🎗️Lonny's War Update- October 459, 2023 - January 7, 2025 🎗️

  

🎗️Day 459 that 100 of our hostages in Hamas captivity
**There is nothing more important than getting them home! NOTHING!**

“I’ve never met them,

But I miss them. 

I’ve never met them,

but I think of them every second. 

I’ve never met them,

but they are my family. 

BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!”

We’re waiting for you, all of you.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.

#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope

There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!

‎אין נצחון עד שכל החטופים בבית

Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements

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IDF: Two Israeli soldiers were killed and four others were seriously wounded in fighting in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces announced.

The slain soldiers were named as Maj. Dvir Zion Revah, 28, from Jerusalem, and Cpt. Eitan Israel Shiknazi, 24, from Eli.

Both served in the Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Battalion. Revah was a company commander and Shiknazi was his deputy.

Cpt. Eitan Israel Shiknazi, 24, and Maj. Dvir Zion Revah, 28, (right), killed fighting in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2024. (Almog Kolt/Israel Defense Forces)

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A REVOLUTION

The IDF adds that two other soldiers of the 932nd Brigade were seriously wounded in the same incident in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun.

Sergeant Ido Shamich, a fighter in the Nahal Patrol, was killed tonight (between Monday and Tuesday) in Beit Hanon. This is how the IDF allowed it to be published. Ido (20), a resident of Gani Tikva, is the 828th civilian since the beginning of the war - and the third from the Nahal brigade in the northern Gaza Strip within a day.
His death takes Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip to 398.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE A REVOLUTION

Hostage Updates 

• ‘Significant progress’ in Doha talks on plan to ensure armed Palestinians don’t return to north Gaza — report
  

  

  Protesters call for action to secure the release of hostages in Gaza, outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on January 4, 2025. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)

  As talks to secure a hostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza continue in Doha, Channel 12 reports that an important gap between Israel and Hamas has been closed — the issue of a mechanism to ensure armed Palestinians do not return to the northern Gaza Strip to regroup.

  The outlet reports “significant progress” has been made in agreeing on a mechanism under which Palestinian men, women and children will be able to return to their homes in northern Gaza after passing a security check by international forces.

  The report is approved by the military censor, Channel 12 adds, without giving further details on the mechanism.

  Negotiators are looking to achieve a halt to the 15-month-old war, together with the release of 100 hostages still held captive by Gazan terror groups, 96 of whom were kidnapped on October 7, 2023.

  Adding to “cautious optimism” in Israel that an agreement could be close, the network cites unnamed senior officials as saying that Hamas has been walking back its demands on issues such as ending the war in Gaza — a condition that Jerusalem has repeatedly rejected.

  Without citing sources, the television news report says that the positive outlook stems from indications from Israeli mediators that Hamas leaders both in the Strip and abroad want a deal — though Yahya Sinwar’s brother Muhammad, who has been operating as the de facto leader of the terror group’s military wing in Gaza, has been slowing things down.  link Remember that all of the news of the negotiations is speculation and spins. Some information may be based on limited data coming from people in the know but most, if not all is speculation.

  
  

  https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkiiqzkiyl#

  
  
  

• Israel's Dilemma and Families’ Outcry After the Publication of the Hostages List: "Enough with the Selection"

  Family members of hostages reacted to the release of the list, calling for an agreement that includes everyone. The mother of kidnapped soldier Matan Angrist stated: "Selective lists—Israel is leaving soldiers behind." Efforts are underway in Israel to increase the number of living hostages to be released if there is only one phase to the agreement. Ayelet Goldin emphasized: "We are at a historic crossroads." Yaron Or warned: "After this deal, there won’t be another because Hamas won’t release them."

  The list of 34 hostages, published today (Monday), stirred mixed emotions among the families. While the list was shared with mediators as early as July, it remains unclear who among the named hostages is alive. Given the possibility of a single-phase agreement, efforts are focused on maximizing the number of living hostages included—a contentious point of negotiation.

Reactions from Hostages’ Families

Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the hostage issue, stating in an audio interview about the "hell" that will follow if a deal isn’t reached: "I meant exactly that. If the hostages are not released by the time I take office, there will be hell. Not ‘DON’T,’ but hell. They must be released now."

Many family members voiced their distress over the list's publication and urged for an agreement to release all hostages. Anat Angrist, mother of Matan Angrist, said in an interview with The Daily Edition that the family woke up to a particularly difficult morning upon learning that the lists were prepared by the state. "My children couldn’t get out of bed today. My daughter, a combat soldier, dropped everything and came home," she said. "My father, a Holocaust survivor, is watching these selection lists while his kidnapped grandson is not on it. The State of Israel is leaving soldiers behind; they are not included in this list."

Yaron Or, father of hostage Avinatan Or, declared: "They’re leaving you behind. There are only a few living hostages left. After this deal, there won’t be another because Hamas won’t release them. Either everyone is released, or they’ll stay behind. Israel can reach an agreement where everyone is freed."

A Call for Unity and Action

Ayelet Goldin, sister of the kidnapped soldier Hadar Goldin (of blessed memory), said in a statement from the families: "I beg you, don’t let the victims’ families fight one another. We are at a historic crossroads. The government has the power—look at me. I am the warning if the Israeli government fails to act. Look at me. There is one noble goal—a Jewish, international, and Israeli goal."

Merav Leshem Gonen, mother of hostage Romi Gonen, said: "This morning we woke up to another shocking day in Israeli reality. Our hearts go out to the families of the murdered and wounded. Every Israeli is responsible for one another, for the families of soldiers on the battlefield, and for the lives of the hostages and their families, who yearn for closure. Any list, even a partial one, is just a list. The state’s commitment to all its citizens remains unwavering. Our expectation as citizens is that every hostage will have hope."

She added: "The state must plan how to free the first hostage and the last. Anything else would violate mutual responsibility. To the government and decision-makers, I appeal—see our resilient people. The state is obligated to bring everyone home. We all understand we’re in this together."

Testimonies from Survivors and Families

Yelena Trofanov, a survivor of captivity and mother of Alex, who is still held in Gaza, commented on the published list: "From what I understand, this is a list from several months ago. Sasha is on it because he’s injured. It’s a list of adults, women, children, and the wounded, but he’s not the only young man on it. There are other injured youths too. This list doesn’t bring hope. For me, nothing has changed. As long as they are there—nothing is real."

Michael Levi, brother of hostage Or Levi, remarked: "From everything I know, what’s happening now is just rumors, and so is the list. This list isn’t new, and it’s not the first time lists have been published. Our family hears the rumors and voices, but we try not to pin too much hope on them. Our sense is that we are far from an agreement. There needs to be a deal that includes everyone; anything else would be wrong. Everyone is ‘humanitarian,’ and they don’t have time. Every passing day endangers those who have managed to survive."

Ofri Bibas, sister of Yardan Bibas, said at the "101 Mothers’ Watch" protest outside the Knesset: "This is a deeply upsetting day—our demand remains to secure an agreement that includes all hostages. The time has long come, but now it feels like this is also the last chance. It’s important for us that the public stays with us until the last hostage returns."  link

•  "The Bubble Burst": Parents of Omar Neutra z"l in Their First Interview Since Learning of His Death

A month after being informed of their son's death on October 7, the parents of Omar Neutra gave their first interview to Hadashot HaErev on Kan 11: "We fought for him and thought he was alive. Our struggle now is far less sorrowful."

Ronen and Orna

Ronen and Orna Neutra, the parents of Captain Omer Maxim Neutra z"l, who was kidnapped on October 7, spoke in an interview with Kan News about the message they received a month ago. New intelligence from the IDF definitively determined that their son had been killed during the morning of the attack. "It's like a bubble that burst," the parents shared. "We fought for him and thought he was alive. Our struggle now is far less sorrowful."

From the recordings of the tank's communications revealed to the family, they believe that their son, who commanded a tank platoon in Battalion 77 of Brigade 7, suffocated inside the tank while trying to protect his soldiers. Neutra's tank caught fire due to explosives and RPG fire near the "White House" outpost by Kibbutz Nir Oz, surrounded by dozens of Hamas operatives. The image of the burning tank, with militants removing the soldiers, became one of the symbols of the October 7 failure.

In the interview, the parents disclosed that they met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the first night of Hanukkah, where they demanded an end to the war. "For us, any deal must bring back every last hostage. We cannot leave anyone behind," they said.

Neutra, who was a lone soldier who immigrated from Long Island, USA, was 21 years old when he fell. He had given up college to enlist in the IDF after completing a preparatory year in the Upper Galilee. On October 7, he was in the tank with Private Nimrod Cohen, who is still classified as a hostage, gunner Sergeant Oz Daniel z"l, and driver Sergeant Shaked Dahan z"l. As of today, at least 37 bodies of fallen soldiers remain in Hamas custody. link

• These are the stories of the 34 abductees featured on the list.

Among the names are 10 women, 11 adult men and also children • The headquarters for the families of the abductees for their return stated: "The families of the abductees are shaken and upset by the list" • Consultations in Israel: Should the head of the Mossad be sent to Qatar or should Hamas wait for clear statements on who is on the list, alive or dead?

100 abductees are still being held in Gaza, 34 of whom are included in the list that Israel gave to Hamas demanding their release at the first opportunity. Hamas claims to have "approved" the list - but without saying which of them are alive and which are dead. These are the stories of the 34 abductees included in that list.

Romi Gonen 

Romi was kidnapped at the age of 24 from a party in Ra'im. 3 of the people who were with her in the car were murdered - her close friend Gaya Khalifa and Ben Shimoni, who returned three times to save people. Ofir Tzarfati was also in the car with her, was murdered and his body was kidnapped to Gaza. Her mother Merav says: "Romi is a strong, happy and cheerful girl. A typical Israeli girl. She is a positive lover, people are drawn to her wherever she goes. Full of light and responsible. I didn't worry, because I trusted her and Gaya with my eyes closed."

Emily Damari

Emily Tehila Damari was kidnapped at the age of 28 on October 7 from her home in the "Young Generation" neighborhood in Gaza City. She was alone in her apartment and scared, and her best friend Gali Berman came to be with her, and from there the two were apparently kidnapped together. Known as "everyone's friend." Kidnappers who were released from captivity in the deal testified that they saw her.

Arbel Yehud

Arbel was kidnapped at the age of 29 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where she grew up with her partner of the past five years, Ariel Kunio. The dog they adopted just a week earlier, Merf, was shot to death by Hamas terrorists. David, Ariel's brother, was also kidnapped - along with his wife Sharon and their three-year-old twin daughters Emma and Yuli. Sharon, Emma and Yuli were released in the November hostage deal. After living for a period in central Israel, Arbel returned to live in Kibbutz Nir Oz six years ago. She is very interested in space exploration and astronomy and has been involved in training on these subjects at the Groove Tech complex in the Eshkol Regional Council. Her friends say that her big dream is to reach the moon. Her brother, Dolev Yehud, was initially declared abducted, but on June 3, 2024, it was announced that his body was found in Israeli territory and that he had been murdered in the 7/10 attack while defending the kibbutz.

Doron Steinbacher

Doron Steinbracher, a veterinary nurse who was kidnapped in Gaza

Doron was kidnapped at the age of 31 from her home in the youth neighborhood of Kfar Aza. She takes chronic medication every day and has not taken it since the kidnapping and is in danger of death because of it. Doron is a veterinary nurse, contact with her was cut off after she sent a voice message to her friends, in which she is heard saying that the terrorists had captured her. On 26.1.24, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring a sign of life from Doron and, along with her, Daniela Gilboa and Karina Ariyev, both 19 years old.

Ariel Bibas

Ariel was kidnapped at the age of 4, along with his mother Shiri and his brother, Kfir - who was kidnapped at only 9 months old - from their home in Nir Oz. The video of a terrified Shiri wrapping her two children in a blanket has become one of the symbols of war and terror. His father, Yarden, is seen in another video being led by terrorists to the Strip. His grandparents, Shiri's parents, Yossi and Margit Silverman, were murdered. In November, Hamas claimed that Shiri and her children were killed in an IDF attack, and released a video showing Yarden receiving the news of their deaths. In February, an IDF spokesman released a video showing the Bibas family members alive from the first days of the war. In August, instead of celebrating the birthday in the kindergarten, thousands celebrated Ariel's fifth birthday at a rally in Kidnapped Square. I don't know what they are going through and how they are surviving. I want to hope that Hamas is keeping them alive, like a piece of paper," said Eli Sabo.

Kfir Bibas

Baby Kfir was kidnapped when he was only 9 months old, along with his mother Shiri and his brother, Ariel (4), from their home in Nir Oz, the youngest abductee. The video of a terrified Shiri wrapping her two children in a blanket has become one of the symbols of war and terror. His father, Yarden, is seen in another video being led by terrorists to the Strip. The terrorists' cameras documented the break-in to the Bibas family's home. His grandparents, Shiri's parents, Yossi and Margit Silverman, were murdered. In November, Hamas claimed that Shiri and her children were killed in an IDF attack, and released a video showing Yarden receiving the news of their deaths. In February, the IDF spokesman released a video showing the Bibas family members alive from the first days of the war. In January, they celebrated his one-year anniversary in captivity, "the saddest birthday in the world," at various events around the country and around the world.

Shiri Bibas

Shiri was kidnapped at the age of 33 from her home in Nir Oz with her two young children - Ariel (4) and baby Kfir, who was kidnapped when he was only 9 months old. The video of Shiri, terrified, wrapping her two children in a blanket and being taken to the Strip by Hamas terrorists has become one of the symbols of war and terror. Her husband, Yarden, is seen in another video being taken to the Strip by terrorists. Shiri's parents, Yossi and Margit Silverman, were murdered in their home on the kibbutz that same Shabbat. Shiri works in the kibbutz's accounting department, and before that she had taken care of the kibbutz's children. In November, Hamas claimed that Shiri and her children were killed in an IDF attack, and released a video showing Yarden receiving the news of their deaths. In February, the IDF spokesman released a video showing the Bivas family alive from the first days of the war. "It's heartbreaking to see what they went through," said Yifat, Shiri's cousin.

 Liri Elbag 

Liri, an observer, was kidnapped at the age of 19 from the Nahal Oz outpost wearing only pajamas. She arrived at the base only two days before her kidnapping, immediately after finishing her course. She dreams of becoming an interior designer. Her partner was injured in an attack a year and a half before her kidnapping, and since then she has accompanied him with total devotion. In May, the families of the kidnapped observers released a video that Hamas terrorists filmed of their kidnapping. Liri is recorded in it, injured and terrified, and asking for "someone who speaks English" from the killers. Released abductees said that Liri was forced to clean the family's toilets and cook food for them, which she was not allowed to eat herself. She has since been taken down to the tunnels. In January 2025, another sign of life from Liri was released in a difficult-to-watch video.

Karina Ariev

Karina, an observer, was kidnapped at the age of 20 from the Nahal Oz outpost. The family received a video in which she appeared to have been kidnapped by Hamas. At 6:30, she called her father and said there were shots fired, cried and screamed and said goodbye to the family. The family describes a gentle girl with a big heart, "Even when she called and cried, she asked us not to take revenge, not to go look for her, to continue with our lives." Karina has parents and a younger sister - Sasha. On 26.1.24, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring Karina, along with Daniela Gilboa and Doron Steinbracher. At the end of May, the families of the five observers released the video of their daughters' kidnapping, as recorded by the body cameras of Hamas terrorists on October 7. In the video, the handcuffed female soldiers can be seen begging for their lives, surrounded by dozens of armed terrorists - moments before their abduction to the Strip.

Agam Berger

 

Documenting the moments of the Agam Berger kidnapping (Photo: Courtesy of the family, courtesy of the Abductees' Families Headquarters)

Agam, a scout, was kidnapped at the age of 20 with her friends from Nahal Oz. Her family recognized her in a Telegram video posted by Hamas, dressed in pajamas and being led into a car. Shortly before the kidnapping, she managed to call her father, Shlomi, and inform him that there had been gunfire. Agam is a talented violinist. When Agam Goldstein-Almog was released in the hostage deal at the end of November, she called Shlomi, Agam's father, and asked him to convey a birthday greeting from her daughter who remained in captivity. She also told him about his daughter that "she prays a lot, says blessings on the food - and doesn't light a fire on Shabbat."

Daniela Gilboa

Daniela, an observer from the Nahal Oz outpost, was kidnapped at the age of 20 while in her pajamas. When the attack began, she wrote to her mother: "We are being attacked, pray for us." The family says that she is a lively young woman, a singer and songwriter who wrote and composed songs. She has a younger sister, and a boyfriend, Roy, who is waiting for her at home with her family. On 26.1.24, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring a sign of life from Daniela, along with Karina Ariev and Doron Steinbracher. In July, her family allowed the broadcast of her full video from captivity. In it, Daniela is seen addressing her family: "I miss you very much and love you - Mom, Dad, Noni, Royko. I ask that you be strong and do everything you can to bring me home, while I am still alive." According to the mother, Orly Gilboa, although Danielle appears strong and assertive in the video, her mental state is completely the opposite.

Naama Levi

Naama was kidnapped at the age of 20 with her fellow observers from Nahal Oz. On Saturday morning at 6:55, she texted her mother that they were in the protected area and has not been in contact since. She was seen in a video being put into a car in Gaza with her pants soaked in blood. In a video released from her kidnapping in May, Naama is seen with her entire face covered in blood, and is heard saying to one of the terrorists in English: "I have friends in Palestine." Her mother, Dr. Ayelet Levy-Shahar, says that since the age of 10, Naama has been breathing and loving sports. Athletic, physically and mentally strong, with calmness and focus. She fantasizes about doing a half-ironman in Eilat with the whole family and is a fan of Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

Ohad Ben Ami

Ohad Ben Ami at the moment of the kidnapping | Photo: from social networks

Ohad was kidnapped at the age of 55 with his wife Raz from their home in Bari. The couple hid for a long time in the MMD. At first, the terrorists thought the house was empty and left - but later returned. Ella's daughter turned to everyone she could to call for help, one of the calls was to the 12 News System. In her whispered conversations with Dani Kushmaru, she told the entire shocked country what her family was going through, until the kidnapping. In the photos that were distributed, Ohad is seen barefoot in blue underwear, a black shirt and sunglasses, being led by terrorists to Gaza. Ohad is Bari's accountant. He and Raz have three daughters.

 Gadi Moses

Gadi Mozes, 80, was the first of six members of the Katz-Mozes-Asher family who were kidnapped to Gaza on October 7. His wife, the late Efrat Katz, was also kidnapped by terrorists from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, but the vehicle they were traveling in was bombed by IAF planes, and Efrat was killed with the terrorists. Efrat's daughter, Doron, and her two young daughters, Aviv and Raz, were also in the same vehicle, but were not harmed by the gunfire. Gadi's ex-wife, Margalit Mozes, was also kidnapped from Nir. They were released in the first round of the hostage deal in November. Gadi remained in captivity. Doron's half-brother, Ravid Katz, was murdered that same Shabbat and his body was recovered by the IDF from Gaza in July. Gadi is an avid agronomist and farmer, and a lover of nature. Over the years, he guided and promoted third world countries using his vast knowledge. After retiring, he established a community vegetable garden. And as a wine enthusiast, he grew grapes as a hobby. The family speaks of a warm, loving, and embracing family man. Father And a beloved grandfather, invested and supportive. Believes in coexistence. In December, Islamic Jihad released footage showing Gadi next to the late abductee Elad Katzir. "We see that he is in a bad state and this only heightens the urgency for us to release the abductees," said his son.

Keith Siegel 

Keith, 65, and his wife Aviva (Adrian) were kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where they had lived for 42 years. He came to Israel from the United States, she from South Africa, they met, fell in love and had four children and five grandchildren. Keith is a therapist and occupational therapist by profession, a die-hard Rolling Stones fan and lover of nature, a man of home and family. Aviva was released in the hostage-taking deal in November. "Many times they didn't bring us any food at all, at least for 24 hours. We would cry in secret," Aviva said. In April, Hamas released a letter of life from Keith, in a video in which he addresses his relatives in tears: "I want to tell my family that I love you very much. It's important to me that you know that I'm okay, that I really hope you are too. See you soon, and hopefully it will be soon."

Ofer Calderon

Ofer was kidnapped at the age of 53 to Gaza with his children, 16-year-old Sahar and 12-year-old Erez, from their home in Nir Oz. His son Rotem was alone in his apartment on the kibbutz, his daughter Gaya was in Tel Aviv. Ofer is a carpenter by trade, specializing in kitchens. He is an avid mountain bike rider, builder and pilot, and loves traveling in Israel and around the world. Sahar and Erez returned in the kidnapping deal in November. Sahar said that she met him in the tunnels and that his physical and mental condition was very poor. "He told me, 'Please go to the demonstrations, fight.' I left there, and to this day I feel like I abandoned him, that I left him behind." His ex-wife Hadas Calderon is leading a fight for his return alongside the fight for the rehabilitation of the children who returned from captivity.

Eli Sharabi

Eli was kidnapped at the age of 52 from his home in Bari. His wife Liane came to volunteer at the kibbutz in 1995, fell in love - and stayed. She was murdered on Black Sabbath with their daughters Yahel, 13, and Noya, 16. His brother Yossi, who lived next door to him, was also kidnapped to Gaza, but according to an IDF investigation, he was most likely killed as a result of an Israeli attack. It is unclear what his condition is and whether he knows what happened to his family's daughters or his brother Yossi. Sharon, Yossi and Eli's brother, said: "We don't want to put Eli back in a coffin. This is the last consolation for my mother."

Itzik Elgerat

Itzik was kidnapped at the age of 69 from his home in Nir Oz. He was shot in the hand and his brother Danny tried to instruct him over the phone on how to perform a tourniquet. His brother said that he tried to close the door of the police station, until he told him, "Danny, this is the end." He was kidnapped along with his brother-in-law - Alex Danzig, who was murdered in captivity. Itzik is a father of two, lived in Denmark for many years and returned to the kibbutz after his divorce. He is a die-hard fan of soccer and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

 Shlomo Mansour

Shlomo was kidnapped at the age of 86 from Kissufim. On October 7, Shlomo and his wife Mazal were at the Kibbutz. Terrorists fired a volley of shots at the door and broke in. Mazal hid in the bathroom. The terrorists found Shlomo, handcuffed him, and took him out of the house. Shlomo is a Holocaust survivor who survived the Farhud massacres in Iraq. He was one of the founders of Kissufim and has lived on the kibbutz with his wife Mazal for 60 years. He is the grandfather of 13 grandchildren. He is a skilled carpenter. In recent years, he and his wife Mazal have volunteered in the army and renovated and renewed the inscriptions on the tombstones in the cemetery. His lovers say that he is a man with a big heart, golden hands, and a man of action. He is a father of children, grandfather of grandchildren, and has five siblings and many friends on the kibbutz. "It is impossible to even imagine how an 85-year-old man manages in the hell that was forced upon him against his will after reaching heroism."

Ohad Yahalom

                            

Ohad was kidnapped at the age of 50 from his home in Nir Oz while wounded. Eitan, his son, was also kidnapped, but separately from him. The terrorists managed to break down the doors of the military police station where the Yahalomi family was staying. They shot Ohad, he stayed home, and from that moment on, contact with him was severed. The terrorists kidnapped Batsheva, Ohad's wife, with her two daughters on one motorcycle and Eitan on another motorcycle. Batsheva, with a split-second decision, managed to jump off the motorcycle while holding her young daughters and did not stop running until she reached safety. Eitan was left alone. Ohad is an employee of the Nature and Parks Authority, an ironman, an athlete, a lover of hiking and nature, and a family man. Eitan was released on 11/27/23.

 Yusef Khamis Al-Zayedna

Yousef, 53, father of 18 children from two women, worked for the past 19 years in a dairy farm in Kibbutz Hulit, along with 3 of his children: Hamza (22), Bilal (18.5) and Aisha (17), from where they were kidnapped by Hamas. Hamas channels showed pictures of Hamza and Bilal with an armed Hamas man standing over them. Yousef and Aisha were also photographed. Yousef is diabetic and needs medication. Aisha and Bilal were released from captivity as part of the November hostage deal, while Hamza and Yousef remained in Hamas captivity.

Oded Lifshitz 

Oded was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz at the age of 83 along with Yocheved, his wife – who was released by Hamas “on humanitarian grounds” on 10/23/23. For many years Oded was a journalist and columnist for “Al HaMishmar”. A freedom fighter, human rights activist and amateur pianist. Ada Sagi said that she met him in Khan Yunis on the first day of her kidnapping: “The person who was treating him said that he had to take him to the hospital to have a bullet removed from his hand. Oded was clear and alert and kept asking me: “Ada, find out what happened to Yochka. I haven’t seen her since the kidnapping.” He stayed with other abductees from Nir Oz, and there is no report on his condition after the first 20 days.

Tzachi Idan 

Tzachi, 50, was separated from his family and is believed to have been kidnapped from his home in Nahal Oz to the Gaza Strip. A chilling live video from inside the family home documented all the horrors the family endured. Including the shooting of their eldest daughter, Maayan, who was murdered at the age of 18. Tzachi's wife Gali and the other two children - Yael (11) and Shahar (9) - were saved. At one point, the terrorists handcuffed Tzachi and the neighbor - Omri Miran, who was brought into Tzachi's family home by the terrorists, and took them away, apparently in his car.

Hisham A-Sayed

In early April 2015, Hisham, a 35-year-old Israeli Bedouin activist from the south, crossed the border into the Gaza Strip on his own. He was kidnapped by Hamas. In June 2022, Hamas released a video in which he was seen lying on a bed, awake and looking in different directions while wearing an oxygen mask. Hisham had been kidnapped by Hamas for almost 10 years.

 Yardan Bibas

Yarden was kidnapped at the age of 34 from Kibbutz Nir Oz while wounded. His wife Shiri was kidnapped from their home with their two young children - Ariel (4) and baby Kfir, only 9 months old. The video of Shiri, terrified, wrapping her two children in a blanket and being led to the Strip by Hamas terrorists has become one of the symbols of war and terror. Yarden is seen in another video being led to the Strip by terrorists. Shiri's parents, Yossi and Margit Silverman, were murdered. Friends say that Yarden, from Kibbutz Tze'elim, is a sensitive and caring person, funny, a music and stand-up lover, and works as a carpenter in Ashkelon. In November, Hamas claimed that Shiri and her children were killed in an IDF attack, and released a video showing Yarden receiving the news of their deaths. In February, an IDF spokesman released a video showing the Bibs family members alive from the first days of the war.

Sagi Dekel Chen

Sagi, 36, is married to Avital and father to 6-year-old Bar, 2-year-old Gili, and Shahar, his third daughter who was born while he was in Hamas captivity. Sagi is one of the founders of the Bikurim Youth Village, a social and business entrepreneur. He and his wife own a grocery store called "Columbus" inside a bus, which travels between the peripheral southern communities where there are no grocery stores. His mother, Naamit Dekel Chen, had already been kidnapped and was on a vehicle on her way to Gaza when an IDF helicopter managed to eliminate the terrorists. She began to run away and every time she saw terrorists, she pretended to be dead, and that's how she survived. 

Yair Horn

Yair was kidnapped at the age of 46 with his brother Eitan, who had come to visit him in Nir Oz. He is involved in renovations and construction on the kibbutz. Yair is considered an involved resident in the kibbutz community - organizing parties, producing activities on holidays and in charge of the local pub. "Yair is a guy who loves life, he is a stand-up comedian and radio broadcaster," said his mother Ruthie. "Everywhere he went, he left his mark."

Omar Wenkert

Omar was kidnapped at the age of 23 from a party in Baraim. On Shabbat afternoon, Hamas released photos of him handcuffed, suffering and beaten, as well as a video of him lying in a van with the terrorists above his head. Omar suffers from colitis, a chronic intestinal disease that was stable when he was kidnapped, but which worsens under stressful conditions. Omar was at the party in Baraim with his friend Kim Damati, who was murdered. The last sentence he wrote to his mother while hiding in one of the migons was "I'm dying of fear." The song "What a Day Samuel Was" by the band HaShimachot from 2001, his favorite song, became a TikTok hit. Liam Orr, who was released from Hamas captivity in the November deal, said he was in the tunnel with Omar, where they became best friends. One of the first things Omar said to him in captivity was "Don't lose hope."

Sasha (Alexander) Tropanov

The terrorist organization in the video of the kidnapped Alex Tropanov | Photo: News

Alexander (Sasha) was kidnapped at the age of 29 from his parents' home in Nir Oz, with his mother Yelena, his grandmother Irena Tati and his partner Sapir Cohen, who was visiting her partner's family for the first time. His father Vitaly Tropanov was murdered. The Tropanov family immigrated to Israel from the Soviet Union 25 years ago and settled on a kibbutz. Alex worked as an engineer in Amazon's cloud division. Irena and Vilna were released as a gesture from Hamas to Putin in November, Sapir was released the next day as part of the hostage deal. Sapir said that when she was kidnapped, she saw that armed terrorists had also captured Sasha and that his face was bleeding. "He looked at me and shouted 'No, no' - that was the last communication we had. I was unable to say anything, I didn't want to say goodbye." In May, Islamic Jihad released a video of Tropanov in which he "asked," among other things, to return Al-Jazeera broadcasts to Israel. On November 13, 2024, another video of Tropanov was published, two days after he celebrated his second birthday in captivity.

 Elia Cohen

Elia was kidnapped at the age of 27 from a party in Badim. He went to the party with his girlfriend Ziv. When the massacre began, the two fled, grenades and RPGs were thrown at them. Ziv fell, and bodies fell on her, and that's how she survived. Elia was injured. According to the description, they looked at each other and held hands. He managed to say that he was wounded and that he was okay, but then someone pulled him from the pile of bodies. Elia used to be a party producer and is now a salesman and has started dealing in real estate. He comes from a religious family from Tzur Hadassah, who became non religious before the age of 16. Elia is the eldest brother of three sisters. His father is disabled, and as a result of the situation, his mental state has deteriorated. According to his family, Elia planned to propose to Ziv. His mother says that he is a sensitive and empathetic person, full of friends in Israel and around the world. "I'm sure he takes care of babies in Gaza, plays with them and takes care of them."

Or Levi

Or, 34, and his wife Einav Elkayim, the late, were having a great time at a party. They left it when the alarms went off at 6:30. They managed to reach the Kibbutz Re'im intersection and stopped at the "Bird Shelter" - later called the "Death Shelter". Around 7:50, terrorists arrived at the shelter, who threw and shot over 8 stun grenades and grenades at the shelter, some of which exploded in the shelter and some were thrown out by the people hiding in it. At one point, the terrorists entered the shelter and kidnapped people, one of whom was Or. A video from Hamas terrorist cameras released in June shows Or with the wounded abductees Elia Cohen and Hirsch Goldberg-Polin being led away to the sound of cheers from Hamas terrorists in a van on their way to captivity in Gaza. Einav, Or's wife, was murdered at the shelter. In the meantime, their little son Almog is being raised by grandparents on both sides.

Abera Mengistu

Hamas releases footage of Abra Mengistu from captivity

Abra, 37 years old and mentally ill, crossed the perimeter fence into the Gaza Strip on September 7, 2014, in the Zikim Beach area, and has been held by Hamas since then. In January 2023, for the first time in years, Hamas released a video showing Abra speaking broken Hebrew in captivity. At first, security officials did not confirm the authenticity of the video, but his mother later said she recognized him. A day after the video was released, Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that the video was authentic. Abra grew up in Ashkelon alongside 11 brothers and sisters. They have been working for more than a decade to return him to Israel. 

Tal Shoham

Tal, 39, Adi, and their two children came from Ma'ale Tzvia to visit his wife Adi's parents in Kibbutz Be'ari. Tal and Adi were kidnapped with their children, Neve, 8, and Yahel, 3, along with Adi's mother, Dr. Shosh Haran, Adi's aunt Sharon Avigdor and her 12-year-old daughter Noam Avigdor. Three members of the family were murdered - Tal's father-in-law, Avshalom Haran, Adi's aunt, Lilach Kipnis, and Lilach Eviatar's husband. So was Eviatar's therapist, Paul Vincent Castello. The house where the family's 8-member family lived was found burned after being set on fire by the terrorists. Tal's father, Gilad, heard eyewitness testimony from a member of Kibbutz Be'eri, according to which Tal emerged on his feet and appeared to be handcuffed, when the terrorists threw him into the trunk of a car that had apparently been stolen from the kibbutz. Adi and the children, Neve and Yahel, were released from captivity on 11/25/23. Tal was left behind.

Omer Shem Tov

Omar Shem Tov, who was spending time with his brothers at a party and was also kidnapped (Photo: Uvda)

Omar was kidnapped at the age of 22 from a party in Reim. He was at a party with the kidnapped siblings Itay and Maya Regev. He tried to escape in a car. Omar called his parents and from conversation to conversation he sounded more and more panicked. He said there were shootings, he said he saw dead people. He sent his parents a live location - and they saw the spot moving towards Gaza. They tried to call but he didn't answer. Maya was released in a hostage deal on 11/25/23, Itay was released on 11/29/23. Omar remained kidnapped in Gaza.  link

Gaza and the South

• Israel says it facilitated entry of 1,100 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza in past week
  

  The Israeli government’s liaison to the Palestinians, COGAT, says it facilitated the transfer of some 1,100 truckloads of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip over the past week.

  “In accordance with a directive of the political echelon, efforts to transfer aid to the Gaza Strip continue in coordination with COGAT,” it says in a statement. “As part of these efforts, over 1,070 humanitarian aid trucks carrying food, water, medical supplies, and shelter equipment were brought into Gaza over the past week, with more than 1,100 trucks unloaded on the Gazan side of the crossings.”

  COGAT vows to “continue working to allow and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip in collaboration with aid organizations and the international community.” It says all shipments were thoroughly inspected by the Defense Ministry’s Land Crossings Authority.

Northern Israel - Lebanon/Hizbollah/Syria

• The Lebanese Army Expands Deployment - For the First Time Since the Ceasefire, Hochstein Clarifies: "The IDF Will Withdraw"

  The American envoy stated: "I had very good discussions with Nabih Berri, and the Israeli army has begun withdrawing from most of the western sector."
  Reports: The Lebanese Army has started deploying in the area of the town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon. Footage from Lebanon reveals significant vehicle movement spread throughout the sector. Here's how it looks on the ground.

  Amid tensions with militants in Lebanon, Israel is considering the possibility of remaining in the area beyond the period outlined in the ceasefire agreement. U.S. President Biden’s envoy to the Middle East, Amos Hochstein, held a press conference today (Monday), where he clarified, despite reports, that "the withdrawals will continue until the complete withdrawal of the IDF from southern Lebanon."

  Hochstein’s remarks come in the context of reports that, for the first time since the beginning of the ceasefire, the Lebanese Army has started deploying in the area of the town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon. Footage from Lebanon shows active vehicle movements spread across the sector, seemingly in parallel with the IDF withdrawal coordinated with UNIFIL and the ceasefire agreement monitoring committee.

  "I had very good discussions with the Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri," said U.S. envoy Hochstein during the press conference. "Before the start of the monitoring committee meeting, the Israeli army began withdrawing from Naqoura (in the Tyre district) and most of the western sector." Hochstein emphasized, "The withdrawals will continue until a complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese Army to deploy."

  

  The Lebanese army began to deploy in southern Lebanon

  The Lebanese Al-Jadeed channel reported that the American envoy held discussions with the army commander regarding the committee’s work to complete the Israeli withdrawal by January 26—the designated deadline (60 days after the ceasefire). According to the report, the army commander outlined the obstacles ahead and noted that the military is fully prepared, especially given the continued Israeli military activity in several villages.

  

  The Lebanese army began to deploy in southern Lebanon

  

  
  

  One of the central issues in the withdrawal of the IDF from Lebanon is the seriousness the Lebanese Army will demonstrate in the villages and towns south of the Litani River. Hochstein reminded them that if this does not happen, Israel will remain in the area.

  This morning, it was reported that the ceasefire monitoring committee will convene in Lebanon with Hochstein’s participation, following his visit to Saudi Arabia. A Lebanese source from "Al-Akhbar" claimed that there is information suggesting Hochstein might propose extending the ceasefire to 90 days or more, depending on the Lebanese Army's ability to deploy in the region. link

• This Is the New Leadership of Syria: Jolani’s Appointments and Their Dark Past

  Following Assad's fall, Syria's new regime has formed a government—but it is composed of loyalists to Ahmad al-Sharaa, many with backgrounds in jihadist organizations. From the Prime Minister to the Minister of Information, here are the faces, names, and what is known about them.

  

  Jolani's appointees - and their dark past are his people

  
  The new regime in Syria led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani has established its own government after Assad's fall, which is defined as a temporary transitional government. However, an inside look at the key appointments and their backgrounds reveals that contrary to attempts to project diversity and moderation, these are loyalists of the leader who until recently led the jihadist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. These are the faces and names.

  

  The new Syrian Government

  
  

Prime Minister: Mohammad al-Bashir

Mohammad al-Bashir, approximately 42 years old, formerly the head of the Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib, has been appointed interim Prime Minister of Syria. Born in 1983 in Idlib, he holds degrees in electrical and electronics engineering from Aleppo University and Islamic law and jurisprudence from Idlib University. He held several positions in the Syrian Salvation Government, most recently serving as the Minister of Development and Humanitarian Affairs in 2022.

Defense Minister: Murhaf Abu Qasra

Murhaf Abu Qasra, around 40 years old, also known as “Abu Hassan al-Hamawi” and “Abu Hassan 600,” was born in northern Hama province. He served as the head of the military arm of the jihadist-Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham under Jolani’s leadership.

Abu Qasra was a leading figure on the frontlines during operations to overthrow Assad. He holds a degree in agricultural engineering and worked as a military engineer in rebel-held areas, where he led operations against Assad’s regime. As Defense Minister, he is tasked with disbanding various Syrian rebel factions and unifying them under a centralized defense ministry.

Intelligence Chief: Anas Khattab

Anas Khattab, approximately 37 years old, also known as “Abu Ahmad Khodoud,” has been a close associate of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani for years. Known for his strategic and intelligence expertise, Khattab joined Jabhat al-Nusra (later Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham) in 2012 and rose through the ranks. He held several key positions and was designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2012 and by the UN in 2014. He played a significant role in disbanding rival armed factions in Idlib, served as Jolani’s deputy, and headed the general security apparatus.

Foreign Minister: Assad Hassan al-Shaibani

Assad Hassan al-Shaibani, 37, was born in Hasakah to the Shaiban tribe and later moved with his family to Damascus. He holds a bachelor's degree in English language and literature and a master’s degree in political science and international relations.

Al-Shaibani was one of the founders of al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch and served as the head of foreign relations for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham under Jolani’s leadership. He was also a founding member of the Political Affairs Department in the Syrian Salvation Government, working on coordination with the UN and international organizations.

Interior Minister: Mohammad Abd al-Rahman

Mohammad Abd al-Rahman, approximately 40 years old, was born in Idlib province. He was an officer at Assad’s military academy in Homs before defecting from the Syrian army in 2012 to join opposition factions during the civil war.

Between 2016 and 2018, he managed public relations in Idlib and later served as a general inspector in central Syria. In 2022, he became Interior Minister in the Syrian Salvation Government and oversaw the "liberated areas."

Justice Minister: Shadi al-Waisi

Justice Minister Shadi al-Waisi, in his 40s, became a controversial figure after a 2015 video surfaced showing him supervising the execution of a woman accused of adultery and prostitution. Al-Waisi, born in Aleppo, was an Islamic education teacher and later served as an imam for seven years.

He co-founded the Sharia Authority in Aleppo, where he acted as a military punishment judge, an appellate judge, and a public prosecutor. He also established Sharia courts aligned with the values of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.

Health Minister: Maher al-Sharaa

The appointment of Dr. Maher al-Sharaa, approximately 51 years old, as Health Minister has sparked controversy due to his relationship with Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, raising concerns about nepotism in the new regime. Critics worry that such appointments may perpetuate the corruption of the Assad era instead of eradicating it.  link

• Two Druze rebel groups say they’re ready to join new Syrian national army

West Bank and Jerusalem and Terror attacks within Israel

• Settlers raid Palestinian village in West Bank in apparent retaliation for deadly terror shooting
  

  Israeli settlers have raided the northern West Bank Palestinian village of Hajja in apparent retaliation for a shooting attack nearby earlier today in which three Israelis were killed and eight others were wounded.

  Footage from Hajja shows residents trying to put out a fire set by settlers that has torched a vehicle in the town.

  Earlier this evening, a message was posted on a WhatsApp group for young Israeli extremists in the West Bank, known as Hilltop Youth, in which members were encouraged to “erase” the village of al-Funduq where the alleged assailants of the earlier shooting attack were from.

  Funduq is located just south of Hajja and settlers are expected to target the latter village next.

  There are no reports of any arrests by Israeli security forces who have long been accused of granting impunity to settler extremists who carry out attacks on Palestinians.  video And we shouldn't expect to see arrests or even serious investigation due to the fact that the criminal minister of internal "Insecurity" Ben Gvir applauds and encourages these actions and has given instructions to the police force, now his militia, to do nothing in cases of attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian villages

  
  Settlers rampage through Palestinian villages after terror shooting
  

  Settlers rampaged through several Palestinian villages throughout the West Bank after a deadly shooting attack that killed three Israelis on Monday morning, the Yesh Din rights groups reports.

  Targeted Palestinian towns included al-Funduq — where the suspects in the shooting attack were from — Hajja, Turmusaya and Immatain, Yesh Din says.

  Footage from several of those towns shows cars doused by settlers going up in flames.

  “Once again, the army is doing nothing to prevent settler violence. This time, too, the writing was on the wall, and notices calling for riots in the villages were distributed publicly among settlers. This is what the Wild West looks like,” says Yesh Din. 
  Indeed, rights groups had publicized the messages posted on far-right Israeli social media groups calling on members to join in on rampages later today aimed at “erasing al-Funduq.” While the rights groups had called on authorities to take preventative actions, it does not appear that any were taken. VIDEOS

Politics and the War (general news)

• Aiming to reduce dependence on US, Israeli firm to produce heavy bombs, other materials for IDF
  

  The Defense Ministry has signed two major deals with Elbit Systems for the arms contractor to supply the military with thousands of heavy bombs and establish a new plant to manufacture raw materials.

  The two deals are estimated at NIS 1 billion ($275 million).

  The ministry says the agreements are “crucial for enhancing the IDF’s operational endurance and force build-up capabilities.”

  Under the first agreement, Elbit will supply thousands of heavy air munitions used by the Israeli Air Force. This will apparently reduce Israel’s need to rely on the United States, which in late spring held up a shipment of heavy bombs.

  Under the second agreement, Elbit will establish a “national raw materials plant to produce raw materials that were sourced mainly from abroad before the war.”

  “The new facility will feature advanced production lines for energetic materials that Israel’s defense industry uses,” the ministry says, adding that the project is expected to “strengthen domestic manufacturing independence and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.”

  
  
  

The Region and the World

•    Top US diplomat visits Israel to expedite probes into Palestinian Americans killed by IDF in West Bank
  

  A senior US State Department official is in Israel this week to urge the government to wrap up ongoing investigations into Palestinian Americans killed by Israeli troops in the West Bank and improve treatment of Palestinian Americans at border crossings in order to maintain membership in the US Visa Waiver program.

  “During her visit, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter will meet with US Embassy staff in both cities to tour consular operations and meet with US citizens in Israel and the West Bank impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict,” the State Department says.

  “Bitter will also engage with Israeli officials to emphasize the need to complete investigations into the recent killings of US citizens in the West Bank, ensure fair and reciprocal treatment of US citizens traveling to and through Israel, and reinforce continued cooperation in providing consular assistance to US citizens,” the US readout adds.
• For a daily dose of hypocrisy

  Hamas official vows legal action against Blinken for ‘partnership’ in Israeli ‘crimes’
  

  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be prosecuted for his role in the war in Gaza, says a senior Hamas official.

  “His statements are misleading and we do not trust them, and his partnership in the crimes against our people will be pursued legally,” threatens Hamas politburo member Osama Hamdan at a press conference in Algeria, calling Blinken “a partner in the war of extermination.”

  In a weekend interview with The New York Times, Blinken put the blame squarely on Hamas for the failure to reach a hostage release agreement.

  “What we’ve seen time and again is Hamas not concluding a deal that it should have concluded,” Blinken said.

  “Why there hasn’t been a unanimous chorus around the world for Hamas to put down its weapons, to give up the hostages, to surrender — I don’t know what the answer is to that. Israel, on various occasions, has offered safe passage to Hamas’s leadership and fighters out of Gaza. Where is the world? Where is the world saying, Yeah, do that! End this! Stop the suffering of people that you brought on!” he said.

  Hamdan claims that negotiations with Israel have proven that the only way to achieve rights for the Palestinians is by force.

  “We are determined to stop the aggression and for the enemy to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, and for relief and reconstruction to be without Israeli conditions,” says Hamdan. “We hope that this will be achieved as soon as possible.”

  He calls for a “national committee” to manage Gaza and “block the path of every corrupt argument that seeks to oppress our people.”

  Indirect talks on a potential hostage deal between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar, but progress has been slow.

  Hamdan says that Hamas hopes that Syria “will remain in the position of resistance” due to Israel’s control of the Golan Heights and beyond. “One of the most important values ​​launched by Al-Aqsa Flood [the Hamas name for the October 7, 2023, terror onslaught] is that peoples will not be liberated except through resistance.”

  Referring to a wave of legal complaints against IDF soldiers vacationing abroad, Hamdan says that “pursuing Zionist war criminals is a Palestinian national goal and a goal for all free people in the world. Those who raised the case in Brazil and elsewhere are people whose consciences pushed them to take action against the crimes of the occupation. Those who commit crimes of genocide must be pursued all over the world.”

Personal Stories

  

“The First Time I Dared to Dance Again Opened My Mind”: A Support Initiative for Nova Survivors

As Israel struggled to recover from the shock of the October 7 events, Nova festival survivors and their families faced a series of challenges for which there was no institutional response. Those who stepped in to help were the Jewish community of New York, donating over 10 million shekels to various organizations and initiatives assisting in the recovery process. “Without them, we’d be in a completely different place,” says Naama Shmulevitz, co-founder of the Nova Tribe organization.

“At first, it was very hard for me to leave the house,” recalls Orian Steif, a survivor of the Nova Festival massacre. Steif, like many others who endured the horrors, survived physically but carried deep emotional scars. “I was in a very dark place,” she says. “I couldn’t even comprehend what post-trauma or trauma was, or what I had experienced there.” The loss of trust in her surroundings and the emotional burden led to negative thoughts.

The Jewish Federation of New York (UJA) was among those who came to the aid of Steif and other survivors. This philanthropic organization supported several charities established after October 7, including Nova Tribe, an organization founded by the party’s producers. “The Diaspora Jews were there for us from the start,” says Naama Shmulevitz. “We formed an incredible bond based on mutual trust. Their support allowed us to expand our activities—community days, wellness events, and social workshops. It wasn’t just financial aid; it was a true partnership. Without the federation, we’d be in a completely different place.”

Monumental Aid Efforts

The aid provided to Nova survivors is part of a large-scale support network initiated by the New York Federation for those affected by the war. Through partner organizations assisting survivors, 10 million shekels have been donated to establish facilities focused on mental health support and recovery. Community events were held, and rehabilitation programs for survivors, their families, and bereaved families were launched.

“This is an unprecedented event the likes of which the world has never seen,” says Gabriel Sood, Director of Government Relations at the New York Federation. “Hundreds of people murdered and dozens taken hostage at a party. How can you respond to such an event? It required us to think differently, to look for creative solutions. If anything characterizes the Nova community, it’s exactly that—creative people, social entrepreneurs who, just days after the massacre, came to us with innovative initiatives to help the survivors.”

“People Are Still Living the Event”

One of these initiatives is Safe Heart, a support program for survivors. Efrat Eton, the organization’s CEO, explains: “Our organization was founded by people who had already been providing mental health spaces at parties for years. By October 7, we had already started operating. We set up a website and reached out to people who were at the party to connect them with therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Within two weeks, 500 therapists volunteered to help 2,500 people. Initially, we thought this would be short-term, like damage control. By mid-October, we realized we had misjudged. This is a terror event that began on October 7 and is still ongoing. People are still living it. So we decided to formally establish the organization.”

“Beyond providing individual assistance,” Sood explains, “we quickly realized that the cornerstone of our strategy with the party survivors needed to be the community—not just the survivors, but also the bereaved families and the survivors’ families, as well as the broader community. Just days after October 7, the party organizers set a goal: ‘We will dance again.’ They embarked on a journey to heal and rebuild the community, and we knew it was our role to be there for them.”

The Jewish community’s support allowed not only for an immediate response but also for the creation of long-term solutions. “Our donors in New York understood that this commitment extends beyond an emergency—it’s an ongoing partnership,” Sood emphasizes.

A Path to Healing

Eton elaborates: “The federation is our most significant partner. By December-January, we were in intensive contact with them. They not only provided financial support but also connected us with additional funds, the government, and strategic partnerships. They helped us create retreats and group processes for survivors and their families, through which they learned they are not alone.”

To date, the organization has supported approximately 3,000 survivors and 500 family members, with over 1,000 individuals actively receiving private therapy. Over the past year, 26,000 hours of therapy have been provided.

“The first time I dared to dance again after a period when I couldn’t even listen to music opened my mind,” says Steif. “I realized it’s okay not to feel okay. I have people to rely on, and my strength comes from the community.”

A Long Road Ahead

Despite these extensive efforts, many survivors still have a long way to go toward recovery. “Most survivors have not yet returned to their routine,” Eton emphasizes. “They need continued support from the community and the state. We are committed to standing by them and ensuring they are not alone. The event is still very much alive. We are concerned and understand how much work lies ahead and how much the survivors still need us.” link

BROKEN DREAMS

Agam Berger

Agam dreams to fly to New York after the army to learn there and to be in NYC for two years

Naama Levy

Naama is a triathlon competitor. Her dream is to participate in a "Half Ironman" competition with her friend. She wants to study abroad in the future, start her life's journey, and experience everything the big world has to offer a girl her age.

David Cunio

David dreams of succeeding in the new business he established in Nir Oz, spending time with his family - Sharon and the twins Juli and Emma - and always staying close to them.

Dark Legacy - The Abandonment of October 7th Hostages

One Day

Judith Rotem

Author.

One day, many years ago, when he was serving as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, I saw Benjamin Netanyahu on TV. I don’t remember what the speech was about or why I happened to watch it (I was an ultra-Orthodox woman at the time, and having a television in our home was absolutely forbidden), but I do recall his authoritative voice, his polished English, and his impressive demeanor. I felt a sense of pride knowing we had an envoy we could rely on.

Even though I was never counted as one of his fans and admirers, I felt a certain respect for him, the kind one feels toward a ruling authority. I, who never once agreed to serve on a parents׳ committee when my children were in school, and who proved to be an abject failure during my short stint on the tenants’ committee, have great respect and gratitude for those who undertake public service of any kind, for the common good and the country. But as time went by, to our great misfortune, Netanyahu became an individual who does with the country whatever he likes. In recent years, and all the more so during this calamitous past year, his private self has extinguished his public self, entirely, down to the last drop.  A short time after the war broke out, it struck me that everything Netanyahu does is meant to serve his own personal interests, including this pointless war. This thought was so frightening, so terrifying, that I didn’t dare to put it into words for quite some time.

In my despair, I try to draw inspiration from our sages. On the cryptic passage, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth,” (Ecclesiastes, 7:1) they offer the following interpretation:

A large crowd gathers on a pier to see off a ship that is about to set sail. Everyone is clapping, waving goodbye, cheering, and blowing kisses. One wise man stands to the side alone, scoffing.

“You fools, what does this mirth accomplish?” he asks. “Do you know what awaits this ship at sea? Perhaps it will capsize in a storm. Perhaps it will collide with an iceberg. Perhaps pirates will seize it, kill its passengers, and pillage its cargo. Wait until it returns from its journey, and then cheer and rejoice as much as you like.”

Consider this parallel: Everyone is overjoyed when a baby is born, but we don’t know how his life will unfold. Perhaps his life will be bleak and full of misery. Perhaps he will behave wickedly to those who surround him, and shame those who love him. But when a man leaves this world with a good reputation and good deeds, he leaves behind a fine and unforgettable legacy for generations to come.

Netanyahu isn’t a child gone rogue, but a leader who has grown wild. We have known for some time about the skeletons in his closet, but the Israeli People, with their historical memory, will judge him by this endless war that is devouring its warriors; by the hostages who are being wasted away, abandoned in their captivity; by their withering families; by the people uprooted from their homes; by the desolate communities; by the young who are losing a future here.

Were it not for the risk of being called naïve, I would cry out to him, “Recant, while you’re still in your right mind!”

Acronyms and Glossary

COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories

ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague

IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague

MDA - Magen David Adom - Israel Ambulance Corp

PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen

PMO- Prime Minister's Office

UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission

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