away from responsibility and have not forgotten for a moment that I am the commander who sent his subordinates into a battle from which they never returned and to the positions from which they were kidnapped.

I bow my head in memory of the civilians we did not manage to save, of our colleagues in the readiness squads and security forces, and of the fallen IDF men and women in the reserves and regulars, who stuck to their duty and did not abandon it.

I had the duty, and also the right, as commander of the Israel Defense Forces, to stand up to failure and turn it into a lever rather than a weight – and lead the IDF and the citizens of Israel to a new and safer reality, for many years to come.

"And these are the names of the children of Israel," is this week's parashah on the last Shabbat. The names that we will never forget – of those who are no longer with us, of those we await their return, may they all return. IDF


____


Trump to lift pause on 2,000-pound bomb supply to Israel. By Reuters. 01/20/2025 11:27 PM JPost

____


Hours after inauguration. Trump cancels sanctions on residents of Judea and Samaria. Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 2:49 AM INN

_____


Trump thinks Saudi Arabia will normalize relations with Israel. By Reuters. 01/21/2025 03:05 AM JPost

____


Dr Mike Evans: 'Hamas would never have conceded without Donald Trump'. Yoni Kempinski. Jan 21, 2025, 3:19 AM INN

____


Trump meets freed hostages: 'We never stopped praying for you'. US President meets freed hostages as well as families of hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza during victory celebration in Washington: It should have never happened.

Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 4:22 AM INN

Trump speaks flanked by freed hostages and families of captives. President says Oct. 7 massacre would not have happened had he been president, calls the treatment of hostages a disgrace and says hostages will be coming home daily. Daniel Edelson, New York|1.21.25. YNet

____


Ari Fuld's brother: We fear this terrible deal while rejoicing for released hostages.

Eytan Fuld shares his feelings as the terrorist who murdered his brother is scheduled to be released as part of the hostage deal and sends a message to Hamas: 'You will not rejoice from this release, Israel will win.'

Yoni Kempinski. Jan 21, 2025, 12:05 AM INN

____


Trump cancels sanctions on residents of Judea and Samaria.

President Trump signs a series of orders reversing Biden's policies, including Biden’s Executive Order which applied sanctions on Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria.

Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 2:49 AM INN

_____


MK Boaz Bismuth: 'The war will continue, the Americans know that perfectly well'. Yoni Kempinski. Jan 21, 2025, 4:46 AM INN

____


Sydney, Australia: Daycare center torched, antisemitic graffiti scrawled on wall. Elad Benari. Jan 21, 2025, 6:24 AM INN

Kindergarten burns in Sydney antisemitic attack. Jewish community center also sprayed with graffiti in the second attackon the city's Jewish property in four days  Reuters, Itamar Eichner|1.21.25. YNet

____


IDF to Gazans: If Hamas keeps deal, you can return to northern Gaza next week. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/21/2025 09:33 AM JPost

IDF spokesman: 'Return to northern Gaza next week - if Hamas keeps the deal'. Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 10:07 AM INN

_____


Turkey could restart Israel trade if peace permanent, trade body says. By Reuters. 01/21/2025 10:33 AM JPost

______


Ben-Gvir's resignation from Knesset goes into effect. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/21/2025 10:48 AM JPost

______


Gaza ceasefire to help Israel's credit rating if it persists, Moody's says. By Reuters. 01/21/2025 11:14 AM JPost

______


Mossad, Shin Bet chiefs meet with Egyptian intelligence chief. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/21/2025 11:25 AM JPost

______


Russia: Hamas promised to release Sasha Troufanov in good health. Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 12:30 PM INN

_____


British Airways resuming Israel service. By Stav Livne/Globes/TNS. 01/21/2025 01:14 PM JPost

______


Hamas calls for full West Bank 'mobilization' over Jenin op. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/21/2025 02:37 PM JPost

______


President Herzog meets with Qatari Prime Minister. Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 2:52 PM INN

_____


IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announces his resignation.

Chief of Staff informs Defense Minister Katz of his intention to step down in less than 2 months 'because of my recognition of my responsibility for the IDF's failure on October 7th.'

Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 3:14 PM INN

_____


Netanyahu, Starmer discuss release of ex-hostage British citizen Emily Damari. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/21/2025 03:35 PM JPost

______

PA must pay terror victims, Israel’s top court says. Canaan Lidor. (Jan. 21, 2025 / JNS). JNS

_____


New Knesset law punishes denial of Oct. 7 massacre with up to five years in prison. (Jan. 21, 2025 / JNS). JNS

______


Emily's mom posts photo of her missing fingers. Mandy Damari in post thanked citizens in the UK and around the world who called for her daughter's release from captivity Itamar Eichner|1.21.25. YNet

______


Israel considers ‘dead zone’ on Lebanese border. Amid Israel's fragile cease-fire, retired General Amir Avivi urges action against Iran, Hezbollah and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham   Felice Friedson/The Media Line|1.21.25. YNet

______


IDF must now withdraw from Lebanon: 6,000 Lebanese soldiers said operating against Hezbollah. Under cease-fire agreement, the IDF must complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday; Western diplomats report that the Lebanese Armed Forces have already carried out 100 operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, noting, 'It’s likely some requests came from the IDF'. Itamar Eichner|1.21.25. YNet

_____


AOC accused of "Jewsplaining" to ADL over Elon Musk gesture. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and journalist Mehdi Hassan accused of attempting to dictate to Jews what antisemitism is after they attacked the ADL's comment that Elon Musk did not make a Nazi salute. Gary Willig. Jan 21, 2025, 9:31 PM (GMT+2) INN

_____


Reports in Gaza: Body of terrorist who murdered Border Policeman in 2021 found. Israel National News. Jan 21, 2025, 11:38 PM INN

____


Incoming US Amb to UN: 'Israel has biblical right to Judea and Samaria'. Tziki Brandwine. Jan 21, 2025, 9:26 PM INN

STEFANIK ON FIRE: Trump’s UN Ambassador Vows To Root Out Waste And Antisemitism At The UN [VIDEOS]. YWN

_____


Harvard settles lawsuits over antisemitism on campus. (Pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel supporters gather for a rally at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14, 2023. Joseph Prezioso/AFP). By Agencies and ToI Staff. January 21, 2025, 8:06 pm TOI

_____


Herzog sees ‘potential’ for next ceasefire stages as Qatar says talks ‘won’t be easy’. By Amy Spiro. January 21, 2025, 9:14 pm TOI


Israeli President Herzog: My Faith In A Two-State Solution Was Shattered By Oct. 7 Massacre. January 21, 2025. YWN

_____


Deal will see release of longest-serving Palestinian inmate, who murdered bus driver. ([17]. Hamas terrorist Nael Barghouti waves a green Islamic flag and a Palestinian flag to the crowd after arriving in the West Bank city of Ramallah after he was released as part of an exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier held by Hamas, October 18, 2011. AP/Majdi Mohammed). By Reuters and ToI Staff. January 21, 2025, 9:31 pm TOI

_____


Trump order appears to target some foreigners participating in anti-Israel protests. Executive decree says US government must be 'vigilant' in issuing visas and ensure recipients support 'do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists.' By Jacob Magid and ToI Staff. 21 January 2025.

Trump order appears to target some foreigners participating in anti-Israel protests.

([18]. An anti-Israel protester appears to be wearing a Hamas headband and carrying an approximation of the terror group's flag at a rally in New York City on May 18, 2024. John Lamparski / AFP).

An executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on Monday appeared to target, among others, foreign nationals who participated in anti-Israel protests that swept throughout the country since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught, and which sometimes featured support for the Palestinian terror group.

The Executive Order Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Threats stated that the government must be “vigilant” in issuing visas to foreign nationals and ensure that those approved “do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests.”

The order signed by Trump shortly after his inauguration required the US government to ensure that foreign nationals “not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to our national security.”

Trump campaigned on cracking down on the anti-Israel protests, particularly those on college campuses, but it was not yet clear how exactly he’d go about doing it, given free speech laws in the US.

“When I am president we will not allow our colleges to be taken over by violent radicals,” Trump said at a rally in May. “If you come from another country and try to bring jihadism or anti-Americanism or antisemitism to our campuses we will immediately deport you. You’ll be out of that school.”

The Republican party also included a commitment to “deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again” on a list of 20 promises made in the party platform adopted at its National Convention in July. TOI

_____


Saudi FM says Trump presidency doesn’t raise risk of Iran-Israel war By Agencies and ToI Staff. January 21, 2025, 10:26 pm TOI

_____


Jerusalem pizzeria once hot for Clinton rebrands itself for Trump. By Deborah Danan. January 21, 2025, 10:44 pm TOI

_____


5 injured in stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv, terrorist eliminated. They were stabbed in the middle of a busy street and evacuated to a nearby hospital; One was stabbed in the neck and was moderately to seriously injured; Attacker identified as permanent resident of the US originally from Morocco who arrived here 3 days ago. Lior Ohana|1.21.25. YNet

Moroccan Tourist With US Green Card Carries Out Stabbing Attack in Tel Aviv, Wounding 4. by Debbie Weiss.

Israeli police officers respond after a Moroccan national with a US green card carried out a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv on Jan. 21, 2025. Photo: Ilia Yefimovich/dpaare/dpa via Reuters Connect

A Moroccan national with a US green card, who entered Israel three days ago, carried out a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, wounding at least four people before being shot and killed by an off duty border guard.

Abdelaziz Kaddi, 29, was found with a permanent US resident card after a female officer shot and killed him. According to Israeli reports, he entered Israel on Jan. 18 with a tourist visa with the intention to carry out a terrorist attack. It was later revealed that he had a history of inciting posts on social media... Algemeiner

_____


The Mossad: Satirical and Awesome @TheMossadIL: WOW.

Nefarious Wikipedia editors have made it appear as though Israel was responsible for every death on October 7. The system is broken.

@WikiBias2024 Jan 21, 2025 On X

_____


Pierre Rehov 🔽@rehoov: Do you think the murderous corrupted gangster Mahmud Abbas will continue to reward terrorists from humanitarian aid he receives now that he doesn't have a leftist American administration to back him up anymore? [19] Jan 21, 2025. On X

____


Florida Muslim Conference At Marriott Courtyard in Coral Springs to Feature Broward School Board Chair & Local Officials Secret venue discovered, following last year’s ‘Pro-Hamas’ conference cancellation. January 22, 2025 by Beila Rabinowitz. After being removed from two Broward County School Board committees for promoting antisemitism, Muslim “educator” and self-described activist “for Islam,” Naima Khan-Ghany, is now slated to moderate a forum at the upcoming Florida Muslim Conference to be held in Coral Springs, Florida, on January 24th to 25th of this week.

The event is being organized by the South Florida Muslim Federation (SFMF), a.k.a. SoFlo Muslims, a group whose previous year’s conference was shut down for including speakers with ties to terrorism who had glorified the terrorist organization Hamas.

The Khan-Ghany moderated panel, entitled “Shared Values, Stronger Communities: Building Unity Through Dialogue,” lists as its participants Broward School Board Chair Debra “Debbi” Hixon, Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, Sunrise Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Dixon, and Lutheran Pastor Jonathan Gantt, alongside two of the Muslim Federations’s top leaders, SFMF Development Director Imam Azhar Subedar and Imam Abdul Hamid Samra, who heads SFMF’s Council of Imams. FPM

_____


Number of wounded in Tel Aviv attack rises to six, including US tourist. Ichilov Hospital announced that two additional victims were admitted with minor injuries. Joshua Marks. (Jan. 22, 2025 / JNS).

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center’s Ichilov Hospital announced on Wednesday that two additional victims of the previous night’s terrorist attack in the city had been admitted, with minor injuries. This brings the total number of injured to six, three of whom have already been discharged, according to the hospital.

The terrorist stabbed five individuals, leaving one in serious condition, another moderately injured and the remaining three with light injuries, according to Ynet. Among the victims was an American tourist, who was attacked after the terrorist had already stabbed four Israelis. JNS

_____


Harvard University Settles Lawsuit With Jewish Students Who Alleged ‘Severe and Pervasive’ Anti-Semitism On Campus.

University agreed to overhaul its discrimination policies to better protect Jews, Israelis, and Zionists.

Jessica Costescu and Lexi Boccuzzi, January 21, 2025.

Harvard University settled a lawsuit Tuesday with a group of Jewish students who accused the school of failing to address "severe and pervasive" anti-Semitism on campus. The Ivy League school agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism and issued guidance language on its non-discrimination policy, stating that students who target "Zionists" can face discipline.

Six Jewish students accused the school of becoming a "bastion" of anti-Semitism in a January 2024 lawsuit. Their suit argued that Harvard’s "deliberate indifference" and "enabling" of anti-Semitism violated Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. One plaintiff, Shabbos Kestenbaum, declined to join the settlement and continues to pursue his claims against Harvard separately.

"With this settlement, Harvard is demonstrating leadership in the fight against antisemitism and in upholding the rights of Jewish students," a spokesperson for Students Against Antisemitism, which is representing the students, said in a statement. "We appreciate Harvard’s proactive approach to implementing effective long-term changes and its strong commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for every student who pursues their education on Harvard’s campus."

The university committed to remedial actions that combat anti-Semitism on campus as part of the settlement. Harvard, for example, will incorporate the IHRA's definition of anti-Semitism into its non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies. That definition states that "denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor," is a form of anti-Semitism.

The amended non-discrimination guidelines will also include examples of anti-Semitism issued by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. The university also agreed to post a frequently asked questions page alongside its non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies, clarifying Jewish and Israeli identities as protected classes at Harvard.

"For many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity," the FAQ page will state. "Conduct that would violate the Non-Discrimination Policy if targeting Jewish or Israeli people can also violate the policy if directed toward Zionists."

Harassment that Jewish students at Harvard have faced, including the exclusion of Zionists from university programming, calls for their deaths, and demands that Jewish students provide their position on Israel, will also be explicitly prohibited. FreeBeacon

Harvard agrees to implement IHRA definition of antisemitism as part of settlement.

The Ivy League school’s adoption of IHRA may prompt other schools to follow suit.

By Haley Cohen, January 21, 2025.

Harvard University has agreed to implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism as part of a resolution to two Title VI lawsuits that it settled in federal court in Boston.

One of the lawsuits, filed in May by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education, alleged that since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, students and faculty on campus have called for violence against Jews and celebrated Hamas’ terrorism as the university ignored harassment — including a physical assault — of Jewish students.

The other suit was filed in January 2024 by Students Against Antisemitism, a group of six Jewish Harvard students, who alleged the school had not protected them from “severe and pervasive” campus antisemitism. In November, a judge consolidated the two lawsuits after Harvard unsuccessfully moved to dismiss both.

In addition to adopting IHRA, Harvard agreed to prepare a public annual report for the next five years that covers its response to violations of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination and harassment based on national origin. It also agreed to provide clarification on its website that Jewish and Israeli students are covered by Harvard’s existing Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Policies.

The May complaint, a copy of which was first obtained by Jewish Insider, stated that Harvard allowed student protesters to occupy and vandalize buildings, and interrupt classes and exams. “Professors, too, have explicitly supported Jewish and Israeli terrorism, and spread antisemitic propaganda in their classes,” according to a Brandeis Center statement. “Jewish students are bullied and spat on, intimidated, and threatened, and subject to verbal and physical harassment.”

“This settlement agreement is a major advance for students at Harvard University,” Ken Marcus, founder of the Brandeis Center, told JI. “We expect that it will have an extraordinary impact for colleges and universities around the country. There is now a Harvard standard that other colleges will need to strive to meet.”

Marcus called Harvard’s agreement to incorporate IHRA — and to use it explicitly in its anti-discrimination policy — “critical.”

“Harvard isn’t the first university in the U.S. to agree to do this, but certainly the most prominent,” Marcus said. “We expect that their lead will now be followed elsewhere.” JewishInsider

_____


Cassidy, Fetterman reintroduce legislation encouraging students to file Title VI complaints over campus antisemitism.

The Protecting Students on Campus Act would require universities to deliver annual reports on discrimination on campus.

By Emily Jacobs, January 21, 2025.

Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) will reintroduce their bill requiring universities to make students aware of their right to file Title VI complaints if they experience discrimination or harassment on campus, Jewish Insider has learned.

The Protecting Students on Campus Act, to be reintroduced on Tuesday morning, would require the Department of Education to have a prominently displayed link on its homepage to the Office for Civil Rights’ webpage where individuals can directly submit civil rights complaints. The OCR, a part of the DOE, is legally obligated to respond to complaints of discrimination based on national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Additionally, the legislation would require schools that receive federal funds to deliver an annual report to the DOE’s inspector general on instances of and responses to discrimination and require the IG to audit institutions “that report high ratios of discrimination complaints relative to their student population.” It would also instruct the department’s assistant secretary for civil rights to brief Congress monthly on how many reports OCR has received and what the office’s plans are to work through those complaints.

“The threats and attacks against Jewish students since October 7 are despicable. No one should fear for their safety at school because of who they are,” Cassidy, the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, said. “This bipartisan bill holds universities accountable to address discrimination and maintain a safe learning environment for all students.”

“Colleges should be places for students to learn and grow, and the Protecting Students on Campus Act would help ensure that they are exactly that. This bill is about protecting young people facing discrimination on college campuses and making sure they know their rights,” Fetterman said.

“The increasing rates of discrimination, including harassment, hateful speech and instances of vandalism, have left students feeling unsafe and threatened based on their race or what country they’re from, particularly over the last couple years. Colleges need to do more to protect students and help them find paths to recourse. This bill would help us get clearer view of where these terrible acts are happening, understand actions taken by colleges to address these occurrences, and hold colleges accountable,” he continued. JewishInsider

_____


Yemen vice-president says Trump return pivotal in fight against Iran backed-Houthis. Reuters, January 21, 2025.

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 21 (Reuters) – The vice president of Yemen’s U.N.-recognised government on Tuesday welcomed Donald Trump’s return as U.S. president, saying it was a decisive turning point to curb the Iran-backed Houthis, who he said threaten regional stability and maritime security.

Aidarous al-Zubaidi told Reuters that Trump’s strong leadership and willingness to employ military strength were in sharp contrast to the Biden administration, which he said had allowed the Houthis to consolidate power, bolster their military capabilities and extend their reach beyond Yemen. Reuters

____


Columbia anti-Israel activists start semester with protest, class disruption. January 21, 2025.

Several hundred anti-Israel demonstrators rallied outside the gates of Columbia University in New York City on Tuesday, as student activists vowed to step up their protests with the start of the spring semester.

The renewed protests come as the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress put pressure on universities to rein in threatening rhetoric on campuses.

The protesters gathered on Broadway outside a Columbia entrance in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. They chanted “We will honor all our martyrs,” “Smash the settler Zionist state,” and “Intifada people’s war” to the beat of a snare drum.

On campus, several dozen activists gathered and chanted “Long live the intifada” outside the university’s Butler Library, according to video that students shared with The Times of Israel. The protesters then marched off campus to join the activists on the street, two students said. The campus is only open to students and staff with university identification.

“Columbia you will see, we resist till victory,” the protesters on the street shouted. Most of the protesters’ faces were covered in medical masks or keffiyehs.

A handful of pro-Israel counterprotesters held Israeli flags and chanted, “The people of Israel live” in Hebrew. Other students and faculty looked on as they waited in line in the frigid cold to enter the campus. Police set up a metal barricade separating the line and the activists.

The protesters were led by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a coalition of student groups led by the campus branches of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. Both groups were suspended last year for violating university protest policies but continue to operate as part of the broader coalition. Tuesday’s demonstration was backed by the off-campus groups Within Our Lifetime, the Palestinian Youth Movement and National Students for Justice in Palestine.

The groups call for the eradication of Israel and have vowed to continue their activities since the ceasefire agreement this month.

The Columbia students urged classmates to leave class on Tuesday, the first day of classes for the semester.

“Join us to flood Columbia,” the protest coalition said on social media. “There will be no school as usual as long as Columbia is participating in a genocide.”

“Ceasefire is only the beginning,” they said.

New York City protest groups often label their rallies “floods,” a homage to the Hamas term for the October 7, 2023, invasion of Israel, the “Al Aqsa Flood.”

On campus, protesters handed out fliers that said, “The enemy will not see tomorrow,” with images of masked gunmen and an inverted triangle, a Hamas symbol, according to images shared online. TOI

Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر @emilykschrader:

Columbia University: masked “free Palestine” activists storm into a class on the history of modern Israel disrupting and passing flyers to Jewish students on “crushing Zionism.”

This is racism and it’s a violation of student there. Disgusting! On X

Aviva Klompas @AvivaKlompas: The mob at Columbia screaming for violence against Jews.

I cannot understand how this is still happening after 15 months.

Jan 21, 2025 On X

_____


Uni student posted racist comment aimed at Israel Society amid war with Hamas. Amy Fenton. Mon 20 January 2025 at 11:02 am GMT-5 1-min read Yahoo

Trainee pharmacist sentenced after writing “hope we kill hundreds more of you” to Israel student society following action by CAA.

01/21/2025.

A trainee pharmacist was sentenced in court yesterday for a message he sent on social media to a university’s Israel student society.

Mohammad Al Accad, 24, also known as Suhail, pleaded guilty to sending a grossly offensive communication at Manchester Magistrates’ Court. The charge related to a message that he sent to the Israel Society at University College London which read: “F*** you and your people, hope we kill hundreds more in the coming days.”

The message was sent on 7th October 2023 in response to a statement published by the society condemning Hamas’ barbaric attacks in Israel on the same day. During the attacks, terrorists murdered some 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages.

Campaign Against Antisemitism reported the contents of the message to the police after speaking with the victim.

The police offered to facilitate an apology from Mr Al Accad to the victim in lieu of a prosecution, which was rejected.

We also reported the defendant to the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Mr Al Accad was identified by Campaign Against Antisemitism and arrested following a police investigation. During his police interview, he admitted to sending the message, saying he had done so in reaction to recent events.

Despite his admission, the defendant initially claimed that his message was not grossly offensive.

Mr Al Accad was ordered to pay a fine of £675, which was uplifted from a Class B fine to a Class C fine due to the racially/religiously aggravated nature of the offence. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £270 and £85 towards prosecution costs.

Stephen Silverman, Director of Investigations and Enforcement at Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “Mohammad Al Accad’s sentencing marks a victory against those who feel that they can target Jewish students with antisemitic hatred. When antisemitism crosses the criminal threshold, we will do whatever it takes to secure justice. Let this verdict send a clear message to those who target Jews. Ruinous consequences await them.” Antisemitism.org

_____


Amsterdam comedy club cancels Israeli stand-up after threats. 01/21/2025.

An Israeli comedian's stand-up show at an Amsterdam comedy club was canceled Monday due to threats about his performance, according to statements by comedian Yohay Sponder on Boom Chicago.

Boom Chicago said in a statement that upon the announcement of Sponder's Saturday show, they received "significant negative reactions" online and from visitors, including responses that were "outright threatening."

"We began to worry about the safety of our performers, audience, and colleagues. Therefore, we made the difficult decision to cancel the performance," said Boom. "We are deeply saddened that this situation has escalated into a polarized debate about Gaza. In our 32 years of existence, we have never experienced anything like this. Very nasty criticism has come at us from all sides, even though we genuinely tried to do what was best for everyone."

Boom said that it believed in freedom of expression without hate and offered to help Sponder relocate to another venue. Postponing the trip

Sponder said on Instagram on Monday that the show had been postponed, and a new date and location would be announced soon.

"We're working on a new bigger venue, more beautiful, more central, better, we're going to get together and laugh as Jews are supposed to," said Sponder.

Sponder thanked his fans for their support.

Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Netherlands welcomed Boom's decision to cancel the show, asserting that the venue had listened to arguments against allowing him to perform.

"Yohay Sponder is a cultural ambassador for Israel, tasked with whitewashing Israel's atrocities against Palestinians," BDS NL said on Instagram Sunday. "Where other cultural ambassadors do so with music and art, Yohay Sponder chooses hate speech, dehumanization of Palestinians, anti-Muslim racism, and denying and ridiculing war crimes and crimes against humanity." Save the Children apologise and suspend staff member after ‘unacceptable’ ‘Zionist’ bagel shop video Save the Children has apologised after a member of staff posted a video saying she didn’t want to buy bagels from “genocidal maniacs” or people that support “Zionism”.

Yasmin Ghaffar, who the JC understands is a member of Save the Children’s public affairs team – frequently in Westminster speaking to MPs and other parliamentarians on behalf of the charity – posted a video to TikTok where she asked followers for recommendations for bagels in New York.

She specified: “I don’t want to be giving any of my money to genocidal maniacs” and added that she is looking for bagel shops that are either “actively pro-Palestinian” or “known to not be in support of that hell-hole place and Zionism”.

Her comments were severely criticised.

Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore said in a post on X that her comments revealed “much about the moral & moronic downfall of Save the Children”, adding “it exposes the degrading of Western charities & NGOs. Save the Children is just one of the many once-great NGOs that [a]r[e] no longer charities at all.” JPost

_____


Trump: 'We're thinking about going to the Middle East, but not yet'. US President says Biden's "weakness" allowed the October 7 massacre to happen. "Six months ago, you would have had 11 more living hostages. But Biden couldn't get it done." Elad Benari. Jan 22, 2025, 3:23 AM INN

_____


Turkey’s vision transforms post-Assad Syria. Through its assertive Neo-Ottomanist policies Ankara aims to become the primary architect of Syria’s future while countering rival powers like Iran and Russia. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak. (Jan. 22, 2025 / Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security).

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime—brought about by Syrian opposition forces with Turkey’s backing—has created an unprecedented opportunity for Ankara to redefine its role as a regional power in line with its broader Neo-Ottoman aspirations. By championing the Sunni opposition and dismantling the Alawite-led regime, Turkey has succeeded in shifting the Mideast balance of power, installing in Damascus a regime dependent on Turkey and curbing the influence of rivals such as Iran and Russia. JNS

_____


Footage of the Jenin operation: Over ten terrorists killed, many explosives destroyed. Over 10 terrorists eliminated as IDF carries out aerial strikes on terror targets, destroys explosives, in new Jenin operation. Uzi Baruch. Jan 22, 2025, 11:29 AM (GMT+2) INN

____


Watch: Tel Aviv terrorist orders pizza minutes before stabbing spree Israel National News Jan 22, 2025, 3:52 PM INN

____


Abraham Shield Plan is roadmap for meeting the regional dynamics after war. A comprehensive strategy proposed by Israel’s Coalition for Regional Security aims to stabilize the Middle East through Saudi normalization, Palestinian separation and a united front against Iran. Giorgia Valente/The Media Line |1.22.25. YNet

_____


Paraguayan President to Arutz Sheva: We decided to take ties with Israel to a higher level. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña spoke with Arutz Sheva in Washington, DC, about the country's growing relationship with Israel and his decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. Uzi Baruch, Washington. Jan 22, 2025, 5:55 PM INN

____


'What’s the next step?': Report exposes Hamas' lack of strategy after October 7 attack. Itamar Eichner|1.22.25. YNet

____


IDF forces work to thwart ceasefire violations in Gaza. Israel National News. Jan 22, 2025, 9:53 PM INN

____


Yoseph Haddad:

'We must speak to our enemies in the language of the Middle East'.

Israel advocate Yoseph Haddad speaks with Arutz Sheva about the challenges and importance of pro-Israel activism and explains how Israel should get along with its neighbors.

Yoni Kempinski. Jan 22, 2025, 8:14 PM INN

____


Israel demanding that Arbel Yehud be released this Saturday. While Hamas is supposed to notify Israel on Friday which hostages will be released on Saturday, Israel is demanding that the 29-year-old Arbel Yehud be one of them. Israel National News, Jan 22, 2025, 10:22 PM. INN

____


Hamas commander previously declared dead by Israel reemerges in Gaza. Beit Hanoun Battalion chief Hussein Fayyad filmed Wednesday speaking at a Gaza funeral; IDF announced he was killed in Jabaliya tunnel in May, admits intelligence 'not sufficiently accurate'; terror group calls it blow to Israeli intelligence. Einav Halabi, Elisha Ben Kimon | 1.22.25. YNet

____


Groups with ‘direct’ terror ties planned anti-Israel protests at Columbia, per Canary Mission report. “Despite efforts to depict it as such, the encampment was not the product of naive, anti-war college kids,” the watchdog stated.

Alex Welz. (Jan. 22, 2025 / JNS).

Anti-Israel and antisemitic protests at Columbia University last academic year were planned “by groups with direct links to terror organizations and supported by those organizations,” according to a new Canary Mission report.

“Despite efforts to depict it as such, the encampment was not the product of naive, anti-war college kids,” according to the report, which runs more than 50 pages. “It was planned by groups with direct links to terror organizations and supported by those organizations.”

“We hope this report will serve as a wake-up call to university administrators, Congress and the American public regarding the ‘education’ that is happening today on college campuses across the nation,” the group said.

The report features 321 profiles of students, professors and external actors, whom Canary Mission identified as engaging in antisemitic activities on the Ivy League campus. It also includes a comprehensive analysis of the ways the school became a “gateway hub for Hamas’s activism in the United States.”

Columbia’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter viewed its New York City campus “as the ideal place to launch its nationwide strategy in support of Hamas’s terror campaign,” per the report.

Instead of quelling the unrest, pockets of the school’s administration supported SJP, including “the Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, as well as the university’s senate, Middle East Institute and Center for Palestine Studies, among numerous other departments,” according to the report.

“Less than six months after Columbia’s leaders had promised Congress that the university would not tolerate antisemitism and would ensure a safe learning environment, the university had lifted discipline for its most extreme offenders and its president had apologized to them,” the report states.

On the first day of the new semester at Columbia, anti-Israel protesters disrupted a class taught by an Israeli professor on Tuesday. JNS

From Tehran to Columbia: Inside America's Student Intifada. January 17, 2025

Introduction. This report shows how foreign terror organizations – all proxies of Iran – and their American affiliates transformed Columbia University into a gateway hub for Hamas’ activism in the United States.​ It further reveals the complicity of Columbia University’s administration and faculty in this endeavor.

The report also exposes the key players at Columbia promoting foreign terror and the massacre of Jews, from faculty to students as well as the outside agitators to whom Columbia opened its gates. CanaryMission

____


Trump signs executive order calling for Houthis to be relisted as terror group. The order calls on the U.S. secretary of state to recommend designating the Yemen-based group as a terror organization within 30 days. JNS Staff. (Jan. 22, 2025 / JNS). U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday calling on the U.S. secretary of state to designate the Houthis as a terror group within the next 30 days. JNS

_____


Survivor of Nova massacre to represent Israel at Eurovision. Israel National News. Jan 22, 2025, 11:53 PM INN

Yuval Raphael, survivor of Nova massacre, to represent Israel at 2025 Eurovision. By Amy Spiro. January 23, 2025, 1:33 am TOI

______


Rubio to Netanyahu: We'll work tirelessly to help free all remaining hostages. Elad Benari. Jan 23, 2025, 12:23 AM INN

_____


Two terrorists eliminated in Jenin Israel National News Jan 23, 2025, 2:16 AM INN

_____


In sign of priorities, Trump’s first call with foreign leader held with Saudi prince. By Jacob Magid. January 23, 2025, 3:10 am TOI

_____


Justice Served: Hamas Confirms Death of Terrorist Who Murdered Israeli Hero Shmueli. Eliana Fleming. 01.22.25. JFeed

_____


Israeli Minister Says Army Applying Lessons From Gaza in West Bank Operation. by Reuters and Algemeiner Staff. January 22, 2025. Algemeiner

_____


Trump Fires Head of Terrorist-Linked World Central Kitchen From President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, Nutrition. by Corey Walker. January 22, 2025.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the firing of celebrity chef Jose Andres, founder of the controversial World Central Kitchen (WCK), from the president’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, claiming that the restaurateur and humanitarian is “not aligned with” the current White House’s mission.

Trump shared the news of Andres’s departure in an “Official Notice of Dismissal” on social media. The statement explained that his administration is currently in the process of “identifying and removing over a thousand presidential appointees from the previous administration, who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again.”

Over the past year, Andres has found himself embroiled in controversy regarding the alleged conduct of WCK employees in Gaza. WCK, a US-based NGO founded by Andres to help feed needy people caught in disasters or conflict zones, has been operating with roughly 500 employees in Gaza since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. The charity has often engaged in heated public disputes with the Jewish state, accusing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of purposefully targeting its workers with airstrikes — allegations that Jerusalem has adamantly rejected.

In April 2024, the IDF came under fire after it conducted airstrikes on a WCK vehicle convoy, killing seven employees of the charity. Israel acknowledged responsibility for the incident and insisted that the airstrikes violated internal protocol, subsequently dismissing two senior officers over the botched military operation.

Israel has accused WCK of insufficiently vetting its workforce and employing terrorist members within its ranks.

Last month, WCK fired at least 62 of its staff members in Gaza after Israel said they had “affiliations and direct connections” with terrorist groups. Israel conducted an investigation into the backgrounds of the charity’s employees after the Jewish state discovered that a WCK employee named Ahed Azmi Qdeih took part in the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas’s invasion of and massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Qdeih was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Nov. 30. At the time, WCK said it had no knowledge of an employee involved in the Oct. 7 onslaught, in which Hamas-led Palestinian terrorists murdered 1,200 people and kidnapped over 250 hostages during their rampage in southern Israel.

Israel has long insisted that Hamas and similar terrorist groups have infiltrated humanitarian organizations in Gaza. In August 2024, the United Nations admitted that nine employees of UNRWA, the controversial United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees and their descendants, were fired over their alleged involvement in the Hamas terrorist group’s Oct. 7 attacks on southern Israel. Algemeiner

____


Belgian gov't panel: Deportation trains 'collective responsibility' of gov't and public. Belgium’s railway should apologize but not pay for sending Jews to Nazi death camps, government panel concludes. Shira Li Bartov, JTA. Jan 23, 2025, 8:03 AM (GMT+2) INN

_____


Two terrorists from Funduq terror attack eliminated in Samaria. Two of the three terrorists responsible for a deadly shooting attack in Funduq earlier this month were eliminated, as security forces continue to pursue third terrorist; one IDF soldier moderately injured. Israel National News. Jan 23, 2025, 10:01 AM (GMT+2) INN

IDF kills two terrorists behind al-Funduq attack. The terrorists, who were associated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, were killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli forces after barricading themselves in a building near Jenin • One IDF soldier was moderately wounded in the operation. Joshua Marks. (Jan. 23, 2025 / JNS). Israeli forces on Wednesday night eliminated two terrorists near Jenin in northern Samaria who were involved in a Jan. 6 shooting that left three Israelis dead.

Mohamad Nazzal and Katiba Shalabi, residents of Qabatiya, were affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad and had barricaded themselves in a building in Burqin, just southeast of Jenin, according to the Israel Defense Forces. They were killed following an exchange of fire with Israeli troops.

Several other suspects were arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 attack in al-Funduq.

An IDF was moderately injured during the operation. JNS

IDF Kills 2 Of The 3 Terrorists Who Killed 3 Israelis In Funduq Attack. January 23, 2025. IDF forces overnight Wednesday eliminated two of the three terrorists who carried out the deadly terror attack in the village of Al-Funduq near Kedumim about two weeks ago, killing three Israelis and injuring nine.

IDF forces are currently in the Jenin area as part of Operation Iron Wall, which is focused on rooting out terrorism in the area. Under the direction of intelligence information from the Shin Bet, the forces surrounded a building in the village of Burqin and implemented the “pressure cooker” technique using explosives and gunfire. YWN

_____


Hamas continues to control humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Gazan residents report that Hamas is continuing to control the thousands of aid trucks entering Gaza, selling the aid for a high price. 'Hamas is stealing the aid.' Israel National News. Jan 23, 2025, 11:38 AM INN

Hamas accused of diverting aid as over 2,400 trucks enter Gaza. “Hamas steals the aid and sells it to merchants, who then set exorbitant prices at the expense of our entire people.” JNS Staff. (Jan. 23, 2025 / JNS). Despite over 2,400 aid trucks having entered the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire on Sunday, Gaza residents say the aid is not reaching them and are accusing Hamas of diverting it and selling it, Hebrew media reported on Thursday.

“We don’t see any aid or goods at reasonable prices. Why?” lamented one resident, according to Channel 12 News. Another said, “Hamas steals the aid and sells it to merchants, who then set exorbitant prices at the expense of our entire people.”

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 897 aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday alone, following 630 on Sunday and 915 on Monday.

The ceasefire agreement mandates the daily entry of at least 600 aid trucks, including 50 carrying fuel, with half destined for northern Gaza. JNS

____


US top diplomat Rubio discusses Iran, Gaza hostages with Israeli PM Netanyahu By Reuters. 01/23/2025 01:02 AM [20]

____


Trump nominates Andrew Puzder as US ambassador to the EU. By Reuters. 01/23/2025 02:21 AM JPost

____


Saudi crown prince seeks $600 bln investment push with US. By Reuters. 01/23/2025 02:32 AM JPost

____


PA arrests Al Jazeera reporter in Jenin - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/23/2025 08:00 AM JPost

____


Terrorists threw molotov cocktail on Lev HaShomron Highway Wednesday evening. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/23/2025 10:05 AM JPost

____


Released hostage's grandmother: 'I'm glad I stayed alive long enough to see her born again'

Deborah Leshem, grandmother of Romi Gonen who was released from Hamas captivity, shares her feelings about reuniting with her granddaughter.

Yoni Kempinski Jan 23, 2025, 12:47 PM INN

____


US security firm readies to inspect Gazans returning to north amid cease-fire. Itamar Eichner|1.23.25. YNet

____


Netanyahu responds to Nazi salute uproar: 'Musk is being falsely smeared'. Just days after American tycoon Elon Musk caused a stir when he made a gesture reminiscent of a Nazi salute, the prime minister stood by him. 'Elon is a great friend of Israel,' Netanyahu wrote on the X platform, owned by the billionaire who is close to President Trump. [21]. [22]. [23]. Ynet | 1.23.25. YNet

Netanyahu says Musk ‘falsely smeared,’ but NY officials, top Michigan legal officer say he hates Jews. "Elon is a great friend of Israel," who has "repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel’s right to defend itself," the Israeli prime minister stated. JNS Staff.

(Jan. 23, 2025 / JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, whom some are accusing of performing a Nazi salute at an inauguration celebration in Washington on Jan. 20, is “being falsely smeared.”

“Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the Oct. 7 massacre, in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Netanyahu stated. “He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel’s right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state. I thank him for this.”

The Israeli prime minister posted the message in response to Musk, who wrote on social media that “the radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of their busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi.”

Russ Roberts, the president of Shalem College in Jerusalem, also defended Musk. “Sorry to have to write this, but some Jews and others are demanding that Elon Musk clarify his recent gesture. Horrible idea,” Roberts stated. “I say this as a Jew. There is zero evidence that Musk harbors evil views.”

“The opposite: he sympathizes with Jews and Israel,” Roberts added. “For him to clarify matters is to incentivize evil people, encouraging them to keep making up things that raise their profile by stoking invented outrage. Ignore them.”

On Jan. 20, the Anti-Defamation League defended Musk and called for “a bit of grace” during “a delicate moment.”

At the time, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a member of the anti-Israel “Squad” in Congress, denounced Musk and accused him of doing a Nazi salute.

On Wednesday, U.S. state officials also said that Musk was guilty of performing a pro-Nazi action.

Dana Nessel, a Democrat who serves as Michigan’s attorney general, referred to “a close adviser to the president giving the Nazi salute during an inaugural rally just this week.”

Nearly a dozen Jewish New York officials, including the city comptroller, state senators, state assembly members and a city council member, said that “there is no room for ambiguity when it comes to Nazi symbology. The time is now to protect ourselves and our neighbors, not to normalize hate.”

([24]. Elon Musk and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak with Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council acting head Yossi Keren in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Nov. 27, 2023. Credit: Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO).

Musk performed “what appeared to be two Nazi salutes—otherwise known as a ‘Sieg Heil’ or a ‘Roman salute’—at an official presidential event from a podium that bore the presidential seal,” the officials stated.

“As Jewish elected officials committed to combating antisemitism in New York, we unequivocally condemn this action and the lack of apology,” they said

“Given that Elon Musk has repeatedly pushed the antisemitic ‘great replacement’ theory and endorsed the Nazi-supporting AfD (Alternative for Germany) party in Germany, it is not hard to imagine that he knew exactly what he was doing,” they added. JNS

_____


Security source on Jenin operation: If Zakaria Zubeidi holds a weapon, he'll be eliminated. Israel National News. Jan 23, 2025, 1:49 PM INN

____


IDF dismantles Hezbollah weapons stores, infrastructure in southern Lebanon. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/23/2025 05:25 PM JPost

_____


Israel said seeking 30 more days to withdraw from Lebanon, citing Hezbollah violations. By Emanuel Fabian and ToI Staff. January 23, 2025, 4:19 pm TOI

_____


Very Concerning: Trump Gives Top Defense Position To Official With Worrying Views On Israel And Iran. January 23, 2025

The Trump administration’s appointment of Michael DiMino as deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East has sparked widespread concern among pro-Israel conservatives, with critics pointing to his controversial views on Iran, Israel, and U.S. involvement in the region.

DiMino, a former military analyst at the CIA and a Defense Department official under Trump’s first term, recently served as a fellow at Defense Priorities, a think tank advocating for reduced U.S. engagement in the Middle East. His comments and policy stances have drawn sharp criticism for downplaying threats from Iran and its proxies and for opposing traditional U.S. military strategies in the region.

In a February 2024 webinar, DiMino argued that the Middle East holds minimal strategic importance for the U.S., saying that vital threats in the region are “minimal to nonexistent.” He advocated for a significant reduction of U.S. military presence in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf, instead promoting diplomacy and intelligence-led operations.

Pro-Israel groups have expressed alarm at his remarks on Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Israel, which he described as a “fairly moderate” response to Israeli actions. DiMino has repeatedly opposed military strikes on Iran, warning that such actions could provoke escalation. In April 2024, he praised President Biden’s efforts to restrain Israel from striking Iranian nuclear sites, a stance many conservatives view as appeasement.

DiMino has also been critical of U.S. military actions against Iranian-backed militias and the Houthis in Yemen, describing such strikes as futile. He has argued for increased diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid rather than military intervention, often urging the U.S. to pressure Israel to modify its policies in Gaza and the West Bank.

His views on regional security have further fueled concerns. In a policy paper, he dismissed U.S. interests in the Red Sea as negligible, suggesting that China, rather than the U.S., should address Houthi threats to shipping lanes. He has also criticized potential U.S. security guarantees to Saudi Arabia as part of a normalization deal with Israel, calling Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman an “erratic figure.”

Critics within the administration and pro-Israel circles view DiMino’s positions as inconsistent with President Trump’s more hawkish approach to the region. A Republican congressional defense staffer described DiMino’s views as “diametrically opposed” to Trump’s policies, which emphasize a maximum pressure campaign against Iran and robust support for Israel.

The appointment has drawn comparisons to Elbridge Colby, another Trump administration official whose stance on Iran has been criticized by conservatives. Both DiMino and Colby are seen as proponents of a more isolationist foreign policy, a perspective many fear will undermine U.S. commitments to its allies.

“This foreign policy is the same as Obama’s foreign policy in the Middle East,” said a former Trump administration official. “We are at a point of choosing whether to allow Iran to become a nuclear weapons power, and people like DiMino don’t see that as a threat.” YWN

______


Iraqi FM: Abducted Israeli researcher still alive. Israel National News. Jan 23, 2025, 5:19 PM INN

____


Hezbollah says Israel has to completely withdraw from Lebanon ahead of withdrawal deadline. By Reuters. 01/23/2025 05:25 PM JPost

_____


'My sunbeam has returned'. Doron's sister posts first photo with her. Israel National News. Jan 23, 2025, 5:42 PM INN

____


Senior Israeli official. 'IDF will not withdraw from all of southern Lebanon by Sunday'.

The Security Cabinet will discuss whether the IDF will complete the withdrawal from Lebanese territory by Sunday, the end of the 60 days stipulated by the ceasefire agreement to do so.

Israel National Newsm Jan 23, 2025, 6:28 PM INN

____


Priestly Blessing. Yossi Dagan blesses the Argentinian President. Israel National News. Jan 23, 2025, 6:48 PM INN

____


Trump to Davos: 'Ceasefire wouldn't have happened without us'. By Hannah Sarisohn. 01/23/2025 07:24 PM JPost

_____


US Senate advances nomination of Trump CIA director pick. By Reuters. 01/23/2025 07:02 PM JPost

_____


Gaza: Troops fire at suspects approaching them Israel National News. Jan 23, 2025, 8:33 PM INN

____


Hamas says group to give Israel on Friday names of next four hostages to be freed. By ToI Staff and Amy Spiro. January 23, 2025, 10:01 pm TOI

_____


Would be nice if Iran issues can be solved without Israeli strike.

Trump stresses importance of implementing the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas: If the deal doesn’t hold there will be a lot of problems.

Israel National News Jan 23, 2025, 11:31 PM INN

_____


‘Very serious allegation,’ UN says of reports hostages held at its sites in Gaza. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is slated to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Mike Wagenheim. (Jan. 23, 2025 / JNS).

Reports that freed Israeli hostages had been held in U.N. shelters in the Gaza Strip amount to “a very serious allegation,” Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, told JNS on Wednesday.

“We call on those who have information on this to share it formally with UNRWA or other parts of the United Nations so that we can investigate it further,” Haq told JNS at the global body’s press conference in New York.

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, who were released on Sunday, said Hamas had held them in U.N. camps that the global body created during the war to protect Gazan civilians and to provide them with food and water.

It wasn’t clear from public records and reporting in which camps they were held, when and for how long. Israeli intelligence, taken from captured Hamas terrorists, assessed that several Israeli hostages were held at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Fox News reported.

The United Nations and other global groups have criticized the Israeli military extensively for conducting military operations in and around shelters, U.N. camps and Gazan hospitals. The Israel Defense Forces has said that Hamas has a documented history of using such facilities for terror operations. Hamas is known to be embedded in civilian and humanitarian areas. JNS

_____


Nashville school shooter, 17, was inspired by Hitler and Candace Owens according to 'manifesto'. 24 January 2025. KBC

BREAKING: Alleged Nashville School Shooter RADICALIZED By Nick Fuentes and Candace Owens.

The Bulwark. Jan 23, 2025. Tim Miller talks about the radicalization of the alleged Nashville school shooter by far-right personalities. on YouTube

Nashville school shooter's manifesto reveals he was inspired by Hitler and Candace Owens.

23 Jan 2025. By Bethan Sexton for DAILYMAIL.COM [25] The Nashville school shooter allegedly wrote that his warped ideology was inspired by Candace Owens before he opened fire on two classmates and turned the gun on himself.

Solomon Henderson, 17, fatally shot Josselin Corea Escalante, 16, and injured another student before taking his own life during the rampage at Antioch High School.

The horror inside the school cafeteria unfolded at around 11am Wednesday and was partially streamed online. Daily Mail

Alleged Nashville school shooter praised Hitler and shared neo-Nazi content. Police investigating antisemitic, anti-Black manifesto attributed to 17-year-old shooter, himself Black, who killed fellow student By Philissa Cramer. 23 January 2025. ... The content also included a poster for the Go... Defense League, whose members distribute antisemitic propaganda. The apparent manifesto also included an (unattributed) quotation from the manifesto of the shooter who attacked a mosque in New Zealand in 2019, in which that shooter credited right-wing commentator Candace Owens with having influenced him; security experts disagree about whether the original statement was made sincerely, and Owens has condemned that attack and its perpetrator. TOI

______


Hamas executes alleged 'collaborators' with Israel. Elad Benari. Jan 24, 2025, 5:47 AM INN

______


Photos: Egoz Unit's activities in Jenin. Israel National News. Jan 24, 2025, 6:00 AM INN

______


Columbia University: Student suspended over protest at Israeli history class. Columbia University: Student suspended over protest at Israeli history class. Columbia University suspends student following a disruption earlier this week during a class on Israeli history, in which protesters distributed flyers with “violent imagery”. Elad Benari. Jan 24, 2025, 4:53 AM

Columbia University has suspended a student following a swift investigation into a disruption during a class on Israeli history, the university announced on Thursday, according to CNN.

Protesters distributed flyers with “violent imagery” during a History of Modern Israel class on Tuesday, according to Columbia’s statement. The university identified and suspended one student pending a complete review, with the investigation still ongoing. The student’s identity has not been disclosed.

The incident occurred on the first day of Professor Avi Shilon’s class. Protesters, wearing keffiyehs and covering their faces, entered the classroom and handed out anti-Israel flyers, reported Elisha Baker, a junior studying Middle Eastern history.

One flyer depicted a burning Israeli flag with the phrase “Burn Zionism to the Ground,” while another showed a black boot about to crush the Star of David, accompanied by the words “Crush Zionism,” according to photos taken by Baker.

In response to the incident, Columbia announced increased security measures and intensified efforts to identify those involved. It remains unclear if all demonstrators were students.

“No group of students has a right to disrupt another group in a Columbia classroom,” said interim president Katrina Armstrong. “Acts of antisemitism or any form of discrimination, harassment, or intimidation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

This disruption is the latest in a series of incidents at Columbia related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Columbia has come under increased scrutiny over the rise in antisemitism on campus since the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators at Columbia set up dozens of tents in April of last year, demanding that the university divest from its Israeli assets. The university administration called in police to dismantle the encampments.

On April 30, at the request of university leaders, hundreds of officers with the New York Police Department stormed onto campus, gaining access to the building through a second-story window and making dozens of arrests of the pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators who had taken over Hamilton Hall.

Before the anti-Israel encampment on campus, the Chabad rabbi of Columbia University and a group of Jewish students were forced to leave the university campus for their own safety during a pro-Hamas demonstration.

In August, three Columbia University deans resigned from the school, after it was discovered that they had exchanged “very troubling” texts that “disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes”. INN

______


New footage: IDF blasts tunnels, locates rocket launchers in Lebanon. Israel National News. Jan 24, 2025, 12:05 PM INN

______


Unique request: Hostage's mother: Don't desecrate the Sabbath. Merav Berger, whose daughter Agam was kidnapped on October 7 and is held hostage in Gaza, says she will try to avoid desecrating Shabbat and asks the media to respect her wishes.

Israel National News. Jan 24, 2025, 12:52 PM INN

______


Gal Hirsch meets with families of hostages, details hostage deal. By Amichai Stein. 01/24/2025 12:59 PM JPost

______


Frank Gaffney: 'Qatar is evil incarnate, should be named terror sponsor'.. Jan 24, 2025. INN

______

Gov't approving list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in first phase of deal. By Amichai Stein. 01/24/2025 01:23 PM JPost

_____


Josh Hammer: 'Western civilization begins at Mount Sinai'. Rabbi Pesach Wolicki Jan 24, 2025, 1:54 PM INN

______


How Dearborn became a symbol of Jihad Opinion: Majority-Muslim city Dearborn foster quiet jihad in US, with deep ties to Iran, Hezbollah, and anti-Western agendas Eran Lahav|1.24.25. YNet

______


PM's Office: Withdrawal from Lebanon to last more than 60 days. Israel National News. Jan 24, 2025, 3:00 PM INN

Israel delays Lebanon withdrawl. Israel to gradually exit with US coordination amid Lebanon army's lack of deployment in south to hold Hezbollah off. Itamar Eichner, Lior Ben Ari, Elisha Ben Kimon|1.24.25. YNet

_____


Hamas hands over list of hostages to be freed tomorrow.

Hamas hands over list of four hostages who will be released on Saturday afternoon. Israel says Hamas is violating the agreement but will receive the four hostages listed.

Israel National News. Jan 24, 2025, 6:19 PM INN

______


PM office confirms it received list of hostages to be released by Hamas. Netanyahu's office says mediators delivered a list from Hamas; however, the list differs from what Israel had expected, raising a significant difficulty over whether to accept it. Ynetnews|1.24.25. YNet

Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy to be freed in second release. 477 days after being kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military post, the four female soldiers are expected to be released from captivity on Saturday, possibly as early as the afternoon Itamar Eichner, Yael Ciechanover, Einav Halabi|1.24.25. YNet

_____

Friday, January 24, 2025. Hamas is publicly executing Gaza opponents ON VIDEO. Silence from the world.

Here is a video published yesterday by the Hamas-linked Gaza Now Telegram account, showing Hamas terrorists publicly executing several Palestinians in the street in front of a crowd. (Warning: graphic violence EoZ

____


Friday, January 24, 2025. The real root cause is, and always has been, Jew-hatred. @Amnesty doesn't combat it - it encourages it. Amnesty USA tweeted a short slideshow in the wake of the ceasefire in Gaza. Here is one particularly disgusting slide:

The three examples they give are for Amnesty reports accusing Israel of apartheid[sic] and genocide[sic].

To Amnesty, Jews are the ones really responsible for Hamas attacking on October 7.

Every time a group like Amnesty speaks about root causes, it is to justify Palestinian and Arab attacks on Jews. They never say that the "root cause" of Israeli defensive actions is a Palestinian action. Their interest in history always only goes back to some Jewish "root cause" and not a second beforehand.

On November 8, 1913, the Filastin newspaper published a poem by Sheikh Sulayman al-Taji Faruqi called "The Zionist Menace" which was both antisemitic and anti-Ottoman. The poem caused the Ottoman authorities to shut down the paper for a time.

Here, possibly for the first time in English, is a translation of the poem. The first half is addressed to Jews, and the rest to the head of the Ottoman Empire.

[26].

Sons of gold, time has exposed your deception, For we are not ones to abandon our homelands through deceit. You have unleashed your arrogance, but within us remains A spirit that declares: we shall act and respond.

The most insignificant of nations, without a true identity, Now dares to bargain with us over our land—how could we allow this? The Jews—oh, how well we know the ways of the Jews, For they are a people united in misguidance.

Our laws—what has struck you that you do not heed them? Do you not see that aiding the motherland requires uprooting you? Our judgments are clear: leave this world and take refuge elsewhere. But after this day, patience has no place.

You have obeyed the enemies in their schemes against us— But will all of you now yield and retreat? This is the terrible danger of those who oppose us. Have you not seen how the eye of the homeland is torn apart, Except to send a message to the rulers: That the heart of the courageous shall falter and be severed?

If they do not give leadership its due right, Then its enemies shall rise and settle in their place. And you, O Commander of the Faithful, show kindness To us, for we are the shield of the Caliphate.

And lands that God has blessed around them, And a people who are the pride of all religions, Are weakened by the frailty you embody— Unless they fall in ruin and are utterly destroyed.

Does it please you, O successful one, that our lands Are sold and snatched away while witnesses remain? It is filled with antisemitic imagery, of rich Jews who aren't a real people anyway and who are hated by Muslims for centuries. It calls for ethnically cleansing Jews from the region.

This is before "apartheid," before "occupation," before the "nakba," before Balfour. Anyone who looks at root causes must conclude that the root cause is Arab antisemitism.

You might argue that this was a single poem in a single newspaper and not representative of Arab feelings towards Jews.

So let us look at the 1921 Jaffa riots. The British Haycraft Commission wrote a report on the 1921 riots where Arabs killed dozens of Jews in Jaffa and elsewhere, which was sparked by a May Day demonstration by a small number of Jewish communists.

Ironically, the communists supported Arab workers as much as Jews; their chants during the demonstration included "Long live the international solidarity of the Jewish and Arab proletariat!"

The commission did not blame the riots on the demonstration. They said they fully expect the Arabs to attack Jews in a situation like that. Here, however, the Arabs turned it into a "race conflict" - meaning, attacking Jews as Jews. It wasn't self-defense and it wasn't a reaction, it wasn't aimed at only the demonstrators. It was the deliberate attacking of Jews, including murdering children and raping women, sadistically splitting open Jewish skulls. One of their first targets was the "Immigration House" where a hundred Jewish men, women and children lived. Arab policemen also joined in the attacks on Jews, shooting at and killing Jews in the building. his was followed by "an orgy of pillage" of Jewish homes and shops.

In many ways, it was a miniature October 7.

The commission noted that the violence towards Jews was not at all proportionate to this supposed excuse of an illegal gathering. It was a "race conflict" - meaning, attacks on Jews because they are Jews. Unlike Amnesty, they didn't automatically blame the Jews for every violent act by the Arabs.

Amnesty keeps blaming Jews as the "root cause" for Arab outrages, but when you go back through the "cycle of violence," the first attackers are always Arabs towards Jews. The Amnesty slide shown above proves that it is Amnesty's own antisemitism that pours gasoline on the fires of Arab Jew-hatred.

Another point worth mentioning is that the Arabs in 1921 were often motivated to kill by unfounded rumors of Jews attacking Arabs and doing heinous crimes. This is what prompted them to attack Hadera and Petah Tikva in the days after the May 1 attacks. The British investigators found that the rumors were baseless. Compare that to today where researchers from NGOs and the media are likely to believe anything Hamas says and not believe the Jews; they themselves are fueling the terrorism by spreading the false rumors and Hamas statements as truth. Blatant lies get laundered through UN agencies and become presumed truth and justifications for murder.

Despite the fact that Amnesty claims to be against antisemitism, and despite the tsunami of antisemitic incitement published today in Arabic media that would make Sheikh Faruqi, blush, Amnesty has not written a word about Arab Jew-hatred which is the real root cause of the conflict and of Arab violence. Amnesty's own contempt of Jews poisons its own analyses.

The 1921 riots and 1913 poetic incitement came decades before "apartheid" and "genocide" and "occupation" and "nakba." How can anyone not infected with antisemitism blame Jews as the "root cause" of the violence?

Amnesty is a sick joke. it doesn't want to talk about root causes. it wants to ensure that every dead or kidnapped or raped Jew is blamed on Jews themselves. EoZ

____


‘F—k Him’: UN Special Rapporteur Blasts Netanyahu With Profane Social Media Post, Sparking Calls for Punishment. by Corey Walker. January 24, 2025.

Tlaleng Mofokeng, the United Nations’ “special rapporteur on the right to health,” has come under fire for recently lambasting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a profane post on X/Twitter, expressing her discontent over the Jewish state’s military operations in Gaza.

“F—k him,” Mofokeng wrote last Sunday in response to a report that Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Force (IDF) not to begin the ceasefire in Gaza until the Hamas terrorist organization named the hostages it had agreed to release. Notably, the UN special rapporteur was responding to a news article from Al Jazeera, which receives funding from the government and has long been criticized for pushing an anti-Israel bias. Algemeiner

_____

US issues broad freeze on foreign aid after Trump orders review. By Humeyra Pamuk and Daphne Psaledakis. January 24, 2025.

Summary. Waivers issued for military financing for Israel and Egypt. Aid freeze impacts health, education, and civil society projects. Critics argue pause could weaken US influence internationally. Waivers issued for military financing to Israel and Egypt. WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department issued a "stop-work" order on Friday for all existing foreign assistance... Reuters

_____


Hamas has recruited over 10,000 new operatives since October 7, report says. Daniel Edelson, New York, Reuters|1.25.25. JPost

_____


Hamas airs 'war film' showcasing leadership and October 7 planning. Einav Halabi|1.25.25. JPost

Watch slain Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar on battleground and in hiding during Gaza. warSlain Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar can be seen wearing a military vest and a blanket as he walks on the battleground in a walking stick. By The Week News Desk Updated: January 25, 2025 11:13 IST

Unseen footage of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was published on Friday, showing him walking on the battleground as well as in hiding during the war between Israel and the militant group in the Gaza Strip.

The footage released by Al Jazeera came to light four months after Sinwar was killed in Rafah. The Times of Israel established that The Hamas chief began staying in the Rafah home after IDF left the locality, pointing out that the Hebrew word for "North" was graffitied on the building wall.

Sinwar clad in a military vest and blanket is spotted carrying a walking stick in one of the videos. Another video show Sinwar in a polo shirt kneeling on the floor as he points at a location on a map.

Al Jazeera video also showed an order signed by Sinwar to begin the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

This comes amid Israel's repeated allegations that the Qatar-based Al Jazeera network has close ties with Hamas operatives, accusing six reporters of being members of militants outfits.

Israel has banned Al Jazeera from operating in the country over alleged links to Hamas while the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has also suspended the network over its coverage of Mahmoud Abbas regime's action against militants. TheWeek

Hamas airs 'war film' showcasing leadership and October 7 planning In a bid to assert dominance in Gaza, Al Jazeera airs report featuring footage of slain Hamas leaders, interview with Gaza Brigade Commander and leaked 'operational document' allegedly issued 2 days before October 7 attack. Einav Halabi | 1.25.25. In a bid to assert its dominance in Gaza after over 15 months of war, Hamas released new footage and interviews over the weekend, aired as part of Al Jazeera’s investigative program The Tip of the Iceberg. YNet

_____


The names and crimes of 80 dangerous terrorist murderers being released by Israel. Itamar Marcus and Ephraim D. Tepler | Jan 24, 2025.

As Israel celebrates the release of three of the hostages kidnapped on October 7, 2023 and anticipates the release of 30 more over 42 days, every Israeli dreads the consequences of the dangerous price extorted from Israel by Hamas.

Israel has agreed to release over 1,900 terrorists, including many murderers, such as Wael Qassem, who is serving 35 life sentences.

General Security Service Director Ronen Bar told Israel's security cabinet last week that 82% of the 1,024 terrorists released in exchange for Israeli hostage Gilad Shalit in 2011 "returned to terrorism." The leaders of Hamas who planned and led the October 7 massacre were released terrorist prisoners. Thousands of Israelis have been murdered as a direct result of previous terrorist-hostage exchanges.

To display the nature of the danger, Palestinian Media Watch has prepared a list of the names of 80 of the terrorist murderers to be released with descriptions of some of their crimes.

Note that among those being released are terror commanders who planned and organized murders by suicide bombing, shooting, and stabbing; bomb builders; and terrorists who murdered with their own hands by stabbing and shooting. As in the past, the majority of those being released now will return to their former positions and be the leaders and foundation of Palestinian terrorism for years to come.

Wael Qassem – Serving 35 life sentences. Led a cell responsible for three suicide bombing attacks in 2002—Café Moment, the Hebrew University cafeteria, and the Sheffield Club, murdering 35 in total.

Ammar Al-Ziben – Serving 32 life sentences. Hamas. Planned several suicide bombings, including the double suicide bombing at the Mahane Yehuda outdoor market in 1997, murdering 16.

Majdi Za'atri – Serving 23 life sentences. Hamas. Planned and assisted a suicide bombing in 2003—drove a suicide bomber to a bus stop in Jerusalem where the bomber boarded the #2 bus and blew himself up, murdering 23, including children and babies.

Ahmad Salah – Serving 21 life sentences. Involved in two Jerusalem suicide bus bombings in 2004, murdering 19 people and injuring over 100.

Sami Jaradat – Serving 21 life sentences. Head of Islamic Jihad in the Jenin district. Planned several attacks, including the 2003 suicide bombing at the Maxim restaurant in Haifa where 21 people were murdered and over 50 were injured.

Fahmi Mashahreh – Serving 20 life sentences. Aided and instructed suicide bomber Muhammad Al-Ghoul, who murdered 19 and wounded 74 on a Jerusalem bus in 2002.

Shadi Ibrahim Ammouri – Serving 17 life sentences. Islamic Jihad. Prepared the bomb for the 2002 Megiddo Junction bombing in which 17 were murdered and 43 were wounded on the #830 bus from Tel Aviv to Tiberias.

Salim Hijja – Serving 16 life sentences. Assisted a suicide bomber in blowing up a bus in Haifa in 2001, murdering 15 and injuring 40.

Mansour Shreim – Serving 14 life sentences. Participated in the murder of an Israeli soldier near Kibbutz Metzer in 2001. Sent terrorists to carry out attacks, including an attack at a Bat Mitzvah celebration in Hadera in 2002, where 6 were murdered and over 30 were injured, and an attack in the town of Itamar in 2002, where 3 teenagers were murdered.

Muhammad Naifeh 'Abu Rabia' – Serving 13 life sentences. Tanzim. Involved in the murder of 5 Israelis at Kibbutz Metzer in 2002, 3 Israelis in Hermesh in 2002, and 5 others in various shooting attacks in 2001.

Ahmed Barghouti – Serving 13 life sentences. Commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in the Ramallah region. Dispatched terrorists to lethal attacks in 2002. Sent terrorists to shooting attacks in which 12 people were murdered.

Ahmed Abu Khader – Serving 11 life sentences. Palestinian terrorist and former member of the PA Security Forces, Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, and Tanzim. Trained terrorists for suicide missions, carried out shooting attacks, and transported terrorists who committed lethal attacks.

Mar'i Abu Sa'ida – Serving 11 life sentences. Hamas. Member of cell responsible for several terror attacks, including a suicide bombing at the Tzrifin bus stop (9 murdered, 14 wounded, 2003), a suicide bombing at Café Hillel in Jerusalem (7 murdered, over 50 wounded, 2003) and a bombing at a bus stop in Tel Aviv (1 murdered, 24 wounded, 2004).

Izz Al-Din Khaled Hamamrah – Serving 9 life sentences. Tanzim. Recruited suicide bomber Muhammad Za'oul, who blew up the #14 bus in Jerusalem in 2004, murdering 8 and injuring dozens. Also perpetrated shooting attacks in the Bethlehem area.

Osama Al-Ashqar – Serving 8 life sentences. Tanzim. Organized two attacks resulting in the deaths of 8 Israelis in 2002 besides carrying out dozens of shooting attacks in the Tulkarem area.

Samer Al-Atrash – Serving 8 life sentences. Assisted a suicide bomber in blowing up a bus in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2003, murdering 7.

Ahmad Obeid – Serving 7 life sentences. Hamas member from East Jerusalem. Together with Nael Obeid, he planned the Café Hillel suicide bombing in Jerusalem in 2003, where 7 people were murdered, and he brought the terrorist to the attack site.

Taleb Ali Taleb Amr – Serving 7 life sentences. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Provided the explosives to a suicide bomber who murdered 6 and wounded more than 80 at Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda outdoor market in 2002.

Muayyad Hammad – Serving 7 life sentences. Ambushed Israeli soldiers near Ramallah, killing 3.

Amjad Takatka – Serving 6 life sentences. Played a role in a suicide bombing at Jerusalem's outdoor market where 6 were murdered and more than 80 were wounded in 2002.

Ashraf Zgheir – Serving 6 life sentences. Drove a suicide bomber to Tel Aviv's Allenby Street in 2002, where 6 people were killed and 84 were wounded, in addition to playing roles in other attempted bombings.

Bakr Al-Najjar – Serving 6 life sentences. Tanzim. Was involved in two deadly shooting attacks in 2002.

Hatem Al-Jayousi – Serving 6 life sentences. Provided the car used to perpetrate the 2002 Hadera Bat Mitzvah attack, in which 6 Israelis were murdered and dozens of others were wounded.

Ibrahim Sarahneh – Serving 6 life sentences. Israeli Arab who drove suicide bombers in 2002 to carry out three different attacks in Israel in which five were murdered.

Iyad Masalmeh – Serving 4 life sentences. Hamas. Sent and directed Ahmed Masalmeh and Ali Asafra in 2002 to infiltrate Karmei Tzur near Hebron, where they shot and murdered Eyal Sorek, his pregnant wife Yael, and Shalom Mordechai, and wounded five others.

Yusuf Al-Skafi – Serving 4 life sentences. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Recruited suicide bombers.

Othman Younes – Serving 4 life sentences. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Sent Habash Hanani to murder 3 Israeli students and injure 2 others in the town of Itamar in 2002. Was also involved in other shooting and bombing attacks.

Ali Suleiman Al-Sa'adi – Serving 4 life sentences. Islamic Jihad. Organized an attack at Afula's central bus station in 2001 that killed Michal Mor and Noam Gozovsky and wounded 50 others. Organized several suicide bombings, including the attack at the Wall Street Café in Kiryat Motzkin in 2001.

Nasser Al-Shawish – Serving 4 life sentences. Responsible for 3 suicide bombings.

Husam Abd Al-Qader Halabi – Serving 3 life sentences. Member of Yasser Arafat's Presidential Guard. Planned and provided the arms for the attack in which Avi and Avital Wolanski were shot and murdered and their three-year-old son was wounded in 2002.

Nasser Al-Shawish – Serving 4 life sentences. Responsible for 3 suicide bombings.

Bilal Ghanem – Serving 3 life sentences. Shot and stabbed passengers on a bus in Jerusalem's Armon Hanatziv neighborhood, murdering Israelis Chaim Haviv (78), Alon Govberg (51), and Richard Lakin (76), and wounding 3 Israelis.

Yasser Abu Bakr – Serving 3 life sentences. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Directed an attack in Netanya in 2002 where Israel Yihye and 9-month-old Avia Malka were murdered. Also responsible for the killing of Border Policeman Constantine Danilov.

Mahmoud Abu Wahdan – Serving 3 life sentences. PFLP. Planned suicide bombings during the PA terror campaign (the second Intifada, 2000-2005).

Muhammad Khamis Brash – Serving 3 life sentences. Shot and killed Elad Wallenstein, Amit Zaneh, and Sarah Lisha in 2000.

Akram Othman Hamed and Rafat Othman Hamed – Both serving 3 life sentences. Members of the PA Security Forces members and of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Shot Israeli civilians and soldiers, murdering Assaf Hershkovitz and Idit Mizrachi in 2001. Also murdered a Palestinian they suspected of aiding Israel during the PA terror campaign (the second Intifada, 2000-2005).

Murad Nazmi Al-Ajlouni – Serving 3 life sentences. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Together with Mazen Al-Qadi, he used his status as an Israeli Arab to freely drive Ibrahim Hassouneh to carry out an attack in which 3 Israelis were murdered and 15 were wounded.

Mazen Al-Qadi – Serving 3 life sentences. Drove Ibrahim Hassouneh to Tel Aviv in 2002 to carry out an attack on two restaurants—Seafood Market and Mifgash Hasteak—murdering 3 and wounding 15.

Ali Sa'ada and Wael Al-Arja – Each serving 2 life sentences. Murdered Asher Palmer and his baby son, Yonatan, near the Israeli town of Kiryat Arba in 2011.

Ammar Abu Ghallous and Sajed Abu Ghallous – Both are serving 2 life sentences. Fatah. In 2003, Sajed shot and murdered Israeli civilian David Mordechai and paralyzed his son Menachem, while Ammar stood guard. In 2004, Ammar drove Sajed to an attack in which Sajed shot and murdered Israeli Arab Christian George Khoury, mistaking him for a Jew as he was jogging in Jerusalem.

Yusuf Ata Dhiab Hamdan – Serving 2 life sentences. Drove the suicide bomber who murdered Avner Mordechai in his convenience store near Beit Shean in 2003. Drove 2 other suicide bombers who blew themselves up resulting in the murder of Yehezkel Yekutiel and Erez Hershkowitz as well as the injury of 11 others.

Kifah Hattab – Serving 2 life sentences. PA Security Forces member and head of a Tanzim cell that murdered Rabbi Aharon Ovadian in Baqa Al-Gharbiya in northern Israel in 2001. Hattab was also involved in the murder of a Palestinian suspected of aiding Israel.

Sa'id Musa Shtayyeh – Serving 2 life sentences. Fatah. Provided the arms to the terrorists who murdered Mordechai and Shlomo Odesser in 2002.

Hassan Rateb Aweis – Serving 2 life sentences. Murdered 2 people in a shooting attack at the Afula central bus station in 2001.

Zaid Bassisi – Serving a life sentence. Islamic Jihad. Planned a car bombing outside a Netanya school in which 8 were wounded in 2001.

Zaid Younes – Serving a life sentence. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Drove a suicide bomber to Tel Aviv resulting in the injury of 25 people in 2002 and assisted a terrorist murderer to escape prison.

Hafez Sharai'ah – Serving a life sentence. Member of the PA intelligence service and the Tanzim. Was one of the murderers of Israeli police superintendent Moshe Dayan in the Judean Desert in 2002. Also was one of 39 wanted terrorists who took over the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in April 2002, using dozens of hostages and the religious site as shields.

Ayman Ibrahim Al-Awawdeh – Serving a life sentence. Member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and PA military intelligence. Murdered 1 and committed shooting attacks against Israelis during the PA terror campaign (the second Intifada, 2000-2005).

As'ad Zo'rob – Serving a life sentence. Shot and murdered his Israeli employer, Nissan Dolinger, while traveling together with Dolinger in his car in 2002.

Jad Maalah – Serving a life sentence. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Carried out attacks during the PA terror campaign (the second Intifada, 2000-2005).

Jawad Jawarish – Serving a life sentence for the murder of Devorah Friedman in 2002.

Hani Khamaiseh – Serving a life sentence for the murder of Stanislav Sandomirsky in 2001.

Wael Al-Jaghoub – Serving a life sentence. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) leader who carried out terror attacks.

Khalil Sarahneh – Serving a life sentence. Israeli Arab who drove a suicide bomber to Jerusalem in 2002 resulting in the killing of Israeli police officer Tomer Mordechai.

Yusuf Kmeil and Muhammad Abu Al-Rub – Each serving a life sentence. Stabbed and murdered 70-year-old Reuven Shmerling in a warehouse in the Israeli Arab city of Kafr Qassem, east of Tel Aviv, in 2017.

Mudar Abu Daya and Musa Ekhleil – Serving a life sentence each. Stabbed and murdered Erez Levanon as he was praying in a forest near Bat Ayin, southwest of Bethlehem in 2007.

Musa Sarahneh – Serving a life sentence. Drove a suicide bomber to carry out an attack in which 2 were murdered and 28 were wounded in Jerusalem in 2002.

Muhammad Al-Tous – Serving a life sentence. Fatah. Commanded terrorist cell that attacked 5 civilian buses in 1985, wounding 16 passengers. Also directed the murder of Zalman Abolnik in 1984 as well as Meir Ben Yair and Michal Cohen in 1985. Helped murder Mordechai Suissa and Edna Harari in 1985.

Muhammad Falana – Serving a life sentence. Planted a bomb near the town of Dolev in 1992, murdering 1 and injuring 6.

Nael Barghouti – Serving a life sentence. Stabbed and murdered Israeli bus driver Mordechai Yekuel in 1978.

Nael Yassin – Serving a life sentence. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and PA policeman. Shot and murdered Israeli border policeman Yosef Tabjeh and injured another while they were on a joint Israeli-PA patrol near Qalqilya in 2000. (Note: As part of the "peace process" prior to the PA terror war launched in Sept 2000, Israel and the PA would do joint security patrols.) Afterwards, he was involved in dozens of shootings and bombings until he was arrested.

Samir Yasser Ghaith – Serving a life sentence. Led a group of terrorists in murdering 25-year-old law student Moran Amit at the Armon Hanatziv Promenade in Jerusalem in 2002 as well as other attacks.

Ammar Mardi – Serving one life sentence. Kidnapped and murdered Yuri Gushchin from the Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2001.

Abd Al-Majid Mahdi – Serving a life sentence. Fatah. Shot and murdered his Israeli employer, Gadi Rejwan, in the Atarot neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2002.

Othman Abu Khurj – Serving a life sentence. Murdered 16-year-old Aliza Malka and injured 3 other teens in a drive-by shooting near Kibbutz Merav in 2001.

Alaa Ahmad Abd Al-Mun'im Salah – Serving a life sentence. Murdered Yossi Zandani in 1994 and was recruited to murder an Israeli citizen and use his body as a hostage to release imprisoned terrorists, as is happening today.

Iyad Hreibat – Serving a life sentence.

Ayham Sabah – A murderer serving only a 35-year sentence. (He was a minor when he murdered). Stabbed and murdered Tuvia Yanai Weissman in 2016 at a supermarket. PalWatch


_____


US says Rubio held call with Yemeni PM to discuss Houthi attacks. By Reuters. 01/25/2025. JPost

_____


Hegseth narrowly wins confirmation to become US defense secretary. By Reuters. 01/25/2025. JPost

_____


Reuters image captures swastika graffitied on abandoned IDF vehicle in Gaza. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/25/2025. A Reuters image taken on Wednesday revealed a Palestinian man jumping off of an abandoned IDF vehicle in Gaza that had been graffitied with the image of a swastika. JPost

_____


WATCH: Israel clears hundreds of mines from Golan Heights Syrian border. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/25/2025. JPost

_____

Freed soldiers arrive at hospital for medical evaluation after reuniting with families. 4 IDF soldiers freed after 477 days in Hamas captivity airlifted to Rabin Medical Center to reunite with their families; health officials call medical evaluation 'complex event'; IDF chief hails their return as 'part of our victory' Itamar Eichner, Gal Ganot | 1.25.25.

Four freed Israeli soldiers, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev, arrived Saturday at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, accompanied by their parents aboard an IAF helicopter.

Families gathered at the hospital cheered as the helicopter landed, while others wore shirts celebrating their relatives’ service. Earlier, emotional footage captured their reunion with parents at a reception center near the Gaza border, where they embraced and shed tears of relief and joy.

Liri Albag held a sign during her helicopter ride that read, "I love you, citizens of Israel, IDF soldiers and my family. I’m back," and signed a heart with her hands upon landing. The hospital confirmed the soldiers are undergoing sensitive medical and psychological evaluations. “This is an emotionally and medically complex event for the returnees, their families and the nation,” said Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the Health Ministry's Medical Division, emphasizing the importance of respecting their privacy during recovery.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, Mossad Director David Barnea and POW Coordinator Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon monitored the return process from a command center. “Their return is part of our victory in this war,” said Halevi. “We remain committed to bringing back all captives, soldiers and civilians.”

([27]. Liri Albag signs a heart with her hands upon landing at the hospital. Photo: JACK GUEZ / AFP).

The Health Ministry noted extensive preparations for their care, including specialized support across six central hospitals and two facilities near Gaza. "The privacy of the returnees is essential to their transition back to life," the ministry added.

Families of fallen soldiers and captives also shared their mixed emotions. "While the pain of losing our daughters is unbearable, we fought and prayed for the return of their friends," said parents of IDF lookouts killed at Nahal Oz during the October 7 Hamas attack. They described the returning soldiers as "heroes who survived hell," adding, "Today, we breathe a little easier and pray for the swift return of all captives." 

([28].

Naama Levy reunited with her parents. Photo: IDF). 

([29].

Karina Ariev reunited with her parents. Photo: IDF).

([30]. Daniella Gilboa reunited with her parents. Photo: IDF) 

([31].

Liri Albag reunited with her parents. Photo: IDF).

The freed soldiers were transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza earlier in the day after walking from a Red Cross vehicle during a staged Hamas handover in Gaza City. Footage showed them smiling and waving as they were led in uniforms from Hamas into IDF custody. Military officials confirmed they were in good health with no urgent medical needs detected during preliminary checks in Gaza. YNet

Israel redeems four female IDF soldiers from Hamas captivity in Gaza. In accordance with the ceasefire agreement, Jerusalem was set to release 200 Palestinian terrorists, many with blood on their hands. IDF field observers ....

(Jan. 25, 2025 / JNS) Israelis on Saturday rejoiced at the return of four female IDF soldiers—Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19—who were abducted from the Nahal Oz base during the Hamas-led invasion of the northwestern Negev on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Israel Defense Forces earlier Saturday completed preparations for the return of the captives, who were brought to a military facility near the border for a preliminary physical and psychological examination.

Thereafter, they were slated to meet with their parents—this time fathers as well as mothers—for the first time since being kidnapped 477 days ago.

Then will be flown by helicopter to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah, near Tel Aviv. If they had needed urgent care, they would have been taken to a hospital closer to the Gaza Strip—either Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva or Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon—but this was not the case.

In exchange, Jerusalem is expected to release 200 Palestinian terrorists (50 for each soldier—30 serving life sentences and 20 who were supposed to remain in prison for up to 15 years).

Terrorists who were “convicted of murder, of manufacturing weapons used for murder, or of directing the carrying out a fatal attack” are to be deported to the Gaza Strip or abroad, instead of to Judea, Samaria and eastern Jerusalem.

Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Hamas was supposed to free female civilian hostages before soldiers. One civilian woman, 29-year-old Arbel Yehud, remains in Gaza. It is not clear whether her exclusion from Saturday’s release will complicate the agreement.

Shiri Bibas, 33, another female civilian hostage, was taken with her two children, and they are included on the list of the 33 hostages to be released. Hamas, however, claimed in November that they were killed.

Three civilian women—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher—were released last Sunday in return for 90 terrorists (30 for each civilian) shortly after the ceasefire went into effect.

Of the hostages whom Hamas kidnapped on Oct. 7, 87 are still in Gaza, including 30 who are believed to be dead. Hamas also holds three additional hostages taken before the 2023 attack. JNS

____


'I love you'. Watch: Liri Albag thanks the nation and the soldiers. Israel National News. Jan 25, 2025, 9:57 PM INN

_____


Hostages' testimonies revealed. The four newly-released IDF soldiers recounted that there was an elderly hostage who looked after them, ensured they could eat and shower - and was killed in captivity.

Israel National News. Jan 25, 2025, 9:39 PM INN

_____


With A Smile: Returning hostages proudly face hundreds of terrorists. Israel National News. Jan 25, 2025, 8:28 PM INN

____


Report: Freed hostage Emily Damari offered Keith Siegel to take her place. Philissa Cramer, JTA. Jan 25, 2025, 8:11 PM INN

____


Heavy price: 200 terrorists to be released, including convicted murderers. Liran Tamari |1.25.25 YNet

____


Israel demands UNRWA’s removal from Jerusalem within days. Itamar Eichner|1.25.25. YNet

____


Israel blocks northern Gaza crossings over Hamas deal violation. Itamar Eichner1.25.25. YNet

____


IDF spokesman: Hamas did not abide by the agreement to return civilians first. 01/25/2025. He emphasized: "We will insist that Arbel Yehud return - and also that Shiri and the children of the Biebs family, for whom we have a very serious concern for their fate, will return soon". News1

____


Reunited after 477 days: The stories of the four freed Israeli soldiers. Yael Ciechanover1.25.25. YNet

____


Hamas parades hostages in cynical show as terrorists stage unity display. Einav Halabi, Itamar Eichner|1.25.25. YNet

____


'Mom, you’re a lioness! I love you, citizens of Israel!': Freed hostages received with embrace. Itamar Eichner, Gal Ganot|1.25.25. YNet

____


We can’t believe Liri is back with us': Freed hostage's parents speak with Netanyahu. Itamar Eichner| 1.25.25. YNet

____


American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel reportedly slated for release next week. Itamar Eichner |1.25.25. YNet

_____


Families of 3 women who remain in Gaza celebrate return of 4 female soldiers. Yael Ciecaniver|1.25.25. YNet

____


Trump orders Pentagon: Release hold on weapons to Israel. Israel National News. Jan 25, 2025, 9:07 PM INN

_____


Man shot dead attempting to break into Tunisian synagogue. Nissan Tzur. Jan 25, 2025, 9:00 PM INN

____


Orit Mark Ettinger: Those responsible for murder go free - my heart hurts. Israel National News. Jan 25, 2025, 10:47 PM INN

_____

Netanyahu to visit Washington in early February. By Amichai Stein. 01/25/2025 09:30 PM JPost

____


US State Dept. celebrates release of four released hostages. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/25/2025 10:09 PM JPost

____


Border Police officers shoot at attackers from Shuafat, injuring one. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/25/2025 10:21 PM JPost

____


PA chairman congratulates terrorist who murdered children. Mahmoud Abbas congratulated released terrorist Yasser Abu Bakr, convicted of three murders including that of a 9-month-old baby. Israel National News. Jan 25, 2025, 11:26 PM (GMT+2)... Abu Bakr was part of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades... He was responsible for the attack in the city of Netanya in March 2002, where Israel Yahi and nine-month-old baby Aviah Malka were murdered. INN

_____


Joy for four captives, but Hamas keeps civilian woman in Gaza. “An entire nation is shedding tears and rejoicing with you at this moment,” Israeli President Herzog tells the Albag, Ariev, Gilboa and Levy families.

(Jan. 25, 2025 / JNS) Four female soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces were reunited with their families in Israel on Saturday after surviving 477 days in Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. JNS

Hostages Missing from Hamas’ Release List. by i24 News and Algemeiner Staff. January 25, 2025.

([32]. A birthday cake for Kfir Bibas, who is a hostage in Hamas captivity. Thursday, January 18, 2024. Photo: Debbie Weiss).

i24 News – The second phase of hostage releases between Israel and Hamas has sparked deep frustration and grief among the families of those still held captive.

Two hostages—Arbel Yahud and Agam Berger—were notably excluded from the list of those to be freed on Saturday, despite earlier agreements prioritizing the return of civilians.

Arbel Yahud, 29, and Agam Berger, 20, both captives since the October 7 attack, were not included in the list of four hostages expected to be released. Algemeiner


____


IDF blocks passage of displaced to northern Gaza over withholding civilian hostage Itamar Eichner, Einav Halabi, Daniel Edelson, New York|1.25.25. YNet

IDF Arabic spox. to Gazans: Approaching Netzarim axis is banned due to Hamas ceasefire breach. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 02:27 AM JPost

IDF Arabic Spox: Netzarim corridor to remain closed until hostage Arbel Yehoud released. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 08:20 AM JPost

_____


Conditions 'not yet in place' for safe return of Lebanese citizens to south, UN envoy says. By Reuters. 01/26/2025 12:36 PM JPost

____


Israel To Remain In Lebanon As Lebanese Army Fails To Control Hezbollah & Even Aids Them. January 26, 2025. YWN

____


"Hezbollah sent the rioters": IDF spokesman reacts to the "victory display". The IDF opened fire on the rioters, reporting at least three deaths. Michal Bakshi. 01. 26. '25. Now14

_____


Trump says Jordan, Egypt should take in Palestinians from Gaza. Daniel Edelson, New York, Reuters|1.26.25. YNet

“Just Clean Out That Whole Thing”; Trump Calls On Jordan, Egypt To Take In Gazans. January 26, 2025. YWN

____


Smotrich: 'Trump's proposal to relocate Gazans is a good idea'. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 9:48 AM INN

____


Hamas rejects Trump proposal to relocate Gazans. Dalit Halevi. Jan 26, 2025, 12:16 PM INN

_____


Eyal Yakoby @EYakoby: HAPPENING NOW: A massive crowd of people have turned up to protest Australia Day and call for "Death to Australia." You'll notice that the most common flag is the Palestinian flag. The Australian government just welcomed and handed out money to thousands more Palestinians. Jan 26, 2025. On X

_____


Thousands sleep outdoors as passage to the north delayed | Israel askes Trump to intervene. ynet|1.26.25. YNet

_____


Trump, Netanyahu expected to meet, discuss Saudi deal. Itamar Eichner|1.26.25 YNet

_____


Fight not over until all hostages home, grandfather of freed Naama Levy says Ilana Curiel|1.26.25. YNet

_____


PA's Abbas congratulates terrorist released in hostage deal. Elisha Ben Kimon, Einav Halabi| 1.26.25. YNet

_____


Some killed, hurt after villages head to south while IDF withdrawal delayed. Lior Ben Ari, News Agencies|1.26.25. YNet

_____


Anti-Israel mob ecstatic pro-Israel activist lost home in LA fire. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 7:59 AM INN

_____


Watch: Father of freed hostage says prayer of thanks. Daniella Gilboa's father said a prayer of gratitude in front of the holy ark for return of his daughter. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 12:13 PM. Ran, father of returned hostage Daniella Gilboah, recited a special prayer of gratitude for his daughter's release this morning.

Standing before the holy ark, he read the 'Nishmat' prayer, usually reserved for Shabbat and holiday services. The text of the prayer expresses the boundless gratitude due to God for his kindness, beyond what humans can properly articulate.

Daniella was released on Saturday, along with three other captured IDF soldiers. They were handed over to the Red Cross in the heart of Palestine Square in Gaza, teeming with terrorists. INN

"And to you alone we give thanks": the observer's father in a chilling prayer. This is a day after his daughter Daniela was released from brutal captivity • Watch. Michal Bakshi. 01. 26. '25. Ran Gilboa, the father of the observer Daniela Gilboa who returned to Israel during Shabbat and met with her family and friends, came to the synagogue to thank Hashem for the miracle • He recited the prayer "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD." in front of the holy books with trembling and a happy smile • Watch the chilling documentation. A day after the release of his daughter from captivity: Ran Gilboa, the father of the observer Daniela Gilboa who returned to Israel during Shabbat and met with her family and friends, arrived this morning (Sunday) at the synagogue to thank Hashem for the miracle.

In chilling documentation, the emotional father is seen standing in front of the open Ark of the Covenant and saying with a smile and trembling the prayer "All the soul shall praise her". A particularly moving moment was the background before he praised the Holy One, blessed be He, with the words: "He who gives life to the dead", he stopped and then emphasized and aimed at saving his daughter from the brutal terror.

(Watch the thanksgiving prayer in front of the Torah books).

While she was in captivity and the uncertainty that hovered in the country, among other things, rumors spread that Daniela was no longer alive. Despite everything, yesterday she returned and in good health. She still has a bullet in her leg and needs to undergo surgery and rehabilitation, but the hospital reported that the condition of all four abductees who returned yesterday is good and they will remain in the hospital for rehabilitation for a few more days.

Daniela Gilboa, from Petach Tikva, was abducted to the Gaza Strip when she was 19 years old from the Nahal Oz outpost. A shocking video of her being kidnapped along with her bystander friends was released by the family along with a photo of her from the brutal captivity with a bandage on her head. Now14

_____


Freed hostage found to have a bullet in her leg. Etty Schwartz, the aunt of Daniella Gilboa, who was released from Hamas captivity yesterday, speaks about her excitement to return home and the injuries she has sustained since the war began.

Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 1:08 PM INN

_____


Electronic Intifada head Ali Abunimah arrested in Switzerland. Zurich State Councilor Mario Fehr says 'We do not want an Islamist Jew-hater who calls for violence in Switzerland' as denier of Hamas rapes is detained. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 1:17 PM (GM INN

Director of anti-Israel ‘Electronic Intifada’ arrested in Switzerland after entry ban. By Mathilda Heller. January 26, 2025.

([33]. Ali Abunimah.photo credit: SCREENSHOT/X).

Head of the Department of Security, Mario Fehr, said Abunimah is forbidden entry to Zurich, adding "we do not want an Islamist Jew-hater who calls for violence in Switzerland." Ali Abunimah, the executive director of the anti-Israel online publication - The Electronic Intifada (EI) - was arrested by Swiss Police ahead of an event in Zurich on Saturday afternoon, according to both the EI and Swiss news site NZZ. JPost

_____


Romi, Emily, and Doron released from hospital.

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher were released from the hospital today, exactly one week after they were released by their Hamas captors following more than 15 months as hostages.

Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 2:54 PM INN

____

Palestinian prisoner refuses to return to Gaza in ceasefire swap, prefers to stay in prison -report. According to the report, the prisoner was a senior Fatah official and preferred to stay in prison than return to Gaza, By Jerusalem Post Staff. January 26, 2025.

A Palestinian prisoner set to be released on Saturday's hostage-prisoner exchange refused to board the bus to Gaza, KAN News reported.

Originally, two prisoners - who were being held at Israel's Ktzi'ot Prison - refused to be released as part of the deal with Hamas. However, one was ultimately persuaded and returned to Gaza, KAN added.

The other, however, remained and was replaced with another prisoner. JPost


Elder Of Ziyon - Israel News. Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Jordanian murderer would prefer to stay in Israeli prison than go to any other Arab country.

One of the prisoners scheduled for release on Saturday was Ammar Marzi Al-Huwaitat. He is a Jordanian citizen who was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years for murdering an Israeli in Judea and Samaria in 2002.

Huwaitat was supposed to be released to Jordan, but Jordan refused to take him. Apparently the Jordanians aren't keen on a murderer being released free on their soil, even if he killed a "settler."

Israel tried to find another place to release Huwaitat to, either the West bank or Gaza or even another Arab country. Huwaitat refused, saying if he cannot return to Jordan, he'd rather stay in Israeli prison than go anywhere else.

Now, Huwaitat has accused the Israeli prison authorities of beating him mercilessly. In 2023, a month after October 7, he claimed that 15 guards beat him, broke his ribs and forced him to be hospitalized.

Now he is saying he prefers to stay in captivity in an Israeli prison that he claims mistreats him rather than go to the West Bank or Gaza or anywhere else.

Most people serving a life sentence and given an opportunity for freedom, even if it had to be in another country, would eagerly accept such a deal. If they were being constantly mistreated in prison, all the more so.

But Huwaitat prefers to stay in Israeli prison for the rest of his life than go anywhere that might take him.

Either he is a masochist, or his life in prison is a far cry from the lurid descriptions that Palestinians tell credulous Westerners about rape [sic] and torture [sic]. EoZ

____


Mark Levin: 'There are no extremists in the Netanyahu government'. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 4:00 PM INN

_____

Arbel Yehud may be released before the end of the week

A source in the terror group said the mediators were working to solve the issue to secure the release of Arbel Yehud and the opening of the Netzarim Corridor before the weekend.

Israel National News Jan 26, 2025, 4:55 PM INN

_____


Kann news @kann_news: Palestinians with Polish citizenship filed a complaint with the local prosecutor's office, requesting the arrest of Minister Kish, who came to Poland to pay respects at the International Holocaust Day ceremony. @DovGilHar. Jan 26, 2025. on X

(Related:

Polish police probe ‘Jews to the gas’ sign at building occupied by anti-Israel students. Group denies hanging antisemitic signs outside Krakow's Jagiellonian University; Jewish community: Facade of anti-Zionism recalls Communists' excuse for 1968 anti-Jewish purge. By ToI Staff, 18 October 2024. TOI

_____


22 killed in south Lebanon as IDF fires on suspects trying to break through to villages. Over 120 said wounded as Hezbollah supporters attempt to breach roadblocks on 60th day of ceasefire, ignoring Israeli warnings; IDF says withdrawal delayed due to Lebanese army. By Emanuel Fabian and Agencies. January 26, 2025, 1:18 pm. TOI

____

IAF drone strikes armed individuals in Balata, West Bank. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 02:23 PM JPost

______


Three released female hostages complete medical checks after week in Sheba. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 02:48 PM JPost

______


Netanyahu thanks Trump for keeping his promise to support Israel. By Jerusalem Post Staff, Amichai Stein. 01/26/2025 05:05 PM JPost

______


Former female guard: Released terrorist threatened to haunt me for the rest of my life. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 5:12 PM INN

______


Trump envoy to visit Israel to oversee Gaza ceasefire, report says. By Reuters. 01/26/2025 05:45 PM JPost

______


Iranian hackers broadcast rocket sirens, odes to terrorism in 20 Israeli kindergartens. Handala group also reportedly sends intimidating text messages to tens of thousands of Israelis, claims to infiltrate National Security Ministry, which says it sees no breach By ToI Staff. January 26, 2025, 6:58 pm TOI

Iranian cyberattack targets Israeli kindergartens. Iranian hacker group Handala claimed responsibility for breach of emergency button systems in educational institutions Daniela Ginzburg|1.26.25. YNet

____


Babi Yar: Zelenskyy marks 80 years since liberation of Auschwitz. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 7:03 PM INN

______


IDF eliminates PIJ terrorist in Gaza, fires warning shots at suspects who 'posed a threat'. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 08:43 PM JPost

______


IDF troops in south Lebanon operate against Hezbollah supporters. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 09:03 PM JPost

______


Chikli cancels trip to European Parliament due to security concerns. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 09:34 PM JPost

______


Families of released hostages thank President Trump. Israel National News. Jan 26, 2025, 9:57 PM INN

______


Who is the foolish idiot speaking here about 'genocide'?! In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Minister May Golan speaks out against those who deny the Holocaust and even falsely accuse the Jewish people of .. genocide[sic]. Minister May Golan. Jan 26, 2025, 10:04 PM (GMT+2) INN

______


UN experts [sic] decry arrest of pro-Palestinian American journalist in Switzerland By Reuters "The climate surrounding freedom of speech in Europe is becoming increasingly toxic, and we should all be concerned," said Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied territories 01/26/2025 10:14 PM JPost

______

Germans have ‘too much focus on guilt,’ Elon Musk says. The billionaire also praised the AfD party in an address he delivered remotely at one of its rallies.

(Jan. 26, 2025 / JNS) Elon Musk praised the right-wing Alternative for Germany party and suggested there’s “too much focus on past guilt” of Germans, during an address he gave on Saturday using a remote video stream at an AfD gathering in Halle.

“I’m very excited about the AfD, I think it’s the best hope for Germany,” Musk said in his address. It’s OK to be proud to be German, it’s a very important principle, it’s good to be proud of German culture, not to lose that in multiculturalism that dilutes everything,” said Musk, who has endorsed AfD in the past.

“I think there’s maybe too much focus on past guilt. We need to move beyond that, children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their parents, their great-grandparents, maybe even,” added Musk, a billionaire, innovator and U.S. President Donald Trump’s pick to co-head the newly established Department of Government Efficiency.

Dani Dayan, the chairman of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, said he disagreed. “Contrary to Elon Musk’s advice, the remembrance and acknowledgment of the dark past of the country and its people should be central in shaping the German society. Failing to do so is an insult to the victims of Nazism and a clear danger to the democratic future of Germany,” Dayan tweeted.

The AfD is an anti-immigration movement that is frequently rocked by scandals connected to the country’s Nazi past. Last year it received 16% of the vote in the European Parliament elections in Germany, a five-point increase over the 2019 election.

AfD leader Alice Weidel in September boycotted an event commemorating the liberation from Nazism, explaining it was akin to celebrating “my own country’s defeat.” Party founder and honorary chairman Alexander Gauland in 2017 said Germans “should be proud” of soldiers who fought in both world wars.

AfD and many of its supporters say the party is not antisemitic and confronts expressions of such hatred in its ranks. It is being singled out and described as illegitimate because of Germany’s past, they say.

Musk’s remarks came after an earlier controversy involving a gesture he performed in a speech in Washington on the day of Trump’s inauguration. Some of his critics said it was a Hitler salute but others, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he was “being falsely smeared,” as Netanyahu put it. JNS

____

January 26, 2025. "By Any Means Necessary:' Palestinian leftists historically used Westerners as terrorists, and campuses today are recruitment centers for the next generation. Last year, Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung wrote about how Palestinian Leftist groups like the PFLP recruited young women from the West to be terrorists attacking Israel.... EoZ

_____


Irish prez attacks Israel in Holocaust ceremony. Irish President Michael Higgins used his Holocaust Remembrance Day speech to criticize Israel, sparking protests from Jewish attendees who were forcibly removed; Jewish leaders had warned the president's participation was inappropriate, citing his dismissal of antisemitism concerns and anti-Israel rhetoric. Itamar Eichner|1.26.25. YNet

Sa'ar: What a despicable person Irish President appears to draw line between Holocaust and Gaza. Elad Benari. Jan 26, 2025, 11:40 PM INN

Unacceptable. WATCH: Irish President Attacks Israel at Holocaust Memorial - Security Guards rough up Jews protesting. The irony is inescapable. During the Holocaust, 6 million Jews perished. October 7th was the bloodiest day for the Jewish Nation since then, yet this president has the unspeakable audacity to use the events of October 7th to defend Gaza and try to get people to feel sorry for the Palestinian cause.We aren't buying it. Gila Isaacson | 1.26.25. JFeed

____

White House Extends IDF’s Lebanon Withdrawal Deadline to February 18. January 26, 2025. YWN

____


Breaking: Netanyahu Says Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger And 3rd Hostage Coming Home Thursday. January 26, 2025. YWN

Arbel Yehud and two other hostages will be released on Thursday.

Prime Minister's Office confirms Qatar's announcement that there will be two hostage releases this week, in exchange for the opening of the Netzarim Corridor.

Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 12:02 AM YNet

_____


Female IDF hostages weren't allowed to hold hands or cry | New details. Families of the four liberated lookouts deliver a series of public statements, demanding the return of all hostages, accountability for the mistakes of October 7; Liri's father angrily called out government ministers who voted against the deal that brought his daughter home: 'I despise you'. Yael Ciechanover, Raanan Ben-Zur|1.27.25. YNet

____


Qatari Al-Jazeera TV show praises October massacre, Hamas, amid ceasefire mediation. "We were shot at by women and elderly carrying weapons," said one Hamas terrorist attempting to justify the massacre at Kibbutz Beeri, which took the lives of over 100 civilians. By Ohad Merlin. January 26, 2025. Praise of Hamas’s October 7 “achievements and capabilities,” justification of the massacre in Kibbutz Be’eri, and “exclusive Hamas footage” of Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammad Deif all starred in the latest episode of the Qatari state-owned television channel Al Jazeera’s documentary series, What is Hidden is Greater.

Notably, the show’s presenter, Tamer Almisshal, received direct instructions and requests from Hamas, according to Hamas documents exposed by the IDF spokesperson last October. JPost

_____


Netanyahu speaks with newly appointed US Defense Secretary Hegseth. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/26/2025 10:52 PM JPost

_____


New Germany in question over far-right AfD. Concerns about Holocaust trivialization and nationalist policies underscore growing anxiety over far-right party's influence. Nathan Klabin/The Media Line|1.27.25. YNet

_____


IAF launches airstrike on vehicle in Tulkarm in West Bank, killing Hamas commander| See video from scene. Seventh day of Operation Iron Wall in the West Bank: According to reports, the car hit by IDF aircraft fire carried al-Qassam Brigades Tulkarm commander Ihab Abu Atiwa; Earlier, a fatality was also reported from IDF fire near Qalandiya. Einav Halabi, Elisha Ben Kimon|1.27.25

In a targeted counter-terrorism operation in West Bank, an Israeli Air Force aircraft attacked a vehicle in the Nur a-Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm at noon on Monday. The strike was part of a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet, according to the military.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that al-Qassam Brigades Tulkarm commander Ihab Abu Atiwa, who was killed, was in the vehicle. Three other people were moderately and lightly injured and were evacuated to the government hospital in Tulkarm. Footage from the scene shows the vehicle engulfed in flames. Since the start of Operation Iron Wall at the beginning of last week, two commanders of the Al-Qassam Brigades in the camp have been reported killed, including Abu Atiwa, as well as the commander of the Jenin Brigade affiliated with Islamic Jihad. YNet

____


IDF Spokesperson in Arabic publishes guidelines for Gazans returning to northern Gaza. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 12:48 AM JPost

_____


Explosive devices hurled at security forces at Kalandiya checkpoint. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 01:48 AM JPost

_____


IDF begins withdrawing from Netzarim Corridor - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 06:02 AM JPost

_____


Hezbollah to not participate in extended ceasefire agreement - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 08:03 AM JPost

_____


Netanyahu denounces ICC as antisemitic in Holocaust memorial post. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 09:23 AM JPost

_____


Netanyahu planning to visit Washington on February 3-5. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 12:17 PM JPost

_____


Leaders to hear Auschwitz survivors at 80th anniversary of camp's liberation. By Reuters. 01/27/2025 12:25 PM Auschwitz survivors were being joined by world leaders on Monday to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German death camp by Soviet troops, one of the last such gatherings of those who experienced its horrors.

The anniversary at the site of the camp, which Nazi Germany set up in occupied Poland during World War Two, was being attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Britain's King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda and a host of other leaders.

They were not due to make speeches, but rather to listen for perhaps the last time to those who suffered and witnessed at first hand one of humanity's greatest atrocities.

Israel, the country founded for Jews in the shadow of the Holocaust, sent Education Minister Yoav Kisch.

A source at Buckingham Palace said King Charles would be paying tribute "both as man and monarch": JPost

_____


Netanyahu: ‘Hamas are the new Nazis’. "The core of new antisemitism is the attempt to ... undermine [Israel's] right to self-defense," Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said.

JNS Staff. (Jan. 27, 2025 / JNS).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called on the “civilized” world to up its effort to combat Jew-hatred, while labeling the Hamas terror group the “new Nazis.”

“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I call on all civilized nations to confront antisemitism wherever it appears—on college campuses, city streets or international forums like the [International Criminal Court],” Netanyahu tweeted.

“Founded in the shadow of the Holocaust, the ICC has disgraced itself with antisemitic attacks on Israel. Hamas are the new Nazis, and we are committed to defeating them once and for all. The Jewish state will always stand as a safe haven for Jews worldwide. #NeverAgainIsNow.”

In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over their roles in prosecuting the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The ICC does not have jurisdiction over Israel. However, the court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who is under investigation for sexual misconduct, insisted that he has jurisdiction over the country.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar similarly weighed in on Monday, tweeting: “Today we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, in memory of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust. Throughout 2,000 years of exile, including during the Holocaust, the Jewish people did not have the means to protect themselves.

“The Zionist revolution restored the Jewish people the ability to protect themselves,” continued Jerusalem’s top diplomat. “The core of new antisemitism is the attempt to delegitimize the Jewish state’s right to exist and to undermine its right to self-defense.

“The purpose of the different proceedings in the ‘international legal institutions’ is an attempt to remove Israel’s basic right to self-defense. We will never relinquish our right and ability to defend ourselves! Never again is now!” JNS

____


Iranian analyst: The Iranian young people hate Palestinians. Sadegh Zibakalam, an Iranian author and political analyst, says sympathy for Palestinians 'evaporated' after October 7 massacre, Iranian young people 'HATE Palestinians.' Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 10:24 AM (GMT+2)

Sadegh Zibakalam, an Iranian author and political analyst, expressed awe at the number of Iranian young people who "hate Palestinians."

"You'd be surprised today," he said in a video shared by Iran International. "Since [the] seventh of October last year, you'd be surprised at the number of Iranian who HATE Palestinians. What happened to that sympathy? It's gone - it's evaporated."

"If someone would have told me that, 'Sadegh, a day would come that Iranian people hate Palestinians and they would praise [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu - of all the people - they would praise Netanyahu as the hero, I would've thought that he or she was out of his mind, he or she was talking nonsense, he or she didn't know ANYTHING about Iranian people. But I saw it with my own eyes during the past 15 months, the degree of hatred of younger generation of Iranian against Palestinian. And their hero was Netanyahu."

'Strike the Houthis while Iran is weak' He added, "Do you think they knew anything about Netanyahu and the Likud party, and the Hamas? No, no. They hate Palestinians because the Islamic leaders - they support Palestinians. "

Last month, a viral video circulated on social media, showing a high school principal in Iran trying to get his students to chant,"Death to Israel," and, "Death to America," while the students instead replied, "Death to Palestine." INN

_____


Liri Albag: 'There are 2 million terrorists in Gaza'. Hamas demanded hostages talk on stage before their release; they chose to show hand signs of victory. 'I would say one sentence in Arabic: ‘My name is Liri Albag, I am number one.' Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 12:40 PM (GMT+2)

He said that Liri spoke about the hostile attitude of the Gaza residents after the October 7th massacre and during the entire war, “Liri told me .. "Remember that, there are two million terrorists there. I was sitting with an 8-year-old boy and 4-year-old boys, who would spit at the mention of Jews. Do you understand what that means? Does anyone understand what that means? So what are they talking about? About Sinwar who was released? They could have eliminated him a thousand times; not a thousand, but two thousand times, and all of Hamas as well, who were going on a rampage and did what they wanted even before October 7th. They could have crushed Hamas just as they crushed Hezbollah," Albag repeated Liri’s understanding.

Albag also commented on the girls’ release ceremony, "The four were put on stage and the Hamas terrorists demanded that the girls speak but they responded saying, 'Not only will we not talk – we will show a display of victory and disrupt the whole show.' As soon as the girls held up their hands, the terrorists took them off the stage. When Liri spoke to me, she said, 'Dad, I used to say one sentence in Arabic: ‘My name is Liri Albag, I am number one.'" INN

_____

Govt. spokesperson: 8 of 33 hostages on Hamas list are dead.

Government spokesperson David Mencer tells reporters that the list of hostages provided last night by Hamas for the 33 hostages who are being released over 6 weeks contains 25 living hostages and 8 dead hostages.

Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 4:54 PM INN

____

Milan Jews sit out city’s Holocaust memorial event. Anti-Israel co-organizers and their rhetoric at last year's event make attendance at the ceremony "unacceptable," community leaders said. Canaan Lidor. (Jan. 27, 2025 / JNS) The organized Jewish Community of Milan in Italy boycotted the main municipal Holocaust commemoration ceremony on Monday, citing fears of its abuse to support narratives that accuse Israel of perpetrating genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The event is not “the appropriate environment to participate in an initiative of this type,” the Jewish Community of Milan wrote in a statement ahead of Monday, Jan. 27, the U.N.-designated annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day. JNS

____


Holocaust Memorial Day latest: King sounds warning as he meets Auschwitz survivors 80 years on; Kate to join commemorations. January 27, 2025. SkyNews


_____


IDF Spokesperson in Arabic publishes guidelines for Gazans returning to northern Gaza. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 12:48 AM JPost

_____


Explosive devices hurled at security forces at Kalandiya checkpoint. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 01:48 AM JPost

_____


IDF begins withdrawing from Netzarim Corridor - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 06:02 AM JPost

_____


Hezbollah to not participate in extended ceasefire agreement - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 08:03 AM JPost

_____


Netanyahu denounces ICC as antisemitic in Holocaust memorial post. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 09:23 AM JPost

_____


Netanyahu planning to visit Washington on February 3-5. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/27/2025 12:17 PM JPost

_____


Leaders to hear Auschwitz survivors at 80th anniversary of camp's liberation. By Reuters. 01/27/2025 12:25 PM Auschwitz survivors were being joined by world leaders on Monday to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German death camp by Soviet troops, one of the last such gatherings of those who experienced its horrors.

The anniversary at the site of the camp, which Nazi Germany set up in occupied Poland during World War Two, was being attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Britain's King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda and a host of other leaders.

They were not due to make speeches, but rather to listen for perhaps the last time to those who suffered and witnessed at first hand one of humanity's greatest atrocities.

Israel, the country founded for Jews in the shadow of the Holocaust, sent Education Minister Yoav Kisch.

A source at Buckingham Palace said King Charles would be paying tribute "both as man and monarch": JPost

_____


Netanyahu: ‘Hamas are the new Nazis’. "The core of new antisemitism is the attempt to ... undermine [Israel's] right to self-defense," Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said.

JNS Staff. (Jan. 27, 2025 / JNS).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called on the “civilized” world to up its effort to combat Jew-hatred, while labeling the Hamas terror group the “new Nazis.”

“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I call on all civilized nations to confront antisemitism wherever it appears—on college campuses, city streets or international forums like the [International Criminal Court],” Netanyahu tweeted.

“Founded in the shadow of the Holocaust, the ICC has disgraced itself with antisemitic attacks on Israel. Hamas are the new Nazis, and we are committed to defeating them once and for all. The Jewish state will always stand as a safe haven for Jews worldwide. #NeverAgainIsNow.”

In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over their roles in prosecuting the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The ICC does not have jurisdiction over Israel. However, the court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who is under investigation for sexual misconduct, insisted that he has jurisdiction over the country.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar similarly weighed in on Monday, tweeting: “Today we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, in memory of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust. Throughout 2,000 years of exile, including during the Holocaust, the Jewish people did not have the means to protect themselves.

“The Zionist revolution restored the Jewish people the ability to protect themselves,” continued Jerusalem’s top diplomat. “The core of new antisemitism is the attempt to delegitimize the Jewish state’s right to exist and to undermine its right to self-defense.

“The purpose of the different proceedings in the ‘international legal institutions’ is an attempt to remove Israel’s basic right to self-defense. We will never relinquish our right and ability to defend ourselves! Never again is now!” JNS

____


Iranian analyst: The Iranian young people hate Palestinians. Sadegh Zibakalam, an Iranian author and political analyst, says sympathy for Palestinians 'evaporated' after October 7 massacre, Iranian young people 'HATE Palestinians.' Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 10:24 AM (GMT+2)

Sadegh Zibakalam, an Iranian author and political analyst, expressed awe at the number of Iranian young people who "hate Palestinians."

"You'd be surprised today," he said in a video shared by Iran International. "Since [the] seventh of October last year, you'd be surprised at the number of Iranian who HATE Palestinians. What happened to that sympathy? It's gone - it's evaporated."

"If someone would have told me that, 'Sadegh, a day would come that Iranian people hate Palestinians and they would praise [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu - of all the people - they would praise Netanyahu as the hero, I would've thought that he or she was out of his mind, he or she was talking nonsense, he or she didn't know ANYTHING about Iranian people. But I saw it with my own eyes during the past 15 months, the degree of hatred of younger generation of Iranian against Palestinian. And their hero was Netanyahu."

'Strike the Houthis while Iran is weak' He added, "Do you think they knew anything about Netanyahu and the Likud party, and the Hamas? No, no. They hate Palestinians because the Islamic leaders - they support Palestinians. "

Last month, a viral video circulated on social media, showing a high school principal in Iran trying to get his students to chant,"Death to Israel," and, "Death to America," while the students instead replied, "Death to Palestine." INN

_____

Liri Albag: 'There are 2 million terrorists in Gaza'. Hamas demanded hostages talk on stage before their release; they chose to show hand signs of victory. 'I would say one sentence in Arabic: ‘My name is Liri Albag, I am number one.' Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 12:40 PM (GMT+2)

He said that Liri spoke about the hostile attitude of the Gaza residents after the October 7th massacre and during the entire war, “Liri told me .. "Remember that, there are two million terrorists there. I was sitting with an 8-year-old boy and 4-year-old boys, who would spit at the mention of Jews. Do you understand what that means? Does anyone understand what that means? So what are they talking about? About Sinwar who was released? They could have eliminated him a thousand times; not a thousand, but two thousand times, and all of Hamas as well, who were going on a rampage and did what they wanted even before October 7th. They could have crushed Hamas just as they crushed Hezbollah," Albag repeated Liri’s understanding.

Albag also commented on the girls’ release ceremony, "The four were put on stage and the Hamas terrorists demanded that the girls speak but they responded saying, 'Not only will we not talk – we will show a display of victory and disrupt the whole show.' As soon as the girls held up their hands, the terrorists took them off the stage. When Liri spoke to me, she said, 'Dad, I used to say one sentence in Arabic: ‘My name is Liri Albag, I am number one.'" INN

_____


‘Nothing will be easy about returning:’ Survivors mark 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation. By Sophie Tanno and Lauren Kent, CNN. Updated 9:13 AM EST, Mon January 27, 2025.

([34]. Survivors of Auschwitz and their families arrive to lay candles at the concentration camp's so-called "death wall" on the 80th anniversary of its liberation. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images).

CNN 

—

“It doesn’t do any good for your heart, for your mind, for anything,” said Holocaust survivor Jona Laks, 94, about her return to Nazi Germany’s Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

“But it’s necessary,” she said. “It’s necessary for the world to know.” CNN.

In pictures: The liberation of Auschwitz. Published 12:01 AM EST, Mon January 27, 2025.

[35]. Survivors of Auschwitz leave the concentration camp at the end of World War II in February 1945. Above them is the German slogan "Arbeit macht frei," which translates to "Work sets you free." Galerie Bilderwelt/Hulton Archive/Getty Images. __

The Soviet Army liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland on January 27, 1945. About 7,000 prisoners were there when the Soviets arrived. Those people had been left behind — too weak or sick to move when Nazi officers forced nearly 60,000 prisoners to march west as the Soviets approached. More than 1.1 million people were murdered at the Nazi camp complex.

Editor's note: This gallery contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised. [36]

Identification photos of child inmates at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp were taken by Polish portrait photographer and fellow prisoner Wilhelm Brasse, who was ordered to document prisoners in the camp. Auschwitz consisted of three main camps: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II (also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau) and Auschwitz III (also known as Auschwitz-Monowitz). De Agostini Editorial/Getty Images [37] This aerial photo shows the layout of the Auschwitz I camp in April 1944. AP [38] Prisoners of Auschwitz greet their liberators in 1945. Belarusian State Archive of Documentary Film and Photography/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [39] An electrified fence surrounds one of the camps. RIA Novosti/Sputnik/AP [40] Corpses of women are piled up on the floor in February 1945. Stanisław Mucha/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [41] This is the first page of a prisoners list that was prepared by hospital staff after the liberation. This page shows "kinder ohne eltern," or children without parents. Courtesy Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau [42]. Ivan Dudnik, a 15-year-old Russian, is rescued. The teen had been described as insane from the treatment he received from the camp. Sovfoto/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images [43] A large pile of prayer shawls, confiscated by the Nazis from arriving prisoners, are seen stored in one of the warehouses in Auschwitz. National Archives and Records Administration/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [44] Civilians and soldiers recover corpses from graves shortly after the liberation. Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images. [45].

A few Auschwitz survivors stand by a fence as the Soviet Army arrived to liberate the camp. Galerie Bilderwelt/Hulton Archive/Getty Images [46] The ruins of gas chambers — blown up by Germans retreating from the Soviets — are seen in January 1945. Courtesy Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau [47] Glasses of prisoners are piled up at the camp. Roger Viollet/LAPI/Getty Images [48] Child survivors show their arms, which has been tattooed by the Nazis. Galerie Bilderwelt/Hulton Archive/Getty Images [49] Bodies of prisoners were found covered in snow on the main street of the camp. Henryk Makarewicz/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [50] Survivors stand behind a barbed-wire fence. Some of the children are wearing adult clothing they were dressed in by Soviet soldiers. Galerie Bilderwelt/Hulton Archive/Getty Images [51] Bales of hair from female prisoners, numbered for shipment to Germany, were found after the camp's liberation. National Archives and Records Administration/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [52] Female survivors in the barracks at the camp. Hundreds of prisoners were housed in the crowded quarters. Galerie Bilderwelt/Hulton Archive/Getty Images [53] This train was loaded with the personal effects of Auschwitz victims. It was abandoned before it could make its trip to Germany. Some of the freight is scattered and buried in the snow. Stanisław Mucha/Instytut Pamieci Narodowej/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [54] Soviet soldiers are seen with liberated prisoners. Sovfoto/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images [55] Prosthetic limbs taken from executed prisoners are piled at the camp. AFP/Getty Images [56] An overview of the camp in 1945. Courtesy Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau [57] Prisoners gather a couple of days before the camp's liberation. RIA Novosti/Sputnik/AP [58] Nazi officer Karl Hoecker lights a candle on a Christmas tree only weeks before the liberation of Auschwitz. It is a page from an album that depicted activities in and around the camp. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [59] Jewish men are lined up at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in May 1944. This photo is from a Nazi documentation of the events at the camp. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [60] This picture shows prisoners' bodies being burned in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in August 1944. It was secretly taken by a Jewish prisoner who was forced to work in and around the gas chambers. Courtesy Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau [61] Jewish prisoners wait in a clearing near a grove of trees before being led to the gas chambers in May 1944. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [62] This undated photo, taken by a guard, shows female prisoners lined up for a hard labor assignment. AP [63] A Jewish woman walks toward the gas chambers with three young children and a baby in her arms in May 1944. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum [64] Bodies were brought up to this crematorium to be incinerated at one of the camps. Galerie Bilderwelt/Hulton Archive/Getty Images [65] Jewish women selected for forced labor stand at a roll call in front of the kitchen at Auschwitz-Birkenau in May 1944. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. CNN

____


Watch live: President Herzog marks Auschwitz liberation at UN. UN General Assembly honors Israeli President Isaac Herzog at ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation. Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 6:03 PM (GMT+2) INN

______



'God created people to love, not to hate:' Holocaust survivor addresses UN. Holocaust survivor and educator Marianne Miller delivered a speech today at the United Nations General Assembly, marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day and commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 8:39 PM (GMT+2).

Holocaust survivor and educator Marianne Miller delivered a speech today (Monday) at the United Nations General Assembly, marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day and commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Born in Budapest during World War II, Miller endured the horrors of the Holocaust, including the forced separation of her family and the murder of multiple close relatives. Despite the unimaginable hardships, she survived and later dedicated her life to educating future generations about the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred and intolerance.

Miller’s journey to the UN began following her participation in the 2024 International March of the Living, where she shared her story of survival with thousands of participants joining commemorative marches through both Budapest in Hungary and Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. There, she expressed her dream of addressing world leaders at the UN to tell her story. Following the march, Revital Yakin-Krakovsky, Deputy CEO of the International March of the Living, approached Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, who worked to make the dream a reality.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said, "Memory does not sustain itself - it needs to be protected, fought for and sustained so that even those who threaten it will not succeed in making it disappear. These pictures, testimonies and documents are for posterity, so that when the voices of denial rise, the truth will stand as an unshakable beacon of justice.” Ambassador Danon added: "I would like to thank Marianne Miller and her family for being here and for their contribution to the preservation of memory and the fight for justice. The Holocaust is not just a historical memory - it is a call to action for the protection of the people of Israel and the fight against anti-Semitism. We will never forget."

Revital Yakin-Krakovsky, Deputy CEO of the International March of the Living, said, "Marianne is a living voice of hope, optimism, and strength. She carries the testimony of the murdered and the message of triumph from the survivor generation. Holocaust survivors are leaving us, and it is of immense importance to hear them, in their voices, on the world's most prominent stages, standing tall against Holocaust deniers and distorters, saying 'We were there.' I thank Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, for his genuine attentiveness and dedicated efforts, which helped Marianne fulfill her dream of addressing the UN General Assembly today."

Below is the full speech, which Miller delivered accompanied by her four children and seven grandchildren:

“My name is Marianne Miller, and I am a Holocaust survivor. I represent the remaining Holocaust survivors, who are getting older, weaker, and sicker, leaving us day by day. I was a baby during the Holocaust, but I can still say it, clear and loud:

"I have been there.

"My parents, Alfred and Violetta Nobel, were a young couple deeply in love. Before my father was taken to a labor camp, my mother wanted to become pregnant. My father was against it. ‘You don’t bring a child into a world where sure death is waiting for them everywhere,’ he said. But my mother, so in love, replied, ‘Maybe one of us will stay alive, and they will have a memory of the other.’

"Under these conditions, I came into the world – a world where death awaited me at every corner.

"Budapest, 1944. A freezing December night. Mothers are marching with their babies in deadly silence, heading toward the railway station. The destination: Auschwitz.

"Then, something unprecedented happened. With a sudden movement, my mother tore off her yellow star and ran out of the line, holding me in her arms. She hid under a gate, thinking no one had seen her.

"But a young Hungarian Nazi chased after her, shouting and aiming his rifle at her chest. ‘How dare you take off the yellow star?’ he roared. ‘Now I’m going to kill your child and make you watch. Then you’ll go back to the line without your baby.’

"There was no point in begging for mercy. All my mother had was a thin golden wedding ring. She held it out to him, saying: ‘Look! Look! You kill people and take their jewelry, but this ring is different – it is not covered in blood. It shines because you didn’t murder anyone for it. Take it. There is a blessing on it. You gave life to a mother and her child. Take it!’

"Maybe, in that one moment, he found a spark of humanity within himself. He didn’t follow her. He let her run, and we were saved.

"My father’s story is no less remarkable.

"Taken to the hunger camp of Bergen-Belsen, he survived on one slice of bread per week. He had the willpower to divide it into seven pieces, eating one each day. At liberation, he weighed only 35 kilos – the weight of a child.

"Most of my family was not as fortunate. Many were shot into the Danube River. My mother’s sister Nicolet, a partisan, was executed. My cousin Gabor, just 13 years old, was killed – he could have become a world-famous poet.

"Today, I stand here having lost my husband, Yoel, two months ago.

"He was my best friend for 58 years. As a child, he survived the Terezin concentration camp, becoming a father figure to his baby brother.

"Last April, I was honored to lead the March of the Living in Budapest and Auschwitz. I was deeply shaken by the mountains of shoes, glasses, and hair left behind. Six million lives were brutally taken simply for being Jewish.

"I came here today with my children and grandchildren – my personal answer to Hitler.

"Antisemitism is lifting its ugly head again across the world. We must remember: God created people to love, not to hate. God wants to be proud of mankind, not ashamed of it.

"I represent today the six million Holocaust victims who were murdered just because they were Jewish. I demand the world remember what happened only 80 years ago.

"Never. Never. Never, let it happen again.

'Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to Ambassador Danny Danon and President Isaac Herzog for making my presence here today possible." INN

____


80 Years: Auschwitz Survivors Commemorate Liberation Amid Global Antisemitism Concerns. January 27, 2025

The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops is being marked on Monday at the site of the former death camp, a ceremony that is widely being treated as the last major observance that any notable number of survivors will be able to attend.

Among those who traveled to the site is 86-year-old Tova Friedman, who was 6 when she was among the 7,000 people liberated on Jan. 27, 1945. She believes it will the be last gathering of survivors at Auschwitz and she came from her home in New Jersey to add her voice to those warning about rising hatred and antisemitism.

“The world has become toxic,” she told The Associated Press a day before the observances in nearby Krakow. “I realize that we’re in a crisis again, that there is so much hatred around, so much distrust, that if we don’t stop, it may get worse and worse. There may be another terrible destruction.”

Nazi German forces murdered some 1.1 million people at the site in southern Poland, which was under German occupation during World War II. Most of the victims were Jews killed on an industrial scale in gas chambers, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and others who were targeted for elimination in the Nazi racial ideology.

Elderly camp survivors, some wearing blue-and-white striped scarves that recall their prison uniforms, walked together to the Death Wall, where prisoners were executed, including Poles who resisted the occupation of their country.

They were joined by Polish President Andrzej Duda, whose nation lost 6 million citizens during the war. He carried a candle and walked with Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum director Piotr Cywinski.

“We Poles, on whose land — occupied by Nazi Germans at that time — the Germans built this extermination industry and this concentration camp, are today the guardians of memory,” Duda told reporters afterward.

He spoke of the “unimaginable harm” inflicted on so many people, especially the Jewish people.

In all, the Nazis regime murdered 6 million Jews from all over Europe, annihilating two-thirds of Europe’s Jews and one-third of all Jews worldwide. In 2005, the United Nations designated Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Across Europe, officials and others were pausing to remember.

“As the last survivors fade, it is our duty as Europeans to remember the unspeakable crimes and to honor the memories of the victims,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is German, said on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who leads a nation defending itself against Russia’s brutal invasion, placed a candle at the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial a day before in Kyiv, where tens of thousands of Jews were executed during the Nazi occupation. On Monday he arrived in Poland to attend the commemorations.

“The evil that seeks to destroy the lives of entire nations still remains in the world,” he wrote on his Telegram page.

Commemorations will culminate when world leaders and royalty will join with elderly camp survivors, the youngest of whom are in their 80s, at Birkenau, the part of Auschwitz where the mass murder of Jews took place.

Politicians, however, have not been asked to speak this year. Due to the advanced age of the survivors, about 50 of whom are expected, organizers are choosing to make them the center of the observances. Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, will also speak.

Among the leaders expected to attend are Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Germany has never sent both of its highest state representatives to the observances before, according to German news agency dpa.

It is a sign of Germany’s continued commitment to take responsibility for the nation’s crimes, even with a far-right party gaining increased support in recent years.

French President Emmanuel Macron will attend after paying his respects at the Shoah Memorial in Paris, a symbolic tomb for the 6 million Jews who don’t have a grave, and meeting with a survivor from Auschwitz and one from the Bergen-Belsen camp.

Britain’s King Charles III will also be there, along with kings and queens from Spain, Denmark and Norway.

Russian representatives were in the past central guests at the anniversary observances in recognition of the Red Army liberation of the camp on Jan. 27, 1945, and the huge losses of Soviet forces in the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany. But they have not been welcome since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to participants saying: “We will always remember that it was the Soviet soldier who crushed this dreadful, total evil and won the victory, the greatness of which will forever remain in world history.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a briefing Thursday: “There is something that needs to be said to the organizers and all the Europeans who will be there: your lives, your work and leisure, the very existence of your nations, your children have been paid for by Soviet soldiers, their lives, their blood.” (AP) YWN

_____


Explosive in washing machine: Terror observation command center identified in Jenin. Israel National News. Jan 27, 2025, 7:30 PM INN

_____


Israel: Eight dead in Hamas list of 33 hostages to be freed. Seven captives have already been released with three more slated to return on Thursday followed by another three on Saturday.

([66]. Family members of four hostages whom Hamas released hold a press conference at Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Hospital) in Petach Tikvah on Jan. 26, 2025).

(Jan. 27, 2025 / JNS). Eight of the 33 hostages intended for release during the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas in the Gaza Strip are dead, according to a list provided by Hamas.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer confirmed that the terrorist group stated the remaining 25 hostages are alive. The list was delivered to Israel overnight on Sunday.

After repeatedly violating the truce deal with Israel, Hamas is to release three additional captives on Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem announced on Sunday night.

The hostages to be released are civilian Arbel Yehud, Israel Defense Forces soldier Agam Berger and an unidentified man. Three more abductees are to be freed on Saturday, per the terms of the ceasefire. JNS

_____


Gaza hostages held in tunnels for over 8 months, were starved, IDF medical officer says. They had little to no human contact and showed signs of 'mild starvation'; Hostages said their treatment improved in the days leading up to their release including more food and showers. Reuters | published:1.27.25. YNet

_____


Closet leading to tunnel shaft: Jenin like Gaza. Military continues its West Bank counterterror operation in Jenin, now expanding to Tulkarm and exposing dangerous terror infrastructure in the area. Elisha Ben Kimon|1.27.25. YNet

______

Eitan Fischberger @EFischberger: This Wapo article is one of the most blatant examples of journalistic malpractice I've seen in a while.

Shame on @leo_sands, @sammy_westfall, @NihaMasih, and @MiriamABerger for omitting critical information that would've drastically reframed the piece for their audience 🧵 CAMERAorg and 4 others Jan 26, 2025. On X

(WaPo refers to terror PFLP's Samidoun as "activists." (1/26/25) [67]).

_____


They saw friends murdered, slowly die; freed hostages share ordeals Four freed girls say terrorists guarding them forbade crying or holding hands but they found ways to support each other;  they picked up Arabic and used black humor to process their experiences  Yael Ciechanover|1.28.25. YNet

____


'I wish Sisi would take in some residents of Gaza'.

US President says he spoke to Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi about his relocation plan: I wish he would take some. We helped them a lot, and I'm sure he'd help us.

Elad Benari. Jan 28, 2025, 5:27 AM INN

______


President Trump: 'Poison of antisemitism still courses through veins of cowards'. Israel National News. Jan 28, 2025, 7:36 AM INN

_____


Most Hamas terrorists were drugged, completely inhumane, rescued hostage says. Sherry Makover-Balikov, Jerusalem Post, January 28, 2025. [68]. “The hostages today are suffering from prolonged hunger,” released hostage Luis Har said in an interview with Maariv.”Hamas takes all the aid,” he continued. “I was there; I know what delaying the deals means. Every day increases fear, danger, and suffering. We must not wait, and we must not delay because every passing day increases the concern that, in the end, there will be no one left to bring back.” Har, who was abducted on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, was later freed in a daring military operation in Rafah in February 2024. In his interview, he described the terrifying moments of his abduction, his prolonged captivity in the home of a Hamas operative in southern Gaza, and his eventual rescue and return to Israel….

Har said the captors’ treatment of the hostages varied. “There were some moments of humanity, but not the majority. Most of them were either drugged or completely inhumane.”

“The man of the house, for example, took care of us and made it a point to reassure us that we would be okay. He said, ‘If there’s peace between us, I’ll come to your kibbutz to eat pizza at your place.’ That doesn’t negate the brutality of him and the others, who constantly threatened and shouted. They thought our situation would end in two or three days, but suddenly it became long-term.”

Humor became a lifeline for Har and his fellow captives.

“At some point, we started laughing whenever they said, ‘shwaya shwaya’ (slowly, slowly). I’d say to the man of the house, ‘Come on, shwaya shwaya, we’ve already been here for weeks.’ Humor saved us.”

Har described the challenges of dwindling resources. “I cooked. At first, it was easy; there was everything—canned goods, vegetables, cheese—and they brought pitas every day. But over time, the food ran out. Eventually, Fernando [Merman] and I were sharing one pita a day, dividing it into pieces so we wouldn’t finish it all at once.” JPost

______


Columbia University identifies two individuals who stormed Israeli professor's class. Columbia University says it identified two individuals from an “affiliated institution” who took part in disruption of course on the history of modern Israel last week. The students have been barred from entering the campus and referred to their “home institution for further investigation and discipline.” Elad Benari. Jan 28, 2025, 6:53 AM (GMT+2)

Columbia University has identified two individuals from an “affiliated institution” who took part in the disruption of a course on the history of modern Israel taught by an Israeli professor last Tuesday, the Columbia Daily Spectator reported on Monday, citing a statement released by the university.

The individuals, who are not Columbia students, have been barred from entering the campus and referred to their “home institution for further investigation and discipline,” the statement said.

Columbia’s affiliated institutions include Barnard College, Union Theological Seminary, and Teachers College.

This announcement follows an earlier development last Thursday, when the University identified and suspended a student involved in the incident, pending a full investigation and disciplinary process. The broader investigation into the disruption remains ongoing.

The disruption occurred during the first session of the course, taught by history lecturer Avi Shilon, on the first day of Columbia’s spring semester.

Protesters entered the classroom and distributed flyers bearing inflammatory images and messages. One flyer depicted a boot stomping on the Star of David alongside the words “Crush Zionism.”

Another showed an individual in a keffiyeh holding a burning Israeli flag, with the phrase “Burn Zionism to the ground,” according to video and photographs shared by the Columbia Jewish & Israeli Students account on X.

Interim University President Katrina Armstrong, Barnard President Laura Rosenbury, and Columbia College Dean Josef Sorett condemned the disruption in public statements.

Armstrong, in a statement released Wednesday, emphasized that the University had expedited its investigation and adjusted security measures, including requiring Columbia ID swipe access for buildings on the Morningside campus.

The same day as the course was disrupted, hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators rallied outside Columbia University, chanting slogans like “We will honor all our martyrs,” “Smash the settler Zionist state,” and “Intifada people’s war” to the beat of a snare drum.

On campus, a smaller group of activists chanted “Long live the intifada” near Butler Library before marching off campus to join the larger rally.

Last week’s disruptions are the latest in a series of incidents at Columbia related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Columbia has come under increased scrutiny over the rise in antisemitism on campus since the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators at Columbia set up dozens of tents in April of last year, demanding that the university divest from its Israeli assets. The university administration called in police to dismantle the encampments.

On April 30, at the request of university leaders, hundreds of officers with the New York Police Department stormed onto campus, gaining access to the building through a second-story window and making dozens of arrests of the pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators who had taken over Hamilton Hall.

Before the anti-Israel encampment on campus, the Chabad rabbi of Columbia University and a group of Jewish students were forced to leave the university campus for their own safety during a pro-Hamas demonstration.

In August, three Columbia University deans resigned from the school, after it was discovered that they had exchanged “very troubling” texts that “disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes”. INN

_____


Bracing for the worst: Some hostages’ families say IDF told them loved ones may be dead. After Hamas conveys ‘list’ saying 8 of 26 hostages set to be released in coming weeks are dead, relatives say the military gave them grim assessment of their loved ones’ fate. By ToI Staff. January 28, 2025, 4:34 pm TOI

_____


Tearful King Charles becomes first UK monarch to visit Auschwitz. Aides say king’s visit was ‘deeply personal pilgrimage’ as he took part in events marking 80th anniversary of liberation of the Nazi death camp, UK Jewish news reports. By Lee Harpin. January 28, 2025, 4:48 pm JewishNews

______


Holocaust distortion more dangerous than outright denial, warns departing IHRA chief. ‘It’s always those who attack freedom, liberal views, diversity and pluralism’ who twist the facts, says Kathrin Meyer. ‘They use Holocaust distortion for their political gain’. By Larry Luxner. January 28, 2025, 4:57 pm

'It’s an insult to victims; it's also a threat to democracy'. Holocaust distortion more dangerous than outright denial, warns departing IHRA chief. ‘It’s always those who attack freedom, liberal views, diversity and pluralism’ who twist the facts, says Kathrin Meyer. ‘They use Holocaust distortion for their political gain’. By Larry Luxner, January 28, 2025, 4:57 pm. JTA — As the world marked 80 years on Monday since the liberation of Auschwitz, one of Germany’s most prominent Holocaust scholars said twisting the facts about the Nazi extermination of six million Jews is far more harmful than outright denial — and that such distortion is “a stepping stone from antisemitism into the mainstream.”

Kathrin Meyer, secretary-general of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA, said she considers Holocaust distortion particularly dangerous, especially as the number of survivors dwindles with each passing year. This week, when the world focuses on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, only 50 survivors took part in ceremonies at the Nazi death camp in Poland – down from 300 just five years ago.

“Obviously, it’s an insult to the victims, but it’s also a threat to our democracy because you will not find a single radical, anti-democratic, nationalistic, imperialistic group ideology that does not have a distorted view of the Holocaust,” Meyer said about distortions that are often disguised as differing opinions rather than outright lies.

Tracking Holocaust denial and distortion is part of its wider mandate to address “contemporary challenges related to the Holocaust and genocide of the Roma people,” according to its website.

One example Meyer offered is that of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s constant vilification of neighboring Ukraine as a “Nazi government” despite the fact that Ukraine’s Jewish president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was democratically elected.

“It’s always those who attack freedom, liberal views, diversity and pluralistic societies,” said Meyer, who is stepping down from her position after two decades. “They use Holocaust distortion for their political gain.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrive for a working session at the Elysee Palace, on December 9, 2019, in Paris. (Ian Langsdon/Pool via AP) Meyer, who is not Jewish, has led the Berlin-based IHRA as the definition of antisemitism it developed became a flashpoint in political debates...

Meyer recalled that it took IHRA three years to adopt a definition of antisemitism that satisfied all its members, which include 35 member states, eight observer countries and nine global partners including the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO and the Claims Conference.

That definition, Meyer said, is now “one of the most important tools ever” in the fight against Jew hatred.

“Before the adoption of this definition, I was confronted time and again with statements like ‘Oh, in our country, there is no antisemitism.’ We don’t have this discussion any longer,” said Meyer. “We discuss what should and shouldn’t be considered antisemitism, but antisemitism as such is acknowledged as a problem in all our societies.”

IHRA defines antisemitism as having a “certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred” toward them. That perception includes certain kinds of rhetoric and action aimed at Israel and its supporters — for example, denying Jews the right to self-determination or calling Israel a “racist[sic] endeavor.”

Proponents of the definition see those examples as an important response to events like the sharp rise in vandalism of synagogues and cemeteries, verbal and physical attacks against Jews and “anti-Zionist” incitement since the October 7, 2023, invasion of southern Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza.

“The events of October 7 have tragically proven us right. There cannot be a debate on antisemitism without looking into the completely biased criticism of Israel that we often see,” Meyer said. “This dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents came right after the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust. The fact that this didn’t lead to more solidarity but to more antisemitism shows how deep this hatred goes, and how irrational it often is.”

Meyer, 60, knows a thing or two about deep and irrational hatred of Jews — and about the power of pushing back against it. She was born and raised in Celle, a village in Lower Saxony, just a few kilometers from the infamous Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where Anne Frank died along with some 50,000 other Jewish Europeans.

“This really picturesque little town, with these medieval houses and a castle, looks almost like a Disneyland film set. It wasn’t affected by the war. No bombings, no nothing,” she recalled. “I was born in 1964, only 19 years after World War II ended, but there was a big silence in my town about Bergen-Belsen.”

That silence extended to her own family, said Meyer, describing her “liberation” at facing the facts of what her country had done to the Jews.

“I was among the first Germans for whom the Holocaust was part of the school curriculum,” she said. “My mother’s side of the family was very much opposed to the Nazi system, but my grandmother on my father’s side was a very committed Nazi. I grew up with her views as well, and I’ve had to fight that my entire lifetime.”

A memorial stone for the young diarist Anne Frank and her sister, Margot, on the grounds of the former concentration camp Bergen-Belsen. (AFP) Later on, she earned a master’s degree in educational science and a PhD in history from Berlin’s Technical University, specializing in denazification and reeducation in Germany after 1945.

“For me, it was liberating to face the facts, to step up to the responsibility I have as a German of this generation — and to not shy away from it,” she said.

IHRA was founded as a temporary task force by then-Swedish prime minister Goran Persson. Along with Britain’s then-prime minister Tony Blair and former US president Bill Clinton, he organized a Stockholm forum held 25 years ago — on January 27, 2000 — that was attended by 46 heads of state and foreign ministers. There, they signed the Stockholm Declaration and committed their countries to support Holocaust education remembrance and research.

“That was revolutionary, because until then, it was mainly Jewish organizations that had commemorated the Holocaust, but it was never really seen as a governmental responsibility,” she said. “This is where we started. We had very few member countries at that point, but the others were invited. The snowball effect started, and soon it became an international institution with 35 member countries and global impact.”

Besides Jewish victims, IHRA also advocates on behalf of the Roma people, a minority ethnic group that Meyer said “are definitely the most discriminated group in Europe when it comes to hate crimes on a daily level.”

During World War II, the Nazis operated a concentration camp near Prague specifically for slaughtering the Roma. For years after the war, Czech farmers used the camp as a pig pen. Eventually, local authorities erected a small memorial.

([69]. Survivors, relatives and representatives of the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau lay wreaths and light candles at the so-called Death Wall next to Block 11 of the former Auschwitz I main camp in Oswiecim, Poland on January 27, 2025, during commemorations on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau by the Red Army. (Wojtek RADWANSKI / AFP).

“However, when I visited this place in 2016, I was astonished,” she said. “You see these plaques and rebuilt barracks, and some references to the Roma community that was destroyed, and then in the background, you hear these pigs screaming and you smell ammonia. It was so terrible.”

Thanks to IHRA’s then-president, Romanian diplomat Mihnea Constantinescu, Czech authorities moved the pig farm elsewhere and constructed a proper memorial site.

One of Meyer’s biggest concerns is the immense power of Big Tech, she said, citing “the problems we face just with Meta getting rid of fact-checking” on Facebook, and the increasing virulent hate speech spread on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

A recent UNESCO study of 4,000 pieces of content collected in June and July 2021 showed that 10% of such content on Facebook, 15% on Twitter (now X) and nearly half on Telegram either denied or distorted Holocaust history.

“These tech giants do whatever they want, and I have the feeling this is so unbalanced. It’s something that worries me tremendously,” Meyer said, though she’s not necessarily concerned that artificial intelligence will worsen those problems.

“There’s no question AI brings huge risks, but it also brings great opportunities, because AI cannot only be used by the bad guys. It can be used by us too—for example, in keeping the memory of survivors alive,” she said. “It’s not a curse. It’s in our world, and we need to use it.”

([70]. People visit the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp, in Oswiecim, Poland, January 26, 2025. AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski).

Asked about her legacy, Meyer said she’s proud to have helped turn IHRA into a “global player” while putting Holocaust distortion on the agenda.

“Making that a major topic was definitely one of the big passions I brought to this job,” she said. “We live in a world of deep divisions within our societies, and since we’re a consensus-based organization, we need to keep the consensus alive to confront antisemitism, extremism, hate speech and the challenge posed by AI and social media. This is a huge challenge, but I think that’s also the only way to go.”

Meyer’s successor at IHRA is Michaela Küchler, a veteran German diplomat who chaired the organization in 2021 and who currently serves as Germany’s consul-general in Chennai, India.

“She brings the drive we need to move this organization ahead and to not shy away from challenges,” Meyer said of Küchler, adding that “after 20 years in this business, I need a break.” TOI

_____


IDF troops eliminate terrorists in Jenin, destroy weapon-production lathe. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/28/2025 06:12 PM JPost

_____


UAE conglomerate buys $10m stake in Israeli tech security firm that detects drones. Abu Dhabi defense contractor EDGE to invest a further $12 million to develop and market Thirdeye Systems’ electro-optical recognition products. By Sharon Wrobel. January 28, 2025, 7:16 pm TOI

_____


Israel carries out strike in southern Lebanon. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/28/2025 08:11 PM JPost

_____


Defense minister, in Syria buffer zone, says IDF to stay indefinitely. Visiting position on Syrian side of Mount Hermon, Katz vows Israel will not allow ‘hostile forces’ to gain a foothold in area, or be dependent on others for security in area. By Emanuel Fabian. January 28, 2025, 8:53 pm TOI

_____


US Senate blocks bill to sanction International Criminal Court. By Reuters. 01/28/2025 10:01 PM The chamber voted 54-45, meaning the measure, which had already passed the Republican-majority House of Representatives, could not get the 60 yes votes needed in the 100-member Senate to advance the bill. JPost

_____


Brother of dead hostage slated for release: Give his place to save living captive. JNS Staff. (Jan. 28, 2025 / JNS). JNS

____

Hamas vows archterrorist Marwan Barghouti will be released in phase 2 of ceasefire. Hamas reportedly seeks release of archterrorist serving 5 life sentences for the murders he committed because they believe he would win elections in the post-Abbas era. Israel National News. Jan 28, 2025, 9:44 PM (GMT+2) INN

_____


Senate Democrats block ICC sanctions bill. Senate Democrats vote against Republican-led bill aimed at sanctioning officials from the International Criminal Court in response to arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Elad Benari. Jan 28, 2025, 11:40 PM (GMT+2)

Senate Democrats on Tuesday voted to filibuster a Republican-led bill aimed at sanctioning officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC), CNN reported.

The proposed legislation sought to penalize the ICC for issuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who have been accused by the ICC accused them of committing war crimes during and after the Hamas October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

The legislation, which was approved by the House of Representatives on January 9, targets any foreigner involved in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting US citizens or those of allied nations that are not ICC members, including Israel.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the ICC's decision, arguing that equating Israeli leaders with Hamas was “beyond the pale.”

Democrats, concerned that opposing the bill might be framed as being anti-Israel, deliberated extensively before taking action. Ultimately, only Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a staunch supporter of Israel, voted in favor of the measure.

The final vote count was 54-45, falling short of the 60 votes required to advance the bill.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his opposition to the bill shortly before the vote, labeling it “poorly drafted and deeply troublesome.”

Schumer criticized Republicans for refusing to make minor changes to the legislation that could have secured Democratic support.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan recently defended his decision to pursue an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, claiming that Israel had made “no real effort” to independently investigate claims that it committed war crimes[sic]. INN

_____

Columbia University Bans Pro-Hamas Classroom Agitators From Campus. by Dion J. Pierre. January 28, 2025.

Columbia University has banned from its campus multiple masked individuals who disrupted an active class last week and proceeded to utter pro-Hamas statements while distributing antisemitic literature Algemeiner

____


Israel Slams Newly Signed Iran-Russia Treaty as ‘Dangerous for the Entire World’. by Ailin Vilches Arguello. January 28, 2025.

Israel is deeply concerned about a recently signed “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” between Iran and Russia, according to the Jewish state’s ambassador to Moscow.

“Iran is a country that has openly and publicly stated many times its intention to destroy Israel,” Simona Halperin told the Russian state news agency TASS in an interview published on Monday when asked about the pact. Algemeiner

____


IDF fires warning shots at suspects in Gaza Strip. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/28/2025 10:15 PM JPost

____


Don’t mention the Jews. This removal of Jews from Holocaust. Nicole Lampert. January 28, 2025.

Memorial Day has long been the plan of that weird marriage of the far left and Islamists. For too many leftists, Jews have never been good enough victims for their compassion. They certainly don’t want to remind people that anti-Semitism, the creed they so often march alongside with, is dangerous. Instead, they like to paint Jews as oppressors – or genocidal maniacs. So they have to hide the fact that Jews were the ones attacked in the most heinous and deliberate genocide in history.

There is another reason for removing Jews from the memory of the Holocaust. It’s a way of undermining the necessity of Israel’s existence – a state that had to come into being because the world closed its doors to Jews, despite knowing they were being slaughtered.

Parts of the left really do seem keen on taking the focus of Holocaust Memorial Day away from Jewish suffering. In 2011, Jeremy Corbyn was among a group of mainly Labour politicians who supported a parliamentary motion to rename Holocaust Memorial Day, saying instead it should be called ‘Genocide Memorial Day – Never Again for Anyone’. This was despite the fact it already did officially remember later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

It is telling that, a few weeks ago, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) wrote to 460 town halls and educational centres around the UK asking them to boycott this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day because apparently it wouldn’t be inclusive enough (the organisers failed to categorise the war in Gaza as a genocide). In truth, the IHRC hardly needed to go to all that trouble. The message of Holocaust Memorial Day has become so watered down that it is an act of bravery to even mention who the victims of the Holocaust were – especially after Hamas’s pogrom in Israel on 7 October 2023.

One London Jewish councillor tells me that, having organised Holocaust Memorial Day events in the past, since the 7 October attacks she hasn’t been allowed ‘near’ it at the council. ‘I think lots of councils think erasing Jews from their events is “playing it safe”’, she tells me.

I’m ashamed to say that some Jewish organisations have let activists and politicians do this. They’ve let them water down the Holocaust because, otherwise, no one will talk about it at all.

What does that tell you about all those who drearily intone ‘Never Again’ with their crocodile tears about some anonymous horror? If they meant it, they would talk about what must never happen again. They would talk about Jews and anti-Semitism.

All the while, anti-Semitism is surging. As a Jewish person who writes about this stuff, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the fear, the angst, the terror of people writing to me about the anti-Semitism they have faced.

You’ve seen the weekly images of ‘pro-Palestine’ protesters marching with swastikas, chanting blood libels, calling for another genocide of the Jews. You’ve seen how our political class has done nothing to challenge any of it. You’ve seen how news channels repeat Hamas propaganda. You’ve seen how anti-Semitism has been normalised, even as public figures slap themselves on the back because they lit a candle on Holocaust Memorial Day.

Not one Jewish person who I know has felt entirely safe in the UK since 7 October. Never Again has become a hollow slogan, and not one of our cowardly leaders is prepared to call that out. JNS

____


Russia, Syria to hold further talks on Russian military bases in Syria, TASS reports. By Reuters. 01/29/2025 12:16 AM JPost

____


Rubio thanks Qatari PM for Gaza hostage mediation. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/29/2025 03:26 AM JPost

____


RV packed with explosives and a list of Jewish addresses sparks concern in Australia. The discovery follows a spate of antisemitic arson and vandalism in the country. JNS Staff. (Jan. 29, 2025 / JNS). Australian law enforcement agents in Sydney have found a caravan loaded with explosives and containing a list of Jewish targets, they said on Wednesday. JNS

Australia: Suspected terrorist attack on Sydney synagogue thwarted. Police find caravan of explosives, investigating whether Sydney synagogue was targeted. Tziki Brandwine. Jan 29, 2025, 9:36 AM (GMT+2) INN

Huge Neis Down Under: Explosives For “Mass-Casualty” Attack On Jewish Target Found In Sydney. January 29, 2025

“That Is Terrorism” announced a headline in The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday reporting that a trailer loaded with enough explosives to cause a 40-meter blast wave was found in New South Wales, north of Sydney.

The trailer was marked with an antisemitic offensive epithet and with several addresses of targets, including a Sydney shul.

The trailer was found 10 days ago and was only revealed after an investigation into the potential “mass casualty event” was leaked to the media.

According to the report, New South Wales (NSW) police were called by a local resident on January 19 after he discovered the trailer.

The police who arrived at the site found Powergel explosives, which are believed to have been stolen from a mine site, along with a note listing the address of a shul.

“There’s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“This would strike terror into the community, particularly the Jewish community, and it must be met with the full resources of the government. And I want to assure the people of NSW that’s exactly what’s happening.”

The caravan had been parked on the roadside in a hazardous position between December 7 and January 19, the report said.

The police transferred the investigation to the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which combines state and Commonwealth agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Although over 100 officers have been tasked with finding the perpetrators, they have not yet been found.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson confirmed that no arrests have been made. “I can indicate we have no information that there are further explosives in our community in relation to conducting antisemitic attacks anywhere,” Hudson said. “We believe that we have contained, appropriately, this current threat.”

Other Australian media reports said that reports that investigators are also looking into the possibility that the trailer marked with the anti-Jewish message was left there to increase tensions in Australia and fuel the wave of antisemitism there. An Australian source told the Daily Telegraph that “something is not right” in the case.

Australia in general and Sydney in particular has suffered a wave of antisemitic attacks in recent weeks and months. Last week, a daycare near a Jewish school and a shul was set on fire in the middle of the night. The day after the attack, Australian federal police launched an investigation regarding suspicions that the recent antisemitic attacks in the country are funded by “overseas actors.” Later that day, the police arrested a suspect involved in the attempted arson attack of a Sydney shul earlier this month.

([71]. A car was set on fire and antisemitic graffiti was sprayed on buildings in a Sydney suburb. Photo: Australian Broadcasting Company. ABC). YWN

______


Rubio to Egyptian FM: 'Hamas can never govern Gaza or threaten Israel again'. Elad Benari. Jan 29, 2025, 4:14 AM INN

_____


Union representing 30,000 CUNY faculty and staff votes to divest from Israel. Daniel Edelson, New York| 1.29.25. YNet

_____

The IDF won't withdraw 'until the Lebanese army shows it is in control'. Yair Kraus |1.29.25. YNet

_____


Israel waits to learn identity of 3rd hostage that will be released Thursday. Lior Ben Ari, Einav Halabi|1.29.25. YNet

_____


Israeli assessment: 'Trump will make it difficult to resume fighting'. Israel National News. Jan 29, 2025, 8:51 AM INN

_____


Watch: Lebanese army takes control of huge tunnel complex. Israel National News. Jan 29, 2025, 9:19 AM INN

_____


IDF demolishes home of terrorist in West Bank in joint counterterrorism operation. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/29/2025 11:46 AM The home of the terrorist who killed Stf.-Sgt. (res.) Elchanan Ariel Klein and injured four Border Police officers, was demolished during a joint counterterrorism operation on Tuesday night in Shuweika with the Shin Bet, and Border Police, the IDF said in a statement on Wednesday. The terrorist was part of the terror cell that committed the terror attack on November 2, 2023. JPost

____


Tel Aviv police arrest illegal resident from Hebron. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/29/2025 12:24 PM JPost

____


IDF thwarts weapons smuggling attempt from Egypt to Israel. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/29/2025 12:39 PM JPost

____

Human Rights expert: 'UN learned nothing from Holocaust except to fake concern for 1 day'. Professor Anne Bayefsky, the Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and President of the Human Rights Voices human rights organization, tells Arutz Sheva the UN marking Holocaust Remembrance day is an "oxymoron." Gary Willig, Jan 29, 2025, 3:17 PM (GMT+2) INN

____


IDF shoots down drone crossing from Egypt. IDF thwarts attempt to smuggle 13 weapons and ammunition from Egypt via drone. Uzi Baruch. Jan 29, 2025, 1:14 PM (GMT+2) INN

_____


The dark descent into Holocaust erasure.

Let's be clear: the genocide of European Jews by the Nazi regime was unique in its systematic nature and industrial scale. By Claudia Mendoza. January 29, 2025.

More worrying, however, is the ongoing attempt to draw comparisons between the Holocaust and the current conflict between Israel and Hamas. To compare the systematic murder of 6 million Jews to Israel’s war on Hamas is not only absurd but deeply offensive to survivors and the wider Jewish community.

More worrying, however, is the ongoing attempt to draw comparisons between the Holocaust and the current conflict between Israel and Hamas. To compare the systematic murder of 6 million Jews to Israel’s war on Hamas is not only absurd but deeply offensive to survivors and the wider Jewish community.

Many in the community will have seen the Irish President Michael Higgins address a Holocaust Memorial Day event which he was asked not to attend by members of Ireland’s Jewish community. While it was not a surprise that he used his speech to reference the conflict in Gaza, it was shocking to see Jewish members of the audience thrown out of the room for objecting.

Only recently, Ireland adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, which states that equating the State of Israel to Nazi Germany is antisemitic. Higgins’ hijacking of Holocaust Memorial Day makes one wonder why they did.

Even more disgracefully, the Islamic Human Rights Commission called for boycotts of Holocaust Memorial Day events this year unless they included a reference to Gaza. Those who call to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day events, unless they are inverted to associate modern-day Jews with their persecutors, are the clearest example of why we must keep the memory of the Holocaust alive.

This Holocaust Memorial Day I had the privilege of hearing Janine Webber’s testimony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration event.

Unfortunately, as Holocaust survivors grow older, first-hand survivor accounts are becoming less easily available. Initiatives like the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Ambassador Programme and Testimony 360 do vital work to advance Holocaust education.

I also support the construction of a new Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Westminster, which will enshrine Holocaust remembrance at the heart of our democracy. In a world of rising antisemitism, where people seek to abuse the memory of the Holocaust, this is more important than ever. JewishNews

______


Wednesday, January 29, 2025. UN accredited NGO has been accusing Israel of inflicting a "holocaust" on Palestinians since at least 2008. The International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD) is a non-governmental organization in special consultative status with the UN. It issues reports every year or so to the UN that is filled with pure Jew-hatred.

It routinely compares Israeli Jews to Nazis. For example, this submission to the UN from August 2008: Have Jews everywhere forgotten ... EoZ

_____


Dutch Parliament links funds to Palestinian NGOs on recognition of Israel. “In no circumstance may taxpayer money end up in the hands of terrorists,” said Dutch Parliament member Chris Stoffer, who put forward the resolution. (Jan. 29, 2025 / JNS) The Dutch Parliament passed a resolution on Tuesday to condition funding of Palestinian NGOs on their recognition of Israel’s right to exist.

The parliamentary move is being made two months after a violent attack in Amsterdam against visiting Israeli soccer fans by a mob of rioters, many of them Muslim, in early November. It also comes as a new government in Holland has started to address a lack of vetting and transparency that has existed for years, enabling the funding of non-governmental aid organizations to reach terror groups designated as such by the European Union.

The motion was passed in a tight 70-67 vote in the Dutch House of Representatives. JNS

_____


'Punish anti-Jewish racism in colleges and universities'.

Trump signs Executive Order to combat antisemitism, with a focus on combatting the surge of antisemitism on US campuses since October 7, 2023. Order calls for immediate action to quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation, and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in colleges and universities.

Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 1:09 AM INN

_____


Antisemites portray themselves as false allies to Jews as ‘political cover,’ experts say. The gaslighting is “particularly galling” given “what has happened over the last 15-plus months,” Sam Markstein, of the Republican Jewish Coalition, told JNS.

Rikki Zagelbaum. (Jan. 29, 2025 / JNS)

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), a member of the progressive “Squad” in Congress, condemned on Oct. 7, 2023, “the horrific acts we are seeing unfold today in Israel against children, women, the elderly and the unarmed people who are being slaughtered and taken hostage by Hamas.” She added that the “senseless violence” would only continue a cycle of violence and called, even before the Jewish state had defended itself, for “de-escalation and ceasefire.”

On Jan. 27, Omar, who has often criticized Israel in antisemitic terms, wrote that “on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the 6 million Jews and millions of other people murdered during the Holocaust and carry the stories of survivors who showed strength in the darkest of times.” She added that “we must recommit to fighting against antisemitism and bigotry in all forms. Never again.” JNS

_____


Israel’s new envoy in DC starts work ahead of Netanyahu trip. “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s historic visit to Washington will mark a significant moment in Israel-U.S. relations,” Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told JNS.

Andrew Bernard. (Jan. 29, 2025 / JNS)

Israel’s new ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, started work this week ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled trip to Washington on Tuesday. JNS

____


Three Israeli hostages, five Thais slated for release on Thursday. The three women to be freed are Arbel Yehud, 29; Agam Berger, 20; and Gadi Mozes, 80.

(Jan. 29, 2025 / JNS) Israel received from Hamas a list of three Israeli hostages and five Thai captives expected to be released tomorrow, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan News reported on Wednesday.

The three Israeli hostages are two women—Arbel Yehud, 29, a civilian, and Agam Berger, 20, an IDF lookout—and a male hostage, 80-year-old Gadi Mozes. Mozes was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his wife, Margalit, who was one of the first hostages freed on Nov. 24, 2023.

Only men wounded, ill or age 50 and up are expected to be freed in the first phase of the deal. JNS

______


Germany in consultations on sending contingent to EU Rafah border mission. By Reuters. 01/29/2025 03:48 PM JPost

______


Turkey's Erdogan meets with Hamas leader, delegation in Ankara. By Reuters. 01/29/2025 05:09 PM JPost

______


IDF, Shin Bet confiscate and destroy over 150 explosive devices in Jenin. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/29/2025 05:16 PM JPost

______

Israel demands Hamas provide info on Bibas family's wellbeing. By Amichai Stein. 01/29/2025 07:59 PM JPost

______


Including Zakaria Zubeidi: Israel to release 110 terrorists, 33 serving life terms, tomorrow. Israel National News. Jan 29, 2025, 9:32 PM INN

_____


Two IDF soldiers wounded in traffic accident in West Bank. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/29/2025 09:45 PM JPost

______


Pentagon chief tells Israel that US supports its 'right to defend itself'. By Reuters. 01/29/2025 10:27 PM JPost

______


Trump envoy Witkoff enters Gaza after meeting Netanyahu. Israel National News. Jan 29, 2025, 11:00 PM INN

____


'Punish anti-Jewish racism in colleges and universities'.

Trump signs Executive Order to combat antisemitism, with a focus on combatting the surge of antisemitism on US campuses since October 7, 2023. Order calls for immediate action to quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation, and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in colleges and universities.

Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 1:09 AM INN

____


Murderers and bombing attacks planners: Terrorists set for release in third phase. Einav Halabi, Yoav Zitun|1.29.25. YNet

______


Surrounded by terrorists: Agam Berger on stage at the brutal liberation ceremony. Ynet. 1.30.25. on Instagram

____


Like mother, like daughter: Agam kept Shabbat and kosher - even during captivity. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 11:51 AM INN

_____


Gaza mob attacked kidnapped people who were in captivity after 482 days. Nazis. Jan 30, 2025. On X

Chaos in Khan Yunis: Lots of people around the kidnapped vehicles. Seugim news. 30.01.25 | Thousands of bloodthirsty Gaza residents reached the point where the kidnapped were handed over to the Red Cross and attached to the vehicles in which they were held. The Hamas terrorists were unable to control the incident and the transfer of the hostages was delayed for a long time. [72] Srugim

On the way to lynching: the hostages are abandoned in silence in the face of the frenzy of the releases.

The events of the release of Hamas turn from time to time from humiliating to dangerous, Israel should prepare to threaten to blow up the deal if the phenomenon continues, or at the very least prepare intervention forces to protect the abductees if necessary.

Yair Amar. 30.01.25.

(Screenshot from a video. [73]).

Another wave of releasing hostages, another snarling and rioting crowd, more inflammatory billboards, more victory parades and humiliation marches for the abductees. Israeli defeatism endangers the lives of the abductees, and brings us closer to the event that will be remembered as the "lynching in Gaza"...

One by one, our abductees are humiliated by Hamas, but that is not the problem. Gloating [for the other's pain] is one thing, but what is unfolding in the release of Hamas prisoners is an event far beyond gloat for pain, or even a blunder of one kind or another. The release of the Hamas prisoners creates a demonic dance that may quickly end in hostages being murdered in front of the cameras.

Hamas turned the event of the release of the abductees into showpieces, triumphal displays of power, humiliation, nationalism and incitement. Inciting signs against Israel are raised in every corner, "Victory" displays in front of IDF units star and the humiliation of the abductees is the crowning glory of the barbarians.

Such events can deteriorate quickly, very quickly and in extreme ways. Take this deadly combination, which is already getting worse from week to week, and boil it some more over the coming weekend, and the week after that, and another one after that. Already now the Gazan crowd is attacking each abductee, throwing hands and fists, hitting the vehicles carrying them home, shaking them and shouting victory cries to Allah.

It doesn't take much for this "humiliating" event to turn deadly, all it takes is for one Gazan to replace the hand reaching out to grab the clothes of the young girls or the elderly with a knife or a rock. As long as Israel allows Hamas to turn the release of the prisoners into a show event, their lives are in greater danger during the release than anywhere else.

There may be no escape and Israel will be forced, at least to threaten, to blow up the deal if such events continue. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have intervention forces that could land in the heart of the crowd and act if necessary. Israel must insist not on its pride, but on the lives of its citizens. Hamas can continue to turn the liberation ceremonies into pre-filmed victory celebrations and maintain the same rituals in private rooms, but Hamas' lust must not be allowed to become an event that will lead to the lynching of hostages in front of cameras, Israel must wake up and act. Srugim

Netanyahu condemns ‘unimaginable cruelty’ of Hamas after hostages mobbed. "I demand that the mediators ensure that such horrific scenes do not recur," said the Israeli prime minister, after masses of Gaza residents swarmed the returnees. Canaan Lidor.

(Jan. 30, 2025 / JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned the crowds of Gazans that mobbed three Israeli hostages as they were being released by Hamas.

“I view the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages as very serious,” wrote Netanyahu after the release of Arbel Yehud, Gadi Mozes, Agam Berger and five Thai citizens, all of whom were abducted to Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023.

“This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization. I demand that the mediators ensure that such horrific scenes do not recur, and guarantee the safety of our hostages. Those who dare harm our hostages do so at their own peril,” Netanyahu wrote.

Footage from the release shows massive crowds, apparently in a state of jubilation, swarming around cars transporting the hostages and around the Hamas terrorists escorting the Israelis from the vehicles. JNS

Netanyahu on hostages' release: Horrific scenes must not be allowed to repeat themselves. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticizes chaos in Khan Yunis during release of hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 2:39 PM (GMT+2) INN

Infuriating footage from Gaza: Masses of terrorists surround Red Cross vehicles. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 2:46 PM INN

REAL JEW @THEREALJEW613: She looks scared to death 😢 [74] Jan 30, 2025 On X

Furious over ‘shocking scenes’ of hostage handover, Israel delays release of prisoners. Release of detainees held as Israel demanded guarantee from mediators for future ‘safe passage’ of hostages; Trump envoy ‘hopeful’ deal’s next stages will be implemented. By Amy Spiro. January 30, 2025, 5:09 pm. ([75]. Gadi Mozes is escorted by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad gunmen as he is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Jan. 30, 2025. AP/Jehad Alshrafi).

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday slammed the “shocking scenes” of mob chaos at the Gaza handover of two Israeli hostages and five Thai hostages to the Red Cross, and delayed Israel’s reciprocal release of Palestinian security prisoners as he demanded mediators prevent a repeat in future hostage releases. TOI

Pres. Herzog: Scenes were horrifying, they endured hell with amazing bravery. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 2:31 PM INN

_____


After disturbing scenes: Israel receives commitment for safe exit of hostages from Gaza Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 4:40 PM INN

____


After 482 days: Arbel, Gadi, and Agam arrive in Israel. Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, along with five Thai citizens, cross into Israeli territory after being released from Islamic Jihad captivity. Agam Berger, released from Hamas captivity, has reunited with her parents. Chana Roberts Jan 30, 2025, 4:15 PM INN

_____


From the brutal ceremonies of the terrorist organization Hamas to the meeting with the parents at the reception complex in Kibbutz Re'im - this is what the release of the abductees from the captivity of Hamas looked like. Arbel and Gadi were accompanied by masked armed terrorists - thousands of Palestinians gathered around the Red Cross vehicles and did not allow them to continue their journey after the hostages were handed over. The Israeli Hayom. 30/1/2025. ILH

Hostages Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Mozes free after 482 days. Hamas also released five Thais on Thursday afternoon, as Jerusalem was readying to free 110 Palestinian terrorists. Akiva Von Koningsveld. (Jan. 30, 2025 / JNS). JNS

Watch: Agam Berger reunites with her family. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 5:09 PM INN

Agam Berger reunites with her family after 482 days in Hamas captivity | See videos and photos. Ynet correspondents|1.30.25. YNet

Arbel, Gad, Thais arrive in Israel; Agam reunited with 4 freed observers at hospital. Ynetnews|1.30.25. YNet

Terrorist filmed kidnapping Naama Levy eliminated. Hamas terrorist Muhammad Abu Aseed who was filmed kidnapping Israeli surveillance soldier Naama Levy on October 7, 2023,was eliminated 4 months ago, the IDF confirmed minutes after hostage Agam Berger was freed. Yoav Zitun, Einav Halabi | 1.30.25. [76]. YNet

_____


'I will do everything I can to rehabilitate Nir Oz'. After 482 days, elderly former hostage embraces his family and vows to rebuild his community after the 10/7 massacre. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 6:13 PM INN

_____


Hostages Coordinator: 'These are moments of joy but the mission is return all hostages'. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 6:32 PM INN

_____

Netanyahu: 'Whoever dares to harm our hostages – will pay the price'. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 7:12 PM INN

_____

I chose faith, returned with faith: Agam's message after release from Hamas captivity. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 7:30 PM INN

_____

Freed Thai hostages pose triumphantly with national flag at Israeli hospital Ran Azar, Roy Rubinstein, Itamar Eichner|1.30.25. YNet

_____


Israel resumes release of Palestinian prisoners after temporary halt over hostage incident. Liran Tamari, Einav Halabi, Itamar Eichner |1.30.25. YNet

_____


Freed Nahal Oz lookout Agam Berger reunites with family, joins fellow hostages in Israel. Raanan Ben-Zur|1.30.25. YNet

_____


IDF: 2 terrorists who took part in 10/7 attack killed in recent months. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 7:39 PM INN

_____


Six months later: Hamas admits for the first time: 'Mohammed Deif is dead'. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 7:54 PM INN

_____


Israeli soldier killed in Jenin clash as IDF expands West Bank terror sweep. Nina Fox, Raanan Ben-Zur, Yoav Zitun|1.30.25. YNet

_____

IDF shoots down Hezbollah surveillance drone, in first such incident since ceasefire. Terror group appears to violate US-brokered truce days after IDF struck weapons convoy in southern Lebanon. By Emanuel Fabian and ToI Staff. January 30, 2025, 5:11 pm TOI

_____


Sydney Jewish school, home and mall daubed with antisemitic graffiti. Discovery of sprayed slogans including ‘Jew dogs’ comes day after announcement of apparent bomb plot against Jewish targets amid escalation in antisemitic incidents in Australia. By Agencies. January 30, 2025. Among the messages vandals wrote were “You fuc#ing Jews,” “Jews are real [sic] terrorists,” “Jew dogs,” “Fu#k the Jews,” and “You wanna buy a caravan,” the last an apparent reference to the Wednesday announcement of the discovery of an explosives cache in a trailer earlier this month. TOI

___

The Persian Jewess @persianjewess: The Red Cross complained the presence of guard dogs “scared” murderer terrorists who were being released from prison in exchange for 2 girls and an elderly old man.

They had nothing to say when Arbel Yehoud was nearly lynched by a mob of Hamas terrorists during her release. [77]. Jan 30, 2025 On X

____

Why are ‘anti-racists’ silent about Arbel Yehud’s terrible ordeal? Brendan O’Neill. 30 January 2025.

Watching Arbel Yehud being freed in Gaza today, I thought to myself: this is what it must have been like at Salem. Here we had a diminutive woman being paraded through a baying mob of hollering men. They barked religious slogans at her. They shoved and jostled to get a better view of the marked woman. They thrust their mobile phones in her face to capture her terror for posterity. They’ll no doubt share the clips. ‘Look! See how scared she was!’

Mercifully, Ms Yehud was being marched, not to the gallows, but to liberty. She was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led pogrom of 7 October 2023. She was held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad for 482 days. Her partner Ariel Cunio, seized alongside her, remains in captivity. Arbel, though, following tense talks between Israel and her jihadist captors, has at last been spirited back to her homeland. Spectator

_____


Mobs VS Scared Female Hostage: Again, Only Haaretz (Haaretzism) Was Desperate To Whitewash Guilty Ordinary "Palestinian" Arabs.

On Jan 30, 2025, seeing footage of thousands, literally, of bloodthirsty Gazans, cheering, mobs attacking scared hostage 29 civilian woman Yehud Arbel, it reminded the pre Israelis response 'Oct 7 war': masses of Gazans gloating cheering, celebrating on that fateful day.

Reaffirming the shocking 'secret' no one dares to talk about: the lack of innocent among ordinary Arab "Palestinians".

Google searched for "arbel scared," guess who whitewashed the guilty "Palestinians"?

Even Hamas' mouthpiece and linked, Qatar's Al Jazeera didn't appear on the screen for this despicable propaganda at this early moment.

Only one site was like a thorn on display. The infamous twisted hate site HAARETZ. The dreadful line of Haaretzism: in justifying Arab racism and Islamic bigotry- the motivation and engine for anti Israel, anti Jewish atrocities. EoZ

______


New details: Arbel Yehud was held in isolation for 482 days. Freed hostage says the shocking scenes seen in Gaza today do not show a tenth of the cruelty that she experienced in Gaza. Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025, 9:03 PM (GMT+2)

Arbel Yehoud, who was released today by the Hamas terrorist was held captive in solitary confinement for 482 days, and she described the harsh conditions of her captivity with very little food and being held mostly underground, Kan News reported.

According to the report, she suffers from malnutrition and the terrorists' treated her cruelly. The first thing she said to those who met her was, "I was mostly alone." Arbel said that she knew before she was kidnapped that the terrorist organizations in Gaza were cruel and evil, and that what was witnessed today - that the hostages had to pass through a horde of armed terrorists, "is only a tenth of their evil."

Arbel was exposed to very little media during her captivity, but what little she was exposed to included the fact that her brother Dolev was murdered in the Hamas attack on her community.

In addition, Gadi Mozes, the 80-year-old man who was also released today, said that what kept him alive was the knowledge that he would restore his kibbutz and the community. Gadi said that he did not break down or cry in captivity - he was just waiting for the moment when he would be released and believed that it would happen.

It was also reported that Agam Berger, the third hostage who was released today, had been held in solitary confinement for the past week since her comrades were released from captivity on Saturday. She was briefly exposed to the media reports about the release of her friends. INN

_____


Agam's message after release from Hamas captivity: 'I chose faith, returned with faith'. Agam Berger, who was released from Hamas captivity, conveyed a message to the nation as she returned to Israel: 'Thank you to everyone in Israel and to our heroic IDF soldiers.' Israel National News. Jan 30, 2025. INN

A lesson in choosing faith from Agam Berger. Elizabeth Savetsjy. (Jan 30, 2025). on Instagram.

______


Arbel Yehud Was Held In Complete Isolation With Very Little Food; Was Treated Brutally January 30, 2025.

Arbel Yehud is reunited with her family. [78]

Arbel Yehud was held in captivity alone for the 482 days of her captivity and she was treated brutally by the terrorists holding her, Kan News reported on Thursday evening.

She was mostly held underground and was provided with very little food. She was found to be suffering from malnutrition.

The first thing she said to anyone who met her was: “I was mostly alone.” Arbel said that she was aware before October 7 that the terror organizations in Gaza were evil, and that what Israelis saw today – the frenzied mob in Gaza during her release – “is only a tenth of their evil.” YWN

_____


'Egypt and Jordan will do it, they will take in Gazans'.

US President unfazed by Egypt and Jordan rejecting his plan which would see them taking in Palestinian Arabs from Gaza: They’re going to do it. We do a lot for them, and they’re going to do it.

Elad Benari. Jan 30, 2025, 11:23 PM INN

____


Threatening Jews 6,000 miles from Israel does nothing for Palestinians, Ohio State student says. “It is 2025 and the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz being liberated, and there is someone Jewish in Ohio, in America, that is scared to walk home,” the student said. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Vita Fellig. (Jan. 30, 2025 / JNS). Ohio State University senior Adam Kling estimates that he’s seen between 50 and 100 anti-Israel protests on campus in the last four years. But what the Jewish biomedical engineering student experienced on Jan. 27, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, was new to him.

On Monday evening, some 60 antisemitic protesters braved near-freezing temperatures to chant and yell outside of the Schottenstein Chabad House at OSU in an effort to disrupt presentations by two former Israeli soldiers about their experiences being injured while responding to Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 terror attacks in southern Israel.

Although the Chabad center bears the public university’s name, it’s not an official Ohio State University entity and its current building is off-campus. Kling told JNS that it was unusual for protesters to target a site that wasn’t on the university grounds. JNS

_____


Jewish groups slam medical org for asking federal gov about Hamas colonel’s ‘well-being’. The American Academy of Pediatrics “claims to support the professional needs of its members, but this letter represents a troubling departure from that commitment,” the groups wrote.

Andrew Bernard. (Jan. 30, 2025 / JNS).

U.S. Jewish groups demanded on Wednesday that the American Academy of Pediatrics retract a letter to the U.S. State Department asking about the “well-being” of a Hamas leader Israel arrested in December.

In a Jan. 8 letter to Atony Blinken, then the secretary of state, the organization of 67,000 pediatricians described Hussam Abu Safiya as a “pediatrician and the head of Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza.” It neglected to mention that he holds the rank of colonel in the Hamas terrorist. JNS

____


IDF kills 11 terrorists in Samaria

A airstrike killed 10 near Tammun and special forces eliminated another armed man in Nablus.

(Jan. 30, 2025 / JNS).

The Israeli Air Force carried out a strike against terrorists in Samaria on Wednesday, killing 10 of them, the IDF said the following day.

Another terrorist, Col. Kassem Aklik, a senior officer in the Palestinian Authority security forces and a member of the Fatah movement of P.A. chief Mahmoud Abbas, was killed by ground troops on Thursday, the army added. JNS

______


Palestinian Authority and EU to operate Rafah Crossing in February. Itamar Eichner|1.30.25. YNet


_____


"We’ll never leave you again’: Families meet freed hostages after 15 months of agony. Agam Berger says faith helped her get home; Gadi Mozes tells children he’ll work to rehabilitate Kibbutz Nir Oz; Arbel Yehoud’s family is ‘overwhelmed, extremely moved’ By Amy Spiro. and ToI Staff. January 30, 2025, 9:56 pm TOI

_____


Zakaria Zubeidi among terrorists to get heroes’ welcome as Israel frees 110 prisoners. By Charlie Summers, Emanuel Fabian, Amy Spiro and ToI Staff. January 30, 2025, 11:48 pm TOI

_____


Outrageous footage from Ramallah: Joyful marches and celebrations for released terrorists. Israel National News. Jan 31, 2025, 12:23 AM INN

_____


German Official Under Fire for Claim Israel Stokes ‘Disinformation’ Against UNRWA. January 31, 2025. by i24 News and Algemeiner Staff. i24 News — The German commissioner for humanitarian aid, Ina Heusgen, is facing intense criticism for her claim that Israel is waging a “disinformation” campaign against UNRWA and caused the deaths of 100,000 people in Gaza. Algemeiner

____


Channel 4 bosses are blasted for 'sanitising' extremist views of reality show star accused of anti-Semitism and homophobia.

15:29 EST 31 Jan 2025, updated 21:10 EST 31 Jan 2025. By Nicole Lampert.

Channel 4 is under fire for 'sanitising' the extremist views of a woman accused of anti-Semitism and homophobia in a show about immigration.

Former The Apprentice candidate Bushra Shaikh appears in reality show Go Back To Where You Come From which starts on Monday.

The series takes six people – four anti-immigration and two pro-immigration – and shows them following migrant routes from Somalia and Syria.

Ms Shaikh, 41, who is of Pakistani heritage and headed an anti-racism campaign in sport called Run Racism Out, is on the show as a pro-immigration campaigner.

She is shown in a trailer saying: 'There is a proportion in Britain who I think are as thick as s***. I am not the person you want to have these ridiculous racist and Islamophobic conversations with.'

However, Channel 4 is accused of not showing her more extreme side which can be seen through her social media accounts.

This week, after tweeting that an Iraqi Christian called Salwan Momika who was famous in Sweden for burning the Koran had been shot dead, she wrote to her 89,000 followers on X: 'Some of you may disagree but the public desecration of any holy book should be viewed as a hate crime and the offender should face consequences.'

... 'The allegations of anti-Semitism is baseless. Sending Israelis 'back to Europe'.. Daily Mail

_____


Female captive found Siddur in Hamas captivity, fasted on Tisha B'Av. Speaking to Israel Hayom after leaving the hospital, wife of MK disclosed that Agam Berger, released Thursday during the Hamas-Israel hostage deal's third swap, "discovered a prayer book in Gaza that became her spiritual anchor throughout her captivity. Agam believes the prayer book was inadvertently left behind by soldiers who had previously been in the area." By Merav Sever. Published on 01-31-2025.

Agam Berger with her parents aboard a helicopter following her release on Jan. 30, 2025 | Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Fresh testimony has emerged Friday about Agam Berger's 482-day ordeal in Hamas captivity. Yaffa Deri, wife of Shas party chairman Knesset member Aryeh Deri, and their daughter Margalit Peretz, visited the released observers at the hospital Friday, revealing intimate details of Agam's spiritual resilience. During the visit, Deri shared that "Agam found a Siddur (Jewish prayer book) in Gaza and maintained her religious observance, including fasting on Tisha B'Av."

Speaking to Israel Hayom after leaving the hospital, Deri disclosed that Agam Berger, released Thursday during the Hamas-Israel hostage deal's third swap, "discovered a prayer book in Gaza that became her spiritual anchor throughout her captivity. Agam believes the prayer book was inadvertently left behind by soldiers who had previously been in the area."

In a deeply moving first statement at Beilinson Hospital, Agam revealed to Deri that she "categorically refused to accept the Quran [the Islamic ... book] despite her captors' persistent attempts to persuade her." Yaffa Deri, Margalit Peretz-Deri, and Tzili Schneider from the Kesher Yehudi ("Jewish Connection") organization have been steadfast supporters of the Berger family throughout their 15-month ordeal, accompanying them on journeys, during Sabbaths, to holy sites, and at women's gatherings. Their presence at the hospital came at the specific request of the Berger family.

Ayelet, Agam's mother, delivered her first public statement at Beilinson Hospital with profound gratitude: "If I had to stand here and thank everyone who stood by us, I would be standing here until the end of my life."

These revelations add to earlier reports of Agam's extraordinary spiritual fortitude during captivity, including her determined adherence to kosher dietary laws and Jewish traditions under the most challenging circumstances.

Berger was taken from the Nahal Oz military post during the October 7 along with several other female observers who had tried to alert the military of suspiciousmovements along the border before the horrific attack. Dozens of soldiers from the base were killed in the attack, as well as more than 1,200 other Israeli residents and foreigners. ILH

Remarkable: Israeli Hostage Agam Berger Used A Siddur She Found In The Ruins Of Gaza. January 31, 2025.

A remarkable story of emunah and mesiras nefesh has come to light, as details emerge about Agam Berger, one of the Yidden held captive by Hamas. Despite the unimaginable tzaros she endured, Berger remained steadfast in her shmiras hamitzvos, holding tight to kashrus, Shabbos, and even fasting on Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av. Now, it has been revealed that during her time in captivity, she found a siddur in Gaza and used it throughout her ordeal.

Berger shared that the siddur was likely left behind by soldiers who had previously been in the area. She also related that when her captors attempted to give her a Quran, urging her to take it, she outright refused.

This past Erev Shabbos, Rebbetzin Yaffa Deri, wife of Shas leader R’ Aryeh Deri, visited the group of released tatzpitaniyos (female IDF lookouts) who were freed from Gaza and are currently receiving medical care in Beilinson Hospital. While speaking with them, she recounted Berger’s inspiring story: “Agam found a siddur in Gaza and fasted on Tisha B’Av.”

Meanwhile, Yisroel Hayom also reported on a deeply moving event that took place in Berger’s hospital ward. In an expression of hakoras hatov to the Ribbono Shel Olam for their yeshuah, Berger and her fellow tatzpitaniyos—who were captured together in Nachal Oz—gathered with their families for a special hafrashas challah event. With heartfelt tefillos and hodaah, they marked their return home.

These new details add to previous accounts of Berger’s determination to hold strong in the face of unimaginable challenges. Despite being surrounded by bloodthirsty reshaim, and under immense pressure, she clung to her Yiddishkeit with unwavering emunah, turning herself into an icon of mesiras nefesh for Torah and mitzvos. YWN

____


"Path of faith I chose":

With shofar and tears: The Berger family welcomes Shabbat with Agam. The returning lookout observer, Agam Berger, and her parents became very famous for the Kiddush HaShem [Lev. 22:32] of that they performed for the sake of the Sabbath | Today (Friday). Agam's parents gave a short statement at Beilinson Hospital where their family is staying. At the end of the statement, Rabbi blew the shofar, and then the parents and those present sang "Shalom Aleichem, O angels of service," praying that the angels will protect our brothers who are still languishing in Hamas captivity (people)| Kikar haShabbat |1.31.25 [79]. Meirav and Shlomi, the parents of Agam Berger, issued a brief statement today (Friday) at Beilinson Hospital where their daughter is staying. The mother said: "[Shma Yisrael] Hear Israel, God our God is one God - Agam has returned home." "On this moving day, I want to say one thing - thank you, thank you to the Creator of the world." Thank you to all Diaspora Jewry that stood by us throughout this period." "Thank you to everyone who was by our side and helped us bring our Agam home." The mother thanked "our dedicated IDF soldiers who helped us bring Agam home." And also "the decision makers who went above and beyond to make the difficult decisions to help bring Agam home." Thank you to Chabad, the Kissufim organization, the Ayelet Hashachar organization, and our community in Holon. And she added with excitement: "We could not have gotten through these 482 days without your help."

The mother turned to her immediate family and thanked them: "Thank you to my husband and family, we embarked on an unexpected journey." To her returning daughter, Agam, she said: "Agam, you are our superhero, with God's help, take on the whole world, who will say no to you?"

The mother also thanked President Trump, concluding by saying, "We have a special strength, we are with 'desire life' [Ps.34:13] with a dedication to bringing everyone home." The father, Shlomi, also thanked President Trump for the great efforts in returning his daughter Agam to Israel.

The mother finished the statement and said: "How manifold are Thy works, O LORD!' [Ps.104:24], 'O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good for his mercy endures forever' [Ps.136:1]. Am Yisrael Chai [The Jewish people live]." Kikar

____


IDF hits Hezbollah targets after terrorist drone sent into Israeli territory. Hezbollah's reconnaissance drone incursion was the first time since the truce began that it sent an unmanned aerial vehicle over the border. (Jan. 31, 2025 / JNS) Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley overnight on Thursday after the Iranian-backed terrorist organization dispatched a surveillance drone over the Jewish state, the IDF said on Friday morning. JNS

____


IDF fighters shot two terrorists who threw Molotov cocktails at Route 60. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/31/2025 12:50 AM JPost

_____


US airstrike in Syria kills senior operative of al-Qaeda affiliate. By Reuters. 01/31/2025 02:29 AM JPost

_____


Parting Words: Israel Prison Service's wristbands for released terrorists. The wristband bears an ominous message in both Hebrew and Arabic that 'the eternal nation does not forget.' [80] Israel National News. Jan 31, 2025, 2:44 PM (GMT+2). As part of the hostage deal, the Israel Prison Service has been issuing a wristband to every terrorist released. Each band is individually labeled with the prisoner's name and identity number.

Along with this information, each band includes a message in Hebrew and Arabic, reading 'The eternal nation does not forget.' This is a paraphrase of a common Israeli proverb 'The eternal Nation is not afraid of a long journey.'

Below that was written a quote from Psalms 18:38, in which King David describes his Divinely ordained victories in battle: 'I will pursue my enemies and overtake them.' The verse is closely paraphrased in Samuel II 22:38. INN

____


Hostages Keith Siegel, Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas set to be released on Saturday. Israel approves Hamas' list for the fourth hostage handover set to take place Saturday; Yarden Bibas first of his family to return from captivity. Itamar Eichner | 1.31.25. YNet

_____


Agam Berger's father to Trump: 'History will never forget your generosity and leadership'.

Merav and Shlomi, the parents of returned hostage Agam Berger, delivered remarks at the hospital.

Israel National News. Jan 31, 2025, 3:33 PM INN

______


'We’re drawing strength from our incredible dad': Gadi Mozes' family celebrates his release. ynet correspondents | 1.31.25 YNet

_____


EU restarts Rafah border crossing mission, says foreign policy chief Kallas. By Reuters. 01/31/2025 03:07 PM JPost

_____


Arbel Yehud's family issues first statement By Jerusalem Post Staff. 01/31/2025. 'She survived like a hero': Arbel Yehoud's father issues first statement since her return. During the first statement, Arbel Yehoud's father, Yechiel, told the media that Arbel returned in an unusual condition.

"Considering the hell she went through, she survived like a hero," he said.

He thanked US President Donald Trump and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff for their efforts in helping reach a deal for the hostages.

He also called for the rest of the hostages to be released and the war to be over, saying, "This is the real victory." JPost

_____


Terror group seeks Hezbollah prisoner swap for Elizabeth Tsurkov, report. Lior Ben Ari, Itamar Eichner | 1.31.25 YNet

____


Yarden Bibas to be released while wife and children remain in Gaza captivity Yael Ciechanover | 1.31.25 YNet

Bibas family: 'We face very difficult days'. Israel National News. Jan 31, 2025, 4:05 PM INN

____


Emily Damari held in UNRWA facilities, denied medical care, she tells British PM. Ynetnews | 1.31.25. YNet

_____


Freed Thai hostages talk about Hamas captivity: 'Struggled to breath, spoke in Arabic'. A day after arriving in Israel following more than 15 months in Hamas captivity, five Thai nationals freed from Gaza described enduring relentless bombings and frequent hunger; 'Sometimes there was food, sometimes there wasn’t' one of them says.

Itamar Eichner | 1.31.25 Ynet

______


Jews in Australia Up Security, Conceal Identity After Spate of Antisemitic Attacks. by Reuters and Algemeiner Staff. January 31, 2025. Algemeiner

_____


University of Michigan Suspends Anti-Zionist Group for Two Years. by Dion J. Pierre. January 31, 2025.

A person carrying an American flag cuts into a pro-Palestinian march through the University of Michigan on Oct. 7, 2024, marking the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war. Photo: USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

The University of Michigan has suspended an anti-Zionist group responsible for several infractions of school rules for a maximum period of two years, ending on its own terms a dispute with the group which started after Hamas’s massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Algemeiner

____


Watch: Gadi Mozes' first Shabbat dinner with his family. Freed hostage Gadi Mozes, 80, enjoys Shabbat dinner with his family for the first time in 482 days. Israel National News. Jan 31, 2025, 9:27 PM (GMT+2).

80-year-old Gadi Mozes, who was freed on Thursday after 482 days in captivity in Gaza, on Friday evening had Shabbat dinner for the first time with his family.

The family gathered at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, where Gadi was taken after being freed from captivity.

In a video released by the family, Gadi is seen drinking from a glass of wine after the Kiddush, with the entire Mozes family sitting next to him saying, "May all the hostages come home soon. Amen."

On Thursday, as he was reunited with his family, Mozes vowed, "I will do everything in my power to rebuild Nir Oz."

(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.) INN

____


White House: 'Trump is committed to the release of all remaining hostages'. Elad Benari, Canada. Jan 31, 2025, 10:55 PM INN

____


Iran Says Oct. 7 Massacre ‘Revived Palestinian Cause,’ Vows ‘Unwavering’ Support Until ‘Complete Liberation’. January 31, 2025. Algemeiner

____


Emily Damari’s mom: My daughter was held in UNRWA facilities, denied medical treatment. By ToI Staff. February 1, 2025. TOI

____


Hostages’ stories: Gadi Mozes paced 7km a day in tiny cell, soldiers rationed grains of rice. By ToI Staff. February 1, 2025. TOI

____


In battle-weary Gaza envelope, annual anemone event seeks to make region bloom again. By Jessica Steinberg. February 1, 2025 TOI

____


UFC head ‘beyond disgusted’ by fighter’s praise of Hitler. By Jacob Gurvis. Dana White slams comments by Bryce Mitchell, who denied Holocaust and said Nazi leader ‘was a guy I’d go fishing with before he got on meth’. TOI

____


IDF troops operating in Syria buffer zone come under fire in 1st such incident. By Emanuel Fabian and ToI Staff. February 1, 2025. TOI

____


As Yarden Bibas is released, relief, dread, and evidence that Hamas is reviving. By David Horovitz. February 1, 2025. TOI

____


UNRWA rejects 'terror hub' label on West Bank facilities, acknowledges terrorists occupied center. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/01/2025. JPost

____


Thailand's foreign minister, chief of defense visits the five returning Thai hostages. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/01/2025. JPost

____


Israeli American hostage Keith Siegel joins IDF forces in Gaza. Einav Halabi, Yoav Zitun | 2.1.25. YNet

____


The returning hostages: Yarden alone, Ofer’s fight for his life and Keith finally home. Yael Ciechanover, Itamar Eichner | 2.1.25. YNet

____


Under pressure: Hamas avoids chaos in latest hostage releases after Israeli protests. Einav Halabi | 2.1.25. YNet

____


Mixed emotions as Yarden Bibas freed—his wife and sons still in Gaza. Yael Ciechanover, Roni Green Shaulov, Itamar Eichner, Lior Ohana | 2.1.25. YNet

____


Tears of joy: Ofer sees his kids, Yarden hugs his father and Keith lands in Israel. Ynet correspondents | 2.1.25. YNet

____


Most of 183 Palestinians released by Israel to be transfered to Gaza. Einav Halabi | 2.1.25. YNet

____


IDF announced it had killed Hamas battalion commander Hitham Khawajari. IDF retracts claim of Hamas commander's death after his appearance in hostage release. Einav Halabi, Yoav Zitun | 2.1.25. YNet

____


Rafah crossing, Gaza's gateway to the world opens. Einav Halabi, Lior Ben Ari | 2.1.25. YNet

____


Yarden Bibas returns to ‘unbearable reality,’ says family – Inside his recovery plan. Yael Ciechanover, Hagar Kochavi | 2.1.25. YNet

____


After 484 days in captivity: Keith, Ofer, and Yarden returned to Israel.

Hostages Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Calderon were released Saturday from Hamas captivity. [81] Uzi Baruch. Feb 1, 2025, 6:05 PM INN

____


Siegel family reunites: 'Dad, you came back to us!! You're a hero for surviving!' Watch the emotional reunion as released hostage Keith Seigel meets his family after 484 days in captivity. Israel National News. Feb 1, 2025, 6:16 PM (GMT+2) INN

____


Bibas family: Yarden has returned to an unbearable reality. Israel National News. Feb 1, 2025, 6:35 PM INN

____


Cost of the Deal: 183 Palestinian terrorists released from Israeli prisons. Among the released terrorists today are 18 with life sentences and another 54 terrorists who served lengthy prison terms. 111 more are Gaza terrorists captured during the war. Israel National News. Feb 1, 2025, 7:34 PM (GMT+2). INN

_____


DM: 'One mistake and Zubeidi to meet old friends'. Israel Katz sent a message to the senior terrorist, saying that 'We will not accept support for terrorism'. Yoav Zitun|2.1.25. YNet

_____


The 110 prisoners released from Israeli jails. Thirty-three of the prisoners were serving life sentences, many for the murder of Israelis. ILTV|2.1.25. YNet

_____


Russian jailed for supporting Israel’s war in Gaza. Vladivostok man jailed 5 days for backing Israel's actions in Gaza; court rules he 'incited hatred, humiliated human dignity' Itamar Eichner| 2.1.25. YNet

_____


Ahead of the second stage: Netanyahu's dramatic decision. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to head negotiations team for second stage of prisoner swap deal with Hamas, report says. PM's Office: 'Decisions on negotiations to be made only after PM returns from US.' Yoni Kempinski. Feb 1, 2025, 10:29 PM (GMT+2) INN

_____


IAF strikes terrorists in Kabatiya as West Bank counterterrorism op. continues. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/01/2025 05:57 PM JPost

____


Finance Minister Smotrich meets with incoming US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. By Yaki Adamker. 02/01/2025 07:10 PM JPost

____


Halevi emphasizes need to maintain high level of readiness on all fronts, especially West Bank. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/01/2025 07:12 PM JPost

____


Netanyahu on hostage release: Our firm stance has yielded results. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/01/2025 07:56 PM JPost

____


Trump says he ordered airstrikes on Islamic State in Somalia. By Reuters. 02/01/2025 08:48 PM JPost

____


They kidnap and kill, we return and save Opinion column - Walla News.

Liri Elbag's line after 477 days in hell - says it all. Tzachi Koma. 2.1.2025

These deals are a moral test that proves our essence as a people. The dilemma is always difficult - but we always choose life. The price of returning the kidnapped is the human test of us all.

In recent days, after long months of anxiety, despair, and deceptive hope, our hearts have experienced an incomparable shock. More and more abductees are returning, broken but alive, from a reality whose horror there are no words to contain. We have seen tender children accustomed to life in tunnels, fathers and mothers who have returned to a reality that does not look like the one they left, and teenagers trying to understand how the world went on without them.

And in the face of excitement, there is also pain. Because the price is heavy and almost unimaginable, because our blood is still hot. Because we know that the scum we are releasing will return to murder, burn, and slaughter. The feeling of bereaved families watching the murderers of their loved ones get out of prison - all of these are part of the painful reality that accompanies every such transaction. Because with a choked throat, we look into the eyes of families and see there also the lack of understanding - how could we do this again.

When I watched the coverage of Keith Segal, Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibs returning home this morning, I felt the joy, but again, also the confusion. How is it possible that there are people who look into the eyes of those families, who saw their loved ones broken and returned, and say - "This is not the time, let them stay there until we win"? I understand the desire to fight for deterrence, but when leaders question the right of the kidnapped to return home, I can't help but ask: What are we actually doing here? A war until the end? Until when? As long as people's lives are measured by a cold military balance, we are losing the most important thing - our humanity.

"The unity and hope that we have scares all our enemies, amazes all who love us and comforts the people in our midst," said Liri Elbag, who returned home after 477 days in the hell of Hamas - and in doing so, she said it all.

When I hear the voices that oppose the release, it feels like an attempt to mask personal pain behind political clichés. They will remain captive, and the war will continue - is that the solution? Even if we win the war, will we also win ourselves? Prices like these don't buy any more time.

Not when it comes to people's lives, and certainly not when it's us who are clearing the way for liberation - and not them. I don't want to be part of a country that weighs every life based on political expediency. I'm tired of receiving the explanations about how "the deal is wrong." What's annoying is not just these opinions, but the feeling that someone up there thinks that the lives of our citizens are not worth enough. We don't need explanations. We need decisions, now.

I fully understand the hesitation, the divided opinions, the difficulty of those who feel that these concessions harm deterrence. This is not a simple dilemma, and there is no perfect answer. But in all of this, I return to the starting point: the State of Israel is a country that sanctifies life, that is willing to pay painful prices to bring its children home. Even if it's not always convenient, even if it hurts - that's who we are.

This is the essence of being Israeli. The State of Israel is a country that sanctifies life - and this is not a cliché. It is our moral, unquestionable duty to bring our children home. Our duty to the missing, our duty to the families, our duty to ourselves.

We cannot continue to look into the eyes of mothers and fathers, of families, of friends of kidnapped men and women, and tell them with a cold heart - they will continue to suffer there and probably die, the continuation of the war is more important? How can we sit on the sidelines and tell them that the price of deterrence is more important than the lives of their loved ones? And if we are afraid of another October 7, what does that say about us? Does that mean that lessons have not been learned? Does that mean that we do not know how to protect citizens next time? And if we release terrorists, then what? The state will not be able to guarantee us the simplest security? So what do we actually have left if not life itself?

Yes, we will continue to fight terrorism. Yes, we will continue to fight for the righteousness of our path. But on the battlefield of morality - we are winning. Because in this deal, as in its predecessors, we prove time and time again that we are a country that is willing to pay a price, however heavy, to bring its sons home. Because in the end, there is a heavier price. The price of a society that becomes indifferent, the price of a country that abandons the obligation to return its citizens, the price of a people that forgets that above all else - we are here together and we do not have the privilege to forget that.

We do not leave soldiers behind. We do not forget for a moment civilians in captivity. We are not a people who hold hands. We can argue about the path, we can agonize over the price, but we cannot forget the foundation that has kept us here for more than 75 years: mutual responsibility.

We are not like them, and we will never be like them. They kidnap, rape, murder babies, abuse, destroy families without a trace of remorse. They hold small children in dark tunnels, leave mothers without answers, plant fear and despair in whole hearts. They see life as a bargaining chip, a weapon, a political card. And us? We act differently. We return our kidnapped ones, because every soldier and citizen is as precious to us as a family member. We are willing to pay heavy prices, because for us - every life is worth the world.

And as always, our light will prevail over their darkness. They tried to break us apart, but they only strengthened us. They tried to make us cynical, merciless - and we choose love. They tried to extinguish hope, and we prove, again and again, that there is no power in the world that can truly break us.

It is precisely from the pain, from the darkness, that we carry the torch that lights our path. We are a people who build, who grow hope from ashes, who know how to grieve, but also to get up and walk forward. The abductees who are returning now are going through a private hell, but behind them stands a whole people who will support, heal, and embrace unconditionally. We leave no one behind, because that is who we are.

Whoever thought that the horror of October 7 would tear us apart was wrong. Yes, we have been through an unparalleled rupture. Yes, we bear a wound that will not heal. But precisely in the moments when it seems that darkness is winning, we need to remember what truly makes us one people: the promise that we will not leave them there alone. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. We will not rest until the last of the kidnapped returns home.

Today, when three more kidnapped people have returned to us from hell, we both cry and smile. We are in pain, but also proud. Because in the real test - the test of humanity - we win.

The writer: Tzachi Koma, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Walla. Walla

____


Gunmen Kill 10 In Syria Village 'Massacre': Monitor. By AFP - Agence France Presse. Feb 01, 2025, 2:22 am EST.

Gunmen in Syria have shot dead 10 people in a "massacre" in a village home to members of ousted president Bashar al-Assad's Alawite minority, a war monitor said on Saturday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday's attack killed "10 citizens in Arzah village in the northern Hama countryside, which is inhabited by citizens of the Alawite sect". Barrons


_____


Syria's President Julani to visit Saudi Arabia on Sunday in first foreign trip. By Reuters. 02/02/2025 09:19 AM JPost

_____


Turkey says it killed 23 Kurdish militants in Syria. By Reuters. 02/02/2025 12:45 PM JPost

____


Little food and severe abuse: Keith, Yarden, and Ofer were held in harsh conditions Israel National News Feb 2, 2025, 8:09 AM INN

_____

Former Mossad official: 'No choice but to continue war' 103FM Feb 2, 2025, 1:10 PM 'No choice but to continue war' INN

_____


Herzog to Thai FM: 'Thai hostages are our brothers' Israel National News Feb 2, 2025, 2:27 PM INN

_____


Infuriating comparison: BBC news presenter calls Israeli hostages 'prisoners,' apologizes. BBC news presenter Nicky Schiller referred to the three Israeli hostages released yesterday as 'prisoners,' similar to the term used for the terrorists imprisoned in Israel. Tziki Brandwine. Feb 2, 2025, 11:58 AM INN

_____


The released terrorist's surprising statement. Mohammed a-Tus was released after 40 years in Israeli prison as part of the hostage deal with Hamas. He implicitly criticized the terror organization's attack on October 7th. Israel National News. Feb 2, 2025, 12:54 PM Mohammed a-Tus, a Fatah terrorist from Bethlehem who was released as part of the hostage deal after decades in Israeli prison, made an unusual remark to the press in Egypt - to where he was deported after his release. INN

_____


'The only thing that saved me was faith'. Daniella Gilboa, who was released from Hamas captivity, shared that from the moment she was abducted, she waited to recite the thanksgiving blessing.

Orly Harari Feb 2, 2025, 1:36 PM INN

_____


Interior Min. awards residency status to released Thai hostages. Israel National News. Feb 2, 2025, 2:21 PM INN

_____


One reported dead: IAF opens fire to distance vehicle that violated ceasefire. Uzi Baruch. Feb 2, 2025, 2:33 PM INN

_____


Dramatic Footage: IDF Attacks Vehicle In Gaza That Violated Ceasefire. February 2, 2025. YWN

_____


"Morning 485 - Thank God": Kidnapper's daughter thanks for the simple moments. "My father is at home and drinking morning coffee with me." Michal Bakshi. 2.2.25. After being released from captivity, Keith Siegel's daughter Shir posted a story of herself drinking cups of coffee with her father, writing: "Morning 485, my dad is home and drinking morning coffee with me. Thank God." • In another story later, she thanked everyone for the support and emphasized that she is now spending quality time with her father, who has finally returned. Now14

_____


Iran is developing nuclear warheads for missiles with a range of over 3,000 km. Intelligence indicates massive activity at two major facilities. Rivka Sorek. 2.2.25 Now14

_____


UNRWA isn't caring for Palestinian refugees. Analysis: Globally, refugees lose status upon gaining citizenship, but UNRWA's unique definition extends the crisis indefinitely. Ben-Dror Yemini|2.2.25. YNet

_____


The hunger, the fear and the fight to stay alive: Freed hostages reveal Gaza’s hell. Held for over 15 months in tunnels, safe houses and UNRWA facilities—some in isolation—hostages endured starvation, injuries and psychological terror; some were locked in cages, others forced to work; many learned Arabic, some managed to read, write and observe Shabbat. [82]. Ynet correspondents|2.2.25. YNet

_____


Operation Wall of Iron: IDF carries out wave of demolitions in Jenin Uzi Baruch Feb 2, 2025, 4:03 PM INN

_____


Argentine FM Gerardo Werthein visits Western Wall. The visit to the Jewish holy site included a prayer for the peace and security of Israel and Argentina.

(Feb. 2, 2025 / JNS) Argentina’s Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Sunday morning, accompanied by his country’s ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish.

The visit, which included prayer and a tour of the Jewish holy site, was part of Werthein’s first official trip to Israel since his appointment on Oct. 30. JNS

______

Yarden Bibas' family speaks: 'He has lost a lot of weight, but he is strong. We continue to fight for Shiri, Ariel and Kfir'. A day after his release from captivity, Yarden Bibas' family thanks the people of Israel for the support and concern: "Yarden is here and finally air is entering his lungs. He has lost weight, but feels good and his physical condition is normal." Among the 79 hostages that remain in Gaza are his wife, Shiri, and children, Kfir and Ariel - and the fear for their lives is great; 'Respect our privacy, allow us the time and peace we need'. Lior Ohana | 02.02.25 YNet

____


IDF terrorist hunt expands in West Bank amid fear that most released prisoners are returning to terrorism. IDF expands operations in the West Bank, raiding Tamun village to dismantle arms smuggling and terrorist havens; Counterterrorism efforts also intensified in Jenin and Tulkarm, with troops demolishing terror infrastructure, and confiscating weapons to suppress growing threats Elisha Ben Kimon | 02.02.25. YNet

_____


All I could do on October 7 was pray': Released hostage Daniella Gilboa. By Eve Young. February 2, 2025 14:52

Gilboa described praying over all of the women in the shelter on the Nahal Oz base for 30 minutes.

Gilboa added that she and the other observers who were freed in the hostage deal – Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Agam Berger – said the Hagomel blessing (expressing gratitude) on Saturday.

“I waited for that moment from the day I survived October 7 – to thank God, who against all odds saved us from the worst.” JPost

Former hostage Daniella Gilboa reflects on captivity and return: 'I never lost faith'. Freed hostage Daniella Gilboa recounts the terror of October 7 and her months in captivity, describing the moment of her abduction and the faith that kept her going Bar Zaga, Eitan Glickman | 02.02.25. YNet

Daniella Gilboa's First Public Message: "I Prayed Instead of Saying Goodbye". After 16 months of sheer hell, freed Hamas hostage Daniella Gilboa finally reveals what happened in that shelter on October 7th. Gila Isaacson| JFeed | 02.02.25.

In a heart-wrenching first public message that has reverberated across social media, Daniella Gilboa - who survived the October 7 attack and subsequent captivity - has shared her story of faith, survival, and gratitude. Speaking directly to a nation that held its breath for her return, Gilboa reveals the raw, powerful moments when she chose prayer over despair in a shelter under siege, and describes the profound emotion of finally reciting the traditional survivor's blessing in synagogue.

"Hi loved ones, what a surreal year I've been through and I don't know where to start... I think first of all I want to say thank you ❤️ to everyone who supported my family for a year and three months, who didn't leave, didn't give up or lose hope for a moment. Thank you for waiting for me, thank you for not believing the terrible rumors, thank you for continuing to pray for me throughout this entire period. This was my last request before I was kidnapped. I didn't want to despair and say goodbye, so instead I prayed and believed with all my heart that my end was not there, in that shelter. I prayed for all the girls with me for half an hour because I felt I couldn't do anything better than that at the time. I couldn't hold onto the security that maybe the army would give me and maybe come to protect me, I couldn't hold onto the security that maybe the shelter would give me, because it wasn't just about missiles, I couldn't hold onto the few armed girls at that moment either. I knew the only thing that could save us was faith. Yesterday morning, Karina, Naama, Liri, Agam and I recited Birkat HaGomel blessing in the synagogue. This is the moment I've been waiting for since the day I survived October 7th. To thank God who, against all odds, saved us from the most terrible thing of all.

Much love, Daniella". JFeed

_____


More Hamas cruelty: Keith Siegel forced to write 'thank you' letter to his captors Not just 'gift bags' and 'release certificates': In a letter circulated online, the hostage released from captivity Saturday allegedly confessed to Hamas and wrote 'Those guarding me during this period took care of all my needs,' it read; But the Hostages and Missing Families Forum clarified: 'The terrorists who held him forced him to write them a detailed letter of thanks, this is another example of Hamas' cruelty'. Lior Ohana | 02.02.25. YNet

_____


IDF thwarts drug smuggling attempt at Egyptian border. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/02/2025 03:49 PM JPost

____


Hamas official to visit Moscow on Monday, meet with Russian foreign ministry, RIA reports. By Reuters. 02/02/2025 03:53 PM JPost

____


Police seize weapons stored at illegal residence in northern Israel. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/02/2025 04:50 PM JPost

____


Jordan's King Abdullah to meet with Trump on Feb. 11 in Washington, state news agency says. By Reuters. 02/02/2025 05:29 PM JPost

_____


71% of Israelis oppose Palestinian state; 68% support sovereignty in J&S: poll More than half of respondents would oppose a Palestinian state even if it were part of a Saudi-Israel peace deal. David Isaac.

(Feb. 2, 2025 / JNS) Seventy-one percent of Israelis oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria. Nearly 70% want to extend Israeli sovereignty over the area, according to a poll conducted on Jan. 29. [...] Security and regional stability took first place (42%). Second was Jewish identity and historical connection (16%). In third place (9%) was strengthening Israel’s diplomatic and political arguments. JNS

_____


Two Carter Center representatives wear hostage pins when accepting Jimmy Carter's Grammy. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/03/2025 12:58 AM JPost

_____


Jordan to extradite Sbarro terrorist. Jordan to remove terrorist Ahlam al-Tamimi, who helped carry out the Sbarro pizzeria bombing in 2001, from its territory tonight, reports say. Israel National News. Feb 2, 2025, 10:27 PM (GMT+2)

Sources have told a Hamas-affiliated channel that Jordan is requesting to extradite terrorist Ahlam al-Tamimi, who was released as part of the Shalit deal in 2011.

Jordan is expected to deport al-Tamimi on Sunday night, sources told Al-Aqsa TV.

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that Jordanian intelligence sources informed the terror group of the need to remove the terrorist from their country.

Ahlam Tamimi was the first woman to join Hamas and the person who drove the suicide bomber who carried out the attack at the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem in August of 2001.

16 people were killed in that attack, including five members of the Schijveschuurder family from the community of Neria in Binyamin. Over 120 people were injured. INN

_____


Chilling: Sinwar's interrogator lost son at Supernova festival. Israel National News Feb 3, 2025, 12:53 PM INN

_____


Bereavement: 'Sara has known pain, but she found happiness in life'. Daughter of Sara Vaspi, who lost her husband, son and grandson in Israel's wars, and passed away, eulogizes her mother: 'Whoever colors my mother in colors of bereavement is wrong.' Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 12:51 PM INN

_____


Despite Netanyahu's promise: Palestinian Authority involved in control of Rafah Crossing. The Palestinian Authority is operating the Rafah Crossing between Israel and Gaza, alongside international bodies. 'The Prime Minister caved in.' Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 11:24 AM INN

_____


Watch: IDF demolishes Hezbollah buildings in Lebanon. Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 2:57 PM INN

_____


Watch: Terrorist arrested inside a bed. Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 2:17 PM INN

_____


IDF demolish house of Palestinian who killed one Israeli soldier, wounded 16 others last year. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/03/2025 04:55 PM ...Amar was responsible for the death of Capt. Alon Sacgiu, as well as injuring 19 other soldiers during an ambush in June 2024 while IDF troops were operating in the city. JPost

_____


IDF files indictment against suspects in terrorist murder of 12-year-old boy in December. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/03/2025 06:12 PM The military prosecution filed indictments against Ezz El-Din Malouh and three accomplices on Monday for carrying out a shooting attack at the Al-Khader Junction in December, in which 12-year-old boy Yehoshua Aharon Tuvia Simcha was murdered.

The four planned to carry out a shooting attack with the aim of causing the deaths of Jews, according to the indictment.

As a result of the shooting, Yehoshua was killed, and additional passengers were injured. JPost

_____


Ambassador Danon: 'Netanyahu's visit is the start of a new era for Israel'. Danny Danon tells Arutz Sheva about the new era ushered in by Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington DC.

Yoni Kempinski, Washington. Feb 3, 2025, 8:03 PM INN

_____


'This is a complete lie': PMO denies claims he would delay ceasefire over Iran, Saudi talks. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/03/2025 08:10 PM JPost

_____


Hamas official tells Russia hostage Alexander Trupanov 'will be freed in first phase'. Ynet | 2.3.25. YNet

_____


Beitar Jerusalem wears orange jerseys calling for the Bibas' return home. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/03/2025 08:29 PM JPost

_____


Keith Siegel's daughter reveals: 'Dad was starved and mentally and physically abused'. Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 8:43 PM INN

'Tortured, held in inhumane conditions, barely seeing sunlight': Keith Siegal's ordeal. Lior Ohana| 2.3.25. YNet

_____


Yarden Bibas was held alone, lied to about his family's fate. Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 8:57 PM INN

_____


US readies new $1 b. arms sale to Israel, WSJ reports. By Reuters. 02/03/2025 09:37 PM JPost

_____


'Amazing what they've done'. Trump demonstrates Israel's size using his pen. Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 9:41 PM INN

_____


Trump to order US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council, halt UNRWA funding. By Reuters. 02/03/2025 11:37 PM JPost

_____


The day after UNRWA: Israel's $16.2M Jerusalem program. East Jerusalem residents admit to UNRWA service failures as Israel launches comprehensive healthcare and education alternatives. By Lidor Sultan Published on 02-03-2025.

This weekend, the law banning UNRWA operations within Israeli territory officially went into effect. The law, which passed with an overwhelming majority of 92 Knesset members, is being implemented despite numerous reservations and attempts by countries worldwide to prevent its application in Israel.

For the first time, details have emerged about how dozens of agencies coordinated to develop alternatives for east Jerusalem residents. Most surprisingly, residents themselves have acknowledged that UNRWA's services were substandard and had fostered a black market in supplies provided by the organization.

Over recent months, numerous agencies worked intensively to establish alternative services for east Jerusalem residents who had partially relied on UNRWA but will now transition to state-provided services. The Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage announced Wednesday that all preparatory work has been completed. ILH

______


Education Dept. probes Jew-hatred at Columbia, Berkeley, Northwestern, Portland State, Minnesota. “This is exactly the right step to be taking and the right time to be taking it,” stated Kenneth Marcus, of the Brandeis Center. “The cavalry has arrived.” JNS Staff.

(Feb. 3, 2025 / JNS) The U.S. Department of Education opened five investigations of alleged Jew-hatred on Monday at Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

The investigations, under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, come shortly after U.S. President Trump told the federal government to respond to Jew-hatred “vigorously.”

“Too many universities have tolerated widespread antisemitic harassment and the illegal encampments that paralyzed campus life last year, driving Jewish life and religious expression underground,” stated Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary of education for civil rights.

“The Biden Administration’s toothless resolution agreements did shamefully little to hold those institutions accountable,” Trainor said. “Today, the department is putting universities, colleges and K-12 schools on notice: this administration will not tolerate continued institutional indifference to the wellbeing of Jewish students on American campuses, nor will it stand by idly if universities fail to combat Jew-hatred and the unlawful harassment and violence it animates.”

Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, said “for the past two years, our committee has uncovered an appalling amount of antisemitism taking place on college campuses.” JNS

_____


IDF fires warning shots at suspects who pose threat to troops in Gaza. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/03/2025 11:15 PM JPost

_____


Trump to view clip of Hamas atrocities at Witkoff's urging. Itamar Eichner | 2.3.25. YNet

'Ofer was put through hell in Hamas captivity, up until the last moment' Sharon Kidon | 2.3.25. YNet

During Washington visit. Netanyahu meets Elon Musk. Israel National News. Feb 3, 2025, 11:41 PM INN

_____


As part of hostage deal. The countries which agreed to take in freed terrorists. Dalit Halevi. Feb 4, 2025, 1:09 AM INN

_____


New intelligence reveals: Iran pushing for a faster path to nuclear weapons. Israel National News. Feb 4, 2025, 2:08 AM INN

_____


Poll: Large majority of Israelis prefer hostage deal to war. Israel National News. Feb 4, 2025, 11:17 AM INN

____


The Blood of the Shepherds Cries Out from the Earth. Hagshma. Feb 3, 2025, 8:03 PM INN

____


Syria's Sharaa to discuss Turkey defense pact. Talks with Erdogan focus on air defense cooperation, training  Syrian army and countering Kurdish fighters in the country Reuters|2.4.25. YNet

_____


IDF probes deadly West Bank shooting attack. Investigation finds terrorist, armed with an M16 and two magazines, snuck in before dawn and opened fire. Elisha Ben Kimon| 2.4.25. YNet

The terrorist snuck in at night and surprised the soldiers. Uzi Baruch. Feb 4, 2025, 12:45 PM INN

____


Liri Albag celebrates 20th birthday and shares her wish. Israel National News. Feb 4, 2025, 1:45 PM INN

____


Two IDF reservists killed in Jordan Valley shooting attack. Sergeant Major Ofer Yung, aged 39 from Tel Aviv, and Sergeant Major (Res.) Avraham Tzvi Tzvika Friedman, aged 43, from Ein HaNatziv, were killed by a terrorist who opened fire in an IDF installation.

Uzi Baruch. Feb 4, 2025, 2:30 PM INN

____


Kenneth Abramowitz: No time to negotiate with Iran. Negotiating with dictatorships guarantees failure. Why? Because Democratic governments are transitional and short-term oriented because of the pressure of upcoming elections. Oped. Kenneth Abramowitz. Feb 4, 2025, 3:16 PM. INN

____


US official: Trump is focused on freeing all the hostages. Yoni Kempinski, Washington. Feb 4, 2025, 6:25 PM INN

_____


Tunisia refuses to take released Palestinians, unlike Qatar and Turkey. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/04/2025 08:05 PM JPost

____


Mike Waltz: 'Need to get back to next round of Abraham Accords'. By Reuters. 02/04/2025 08:11 PM JPost

____


Middle East envoy Witkoff: 'We're in phase two of negotiations'. By Hannah Sarisohn, Reuters. 02/04/2025 08:40 PM JPost

____


Syrian President: We must pressure Israel to withdraw from 'occupied [sic] Golan'. By Liran Aharoni 02/04/2025 09:39 PM JPost

____


Five released female observers decide to return to IDF service. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/04/2025 09:59 PM JPost

____


US approves potential sale of Lockheed, Northrop Grumman systems to Egypt. By Reuters. 02/04/2025 10:06 PM JPost

____


Palestinians have no alternative to leaving Gaza, Trump says. By Reuters. 02/04/2025 10:14 PM JPost

____


Trump isn't stopping: US imposes new sanctions on Iran. Israel National News. Feb 4, 2025, 10:41 PM INN

_____


New details: Senior Hamas figure used five women soldiers as a human shield. Israel National News. Feb 4, 2025, 10:48 PM INN

_____


Protest in Washington: 'How long until the next October 7?' Israel National News. Feb 4, 2025, 11:16 PM Billboard trucks calling for Hamas’ defeat during Trump-Netanyahu meeting in Washington: 'How long until the next October 7?!' INN

_____


Trump: 'The goal is to resettle the people of Gaza permanently'. Yoni Kempinski, Washington. Feb 5, 2025, 12:40 AM INN

_____


'The US will take over the Gaza Strip'.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold press conference following their meeting at the White House. Trump on Gaza: The US will take over the Gaza Strip, dismantle all the weapons, and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.

Yoni Kempinski, Washington. Feb 5, 2025, 12:59 AM. INN

_____


Benny Morris: Response to Coates "The Message" is more propaganda than history. Feb.5, 2025.

Coates never explicitly propounds Arafat’s message because he knows that Western scholarship, based on myriad archaeological findings and documentary evidence, buttresses the traditional take that, indeed, the Jews lived in and resided in the Land of Israel\Palestine between say 1200 BC and the 7th century AD. As to the Temple Mount, he fails to mention that archaeologists, Israeli and foreign, have never been allowed to dig beneath the Temple Mount esplanade, where they might find traces of Solomon’s First Temple and certainly would find remnants of the Herodian reconstruction of the Second Temple.

“What I was seeing here seemed about as credible as the history behind those Confederate memorials [in Columbia, South Carolina],” he writes confusingly, conflating ancient Jewish history and the story of the Confederate South.

Coates goes one further in this conflation. Indeed, he exploits his description of his tour of the City of David to vent his anti-Americanism, killing, as it were, two birds with one stone. He tells us of a plaque at the site bearing an American flag and the name of a formed US ambassador to Israel. The plaque reads: “The City of David brings Biblical Jerusalem to life at the very place where the kings and the prophets of the Bible walked. The spiritual bedrock of our values as a nation comes from Jerusalem. It is upon these ideals that the American republic was founded, and the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel was formed.” And Alon Arad adds his two bits: “When you talk about white supremacy … this is why I think that the Evangelical church and the settlers [in the West Bank] found each other as a perfect match… Their mindset is the same.”

For Coates, “the settlers” are Israel – though most Israelis would dispute this - as the Evangelicals are America – though many, perhaps most, Americans would similarly contest this. It is perhaps worth recalling that the Afro-American campaign to achieve equal rights during the 1960s and 1970s would probably have gotten nowhere had it not been for massive support by northern whites, and some southern whites, including President Lyndon Johnson.

Near the end of the essay on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Coates unsurprisingly relates the story of Deir Yassin. But he doesn’t play it completely straight. He tells us that the assault on that Palestinian village, just west of West Jerusalem on 9 April 1948, almost midway in the 1948 War, “was led by the Irgun and …. [the] Lehi,” two dissident Jewish groups. The implication of the “led” is, perhaps, that the main Jewish militia, the Haganah, also participated. In fact, the assault was carried out by 130 Irgun (IZL) and Lehi troopers; the Haganah supplied only one or two squads in the middle of the battle, and they played only an insignificant role – they ferried in ammunition and extricated Irgun and Lehi wounded. Secondly, at Deir Yassin there was a battle: Four of the dissident troopers were killed and a dozen or more were wounded. About 100 Arabs died in or just after the battle, most of them civilians; some of these, according to Haganah intelligence reports, were executed. (In his retelling, Coates adds that the Lehi defined the Jews as a “master race” and the Arabs as a “slave race.” I am not familiar with these quotes and they do not express mainstream Lehi ideology. The Lehi, curiously, was composed of right-wing breakaways from the Irgun and left-wing anti-imperialists.

But Coates’s ropes in Deir Yassin for an ulterior purpose. The ruins of Deir Yassin, he points out, are “just a short drive from Yad Vashem [Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust]. The proximity of the two sites staggered me.” Coates’s message is clear: How could the Jews, who suffered six million dead at the hands of the Nazis, massacre Arabs? And he comments: “I knew that some Zionists invoked the Holocaust to justify their repression of the Palestinians” – and “a memorial to genocide was built within walking distance of a massacre that had made that memorial possible.” Implicit here is the absurd equation favored by Arab propagandists: Holocaust=Nakba. But in the Holocaust, the German state, for no reasonable reason, simply murdered six million unarmed Jews; in the second, Israel and the Palestinians fought a war over territory they both claimed and the Israeli militias won and crushed Palestinian society (and, along the way, here and there massacred Arabs as here and there during that war Arabs massacres Jews). The uninformed reader, as most of Coates’s American readers are, will, of course, be seduced into accepting the equation.

But I learned two things from “The Message.” One, surprisingly, was about Theodor Herzl, Zionism’s prophet and, in effect, founder. Coates quotes a long passage (which I had never encountered) in which Herzl bemoaned the “disaster” of Africa, “which remains unresolved to this day, and whose profound tragedy only a Jew can comprehend. This is the African question. Just call to mind all those terrible episodes of the slave trade, of human beings who, merely because they were black, were stolen like cattle, taken prisoner, captured and sold … Once I have witnessed the redemption of the Jews … I wish also to assist in the redemption of the Africans.”

The second, and I was previously unfamiliar with Coates’s writings, was his way with words. His homily is emblazoned with catchy phrases. But the end result is a curse. Shakespeare’s Caliban had it right. There, in the “Tempest,” the colonized African tells us he learnt language from his oppressors, the white Anglos, but all that he could do with it was to curse. Benny Morris

____


Romi Gonen's mother to Arutz Sheva: This is the reason Romi kept Shabbat after being freed. Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi who was freed from Hamas captivity, talks about the use her daughter made and continues to make of Judaism during her captivity and since her return. Ohevya Sharabi. Feb 5, 2025, 5:17 AM (GMT+2) INN

_____


US drafts plan to withdraw all its troops from Syria, NBC News reports. By Reuters. 02/05/2025 12:29 PM. JPost

____


Mahmoud Abbas to meet with king of Jordan on Wednesday - report. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/05/2025 01:12 PM JPost

____


Trump says he prefers verified nuclear peace agreement with Iran. By Reuters. 02/05/2025 01:39 PM JPost

____


Qatar: Busy with phase two of hostage deal, too early to talk about Palestinian displacement. By Reuters. 02/05/2025 04:14 PM JPost

____


IDF denies reports of targeted strikes in Rafah, Gaza Strip. By Jerusalem Post Staff. 02/05/2025 07:08 PM JPost

____


Israel to withdraw from UN Human Rights Council. Israel National News. Feb 5, 2025, 7:48 PM INN

Israel withdraws from UN Human Rights. Council, joining US: 'Obsessively demonizes Israel'. 2.5.25. YNet

____


Sky News worked with Hamas-affiliated journalist and was forced to apologize. The Gazan journalist was hired by the network through an external production company to cover activities of the UN's mine clearance service and posted photos of himself with UN officials, sparking a diplomatic incident the UN and Israel, which accused the service of having ties to Hamas; Sky News said that when his problematic past became known, it severed ties with him and the external production company.

Daniel Edelson, New York | 2.5.25.

A Gazan journalist affiliated with Hamas, who documented the attack on October 7, was employed by the