"When G-d will return the captivity of Zion, we will be like dreamers. Then our mouths will be filled with laughter and our tongues with glad song." Psalm 126
Once again, I’d planned a completely different post for today, but sometimes Life (G-d) brings you something so important, something that grabs you by the collar and looks you in the eyes. So it is now.
When my husband was first diagnosed with a “terminal” cancer… that’s what the first oncologist told us…. I realized that this fear that gripped me and stole my breath and my insides was not how I would choose to live. Instead we took a different path – one of faith in HaShem (the ineffable name of G-d); one of life and laughter and love and beauty and gratitude and good report. We were able to change doctors and hospitals in an instant (thank you HaShem and thank you to our dear friend, Efrat!!!). We walked THROUGH the valley of the SHADOW (not real) of death and now seven years later, here we are! Thank you G-d: Todah laShem!
Please. Watch this video. It might be the most important and life changing thing you will do. Nothing is by accident. I bring you an interview with the mother of a former hostage in Gaza, Omer ShemTov (his name actually translates to ‘I say G-d is good”. She eloquently and passionately speaks of how her faith and attitude kept her through his captivity. She is an inspiration!!!
All of the nation of Israel is rejoicing in the return of the captives. We’ve endured two long years of their separation from us. Even though we may not know them all personally, we have their names etched into our souls. We know their stories. We’ve seen their faces ever present before us on posters, on bumper stickers, at bus stops and train stations. In our post offices. And stores. They are all a part of this one big extended family we have in Israel. We are all connected.
We are beginning to take off our yellow ribbons. Upon our arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, people were already working to take down the posters and shrines to each of the hostages that had lined the long entrance to the main terminal. Despite the joy, we are asking at what price has this deal been made? Yes. Every singly life is like a universe and every single hostage taken by these terrorists is special and important, but let’s look at the deal: this trade.
251 people were taken captive by Hamas, both alive and already dead (7 October, 2023). The last of the living were returned last week, just 20 men in all. 29 corpses remained, held hostage still in Gaza. Hamas claims through the Red Cross, that it still cannot locate all of the remains of bodies. The Red Cross (who never once made contact with any of the living) said “the recovery of all the bodies will be a massive challenge and some may never be found.”
On Wednesday the bodies of Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, Eitan Levi ware returned. The fourth body was also examined by DNA and found to be a Gazan. It was not a hostage at all. Since then four more have been found and returned.
Tamir Nimrodi, taken at age 18 from the Erez Border Crossing
Tamir’s mother was “still hanging on to hope” that her son was among those still alive. There had been no sign of life from him, but that did not mean he had been killed. An IDF education officer (training soldiers on moral conduct) was last seen on an AlJazeera/TikTok upload barefoot and without his glasses being taken on motorcycle by Gazan civilians.
Uriel Baruch, 35, taken from the Nova music festival
The father of two was described as a “man of joy, happiness and eternal smile,” according to his father-in-law. He was a construction worker who loved to dance to techno music. He loved going to festivals and concerts, where he met his wife. His sons are aged 5 and 8.
Eitan Levi, 53 taken from Route 232
Eitan Levi was a taxi driver. He was murdered in cold blood by Hamas gunmen on Route 232 before his body was abducted into Gaza. He was trying to rescue trapped festival goers to bring them to safety.He had called his son, Shankar, to tell him of the Hams ambush and missiles flying overhead. While on the phone, Shahar heard Arabic shouting and shooting before the call was disconnected. So-called innocent civilians were seen on video upload kicking and beating his dead body as it was dragged through the streets of Gaza City on 7 October. He is described as a “devoted father and quiet, gentle family man.” The highlight of his week was Friday night Shabbat dinner with his family.
Yossi Sharabi, 53 taken from Kibbutz Be’eri
On the morning of 7 October, 2023 the sleepy kibbutz of Be’eri was awakened to the unreal nightmare of a full scale Hamas terrorist invasion. Homes were broken into and burned, with people still alive in them. Women and young girls were brutally gang raped and dragged outside to be mutilated and shot. Families were separated. Many were kidnapped. Eli and Yossi Sharabi, brothers and neighbors, were both taken as captives. Eli’s wife and two daughters were killed (unbeknownst to him). Eli was released this past February, skin and bones. He was told his family was waiting for him. His brother, Yossi, had died of untreated wounds while in captivity, reported the IDF in January, 2024. He was finally brought home and laid to rest in the family plot at Be’eri.
Bipin Joshi, 23
Young Bipin Joshi was from Nepal. He was not Jewish or Israeli, but Hindu. Let that sink in. He had only been in Israel for about a month, to study agricultural techniques on Kibbutz Alumim. He was one of 17 Nepalese students on the kibbutz. Bipin valiantly defended the kibbutz residents from the Hamas attack by throwing back the grenades that had been thrown inside the shelter. He was injured and somehow caught and taken into Gaza. Reports are still unclear as to his exact capture and death. His mother and younger sister, Pushpa, traveled multiple times to Kathmandu, Israel and the United States to advocate for his release. Ten other Nepalese students were killed that day, their bodies returned to Nepal for burial.
Israel still awaits the discovery and return of 19 other bodies. In return for both the 20 live and all bodies held captive, Israel agreed to the release of 2000 hardened prisoners. Let us learn about a few of those who were released back into Gaza, Judaea and Samaria, and East Jerusalem. They have been tried and convicted. 250 were serving life sentences.
At least 160 of the newly freed prisoners leave not only as heroes, but as “terrorist millionaires.” Under the Palestinian Authority (Mahmoud Abbas/Abu Magen) and the Pay to Slay program, a terrorist and his family are awarded huge sums of money for each person they kill. If a jihadist becomes a shahid, or is killed during an attack or capture, their family is awarded a lifetime martyr’s salary. Abbas never ended the payment of terrorists and their families, although he has promised multiple times to do so. To date, over $70 million has been funneled to the PA from the EU, UK, and UN Humanitarian programs. The US under the Obama and Biden administrations also sent millions to the Palestinian Authority, which was sanctioned as a terrorist sponsor under Trump.
Iyad Abu Al-Rub
Al-Rub served as an Islamic Jihad commander in Jenin, Samaria (West Bank). He planned and helped execute several deadly attacks: a June, 2003 grocery store suicide bombing in which a 12 year old wearing a suicide vest was detonated in a busy shopping site. The Sting Club bombing in Tel Aviv in February, 2004 and the Hadera Market suicide attack in2005.
Al- Rub left prison with at least 1,067,600 NIS/shekels. Equivalent to $323,800. His family has also received at least the equivalent of $801,323 from the PA.
Riyad Al-Amor
Member of the Bethlehem jihadist terror cell responsible for multiple attacks during the Second Intifada. Killed 9 Israelis, 3 Arab Christians. Serving 11 life sentences. He leaves prison with nearly 1,300,000 NIS/shekels. That translates to almost $400,000. He was also tried and sentenced for the kidnapping and murder of 72 year old Avi Boaz, from Samaria.
Ahmad Jamal Ahmad Qanba
Palestinian Authority police officer who participated in the 2000 Ramallah lynching , leaves Israeli prison with $478,362 in his bank account. Direct deposit. His family has been collecting over $250,000.
Ahmad Kaabneh
Murdered two women in14997, Hagit Zawitsky from Kfar Adumim and Liat Kastiel from Holon. Serving two life sentences.
Mohammad Shmasneh
Hamas commander serving life for murdering four. He leaves with nearly 2 million NIS/shekels – roughly $555,500. Kidnapped two Israeli teenagers and a taxi driver in 1990 and an IDF soldier in 2001. His family has been paid over a million dollars by the PA over the past two decades.
Mahmoud Moussa Issa
Hamas leader.Sentenced to 30 years behind bars. Kidnapped and murdered Border Police officer Nissan Toledano, 29, in 1992. A former member of the PA, he joined Hamas in the late 90s. Helped establish “military cells in Jerusalem” according to the Palestinian Information Center. Helped plan and take part in the Al Qassam Brigades 7October attacks. He leaves prison a rich man, receiving over $600,000 from the PA.
Imad Salah Abd Al-Fattah Qawasmeh
Senior Hamas terrorist responsible for several deadly attacks against Israelis. One such killed 16 and injured more than 100. Serving 16 life sentences on charges ranging from weapons trafficking to murder. He has earned more than 1,135,000 NIS or $345,250. His family has received $922,431.
Jihad a-Karin Aziz
Participated in lynching of IDF reservists, Vadim Norzitch and Yosef Avrahami (2000) and the abduction/murder of Yuri Gushchin (2001).
Baher Badr
Responsible for 2004 Tzirfin bombing planned with Al-Rub (see above). Sentenced to 11 life sentences.
Jihad Rum
Murdered teenager, Yuri Goshtsin from Piaget Zeev in 2001.
Ayham Kamamgi
Al Aqsa Brigade commander in Jenin, Samaria. Sentenced to two life sentences for kidnapping and murder of Eliyahu Oshri.
Many of the released prisoners have received heroes’ welcomes when they returned to Gaza, Judaea and Samaria. Sweets and candies were handed out in celebration of their return. NBC, BBC, and CNN reported on “joyous scenes inside the Palestinian Territories.” As the bus loads of prisoners made their way into the area, they were met with parades and the shooting off of guns into the air.
It’s been a long couple months, but we are back safe and fairly sound (still recuperating) from our adventures in England and Amsterdam. My son graduated university with a masters in Public Policy and is now looking for employment in the E.U. His fiancé lives in the Netherlands, so we took a short trip to visit with he family there.
After a most glorious and incredibly jam-packed stay in London, most of our time was spent in the gorgeous English Derbyshire countryside (they pronounce it ‘Darbysher’) with our daughter, her husband and two small children. They’ve requested not to post photos of names of the kids, so….the newborn granddaughter was teeny, tiny, soft and gentle. Holding a baby again – well, there’s absolutely nothing like it! The grandson turned two last week. An incredibly smart and inquisitive and fast as lightening adorable little imp who is both a bundle of joy and a mischievous imp into everything. He thinks he can cook, make a pot of tea, and drive a car…. all very dangerous. But he is amazing and we love them all so much.
We were able to take quite a few long weekend trips together: Chatsworth Estate where Pride and Prejudice was filmed; the Medieval estate, Haddon Hall; quaint villages and hamlets. Small artisanal dairies (Red Leicester, Stilton, Cheddars), charity shops and antique shops emptied our wallets. I had to buy two more huge suitcases!
Rosh haShannah was the start of the Jewish fall festivals. I decided to attend synagogue in Leicester. It was a large, stately red brick building, quite historical from the 1800s. They used to have a school and community center across the street, but it was sold several years ago as the Jewish population had dwindled and the upkeep of the properties too costly. Now the buildings are an Islamic center and a mosque. The once upscale neighborhood of large brick townhouses are now marked by trash outside and Palestinian flags flying from every home. Burkas and hijabs are standard fare. I was more than shocked that there was no police presence outside. Not a good feeling. It was actually quite terrifying as I was scouting out the place for unsavory suspects. In addition, there was no armed quart at the doors (a given in California, unheard of in Israel). Services were absolutely lovely, but not terribly well attended.
I had decided that we would go to synagogue for Yom Kippur in Manchester, a much larger city. Except every single one of us including the kids came down with the flu. That was the day an armed Arab terrorist ran into a group of synagogue-goers before shooting and stabbing his way through the crowd. He claimed to have explosives tied to his body. Thankfully police were close by and he was neutralized. I’d had an ominous feeling that something awful would happen.
Since then, in world news, the flotilla to Gaza with Greta Thunberg, Susan Sarandon and other notables made their way to Israel supposedly carrying lots of aid for the residents of Gaza. Only, they were stopped by the IDF navy before they could enter war zone. The boats carried absolutely no humanitarian aid. About 100 activists had abandoned the flotilla and decided to reach Gaza through the Israeli border by foot. They were promptly arrested. The BBC only reported Thunberg’s statements of “dehumanization and torture in the Israeli dungeon.” They had to sleep on hard mattresses on the floor and the sandwiches given them were very dry. A guard pulled Greta’s hair at one point, which was her version of torture.
All of the BBC news was absolutely antithetical to Israel. Every report spoke of genocide and forced starvation of the Palestinians. Israel, the colonial aggressor, was indiscriminately bombing and leveling civilian areas according to BBC. And Prime Minister Kier Starmer publicly recognized Palestine as a state at the UN. Also, while we were in the UK, there was a march in London led by Tommy Robinson. A few days after Charlie Kirk was assassinated, the rally was anti immigration, pro Israel, standing for taking back Western civilization and culture which is disappearing in Britain. The BBC reported about 60,000 participants but aerial footage estimated the rally neared 800,00 people.
The week following, a woman was arrested for waving the Union Jack in public, and scores of elderly and disabled people throughout the country were arrested for social media postings that were deemed “upsetting” because they came against the government or were anti immigrant, flags of England and of the UK started popping up everywhere. Soon every town had flags and banners hanging. Houses were proudly hailing their red, white and blue, and the Union Jacks were waving from most highway overpasses. It seems the Brits are beginning to wake up.
Everyone now knows about the Trump MidEast deal and all the fanfare that went with it. I’ll write more about that deal in another post, but we are crying tears of joy that 20 hostages were released alive after exactly two years of living hell. Hamas was supposed to release all live hostages and return the 29 dead bodies they were keeping within 72 hours of the signing of the deal.
Israel set free 195 Jihadi prisoners serving life sentences for mass murders, planning massacres of Israelis, car rammings, multiple stabbings, and detonating bombs in grocery stores, nightclubs and on busses. They also released 2000 additional prisoners, most were terrorists caught in Gaza for committing the 7 October atrocities and for fighting as “civilian” Hamas militants.
We were all glued to the internet crying tears of joy as our prayers were answered. Thank you HaShem! 20 live hostages were brought back to their border. All Israel was blazing with joy as the grief of exactly 2 years finally seemed to be ending. The returning men were welcome,ed with tears, hugs and kisses by their families. And the entire country was dancing and singing. Such a part, the likes that Israel had never seen. Thousands of people were rejoicing at the Western Wall. Also thousands dancing in praise to G-d at the Nova music festival site.
As expected, Hamas has delayed and has not returned the promised bodies they are holding. At first, 4 people were brought back. Then four more, one of whom was identified as a Gazan, not an Israeli. Two more were returned after extreme threats and pressure by Trump, Israel and several Arab countries. The other 20 cannot be located, or so they say. As far as John and I are concerned, the agreement has been violated and now is the time to disarm them completely. No questions asked. No more time given. No more excuses accepted.
Footage is being shown from inside Gaza that Hamas is publicly executing hundreds of Gazan civilians in the streets in order to to reassert their control. It seems that families are fighting families, with different clans trying to gain dominance. It’s being reported that Khan Younis and Gaza City are experiencing all-out chaos. And those openly associated with Hamas are unwilling to disarm or give up power. So much for Phase 2.
It’s nearing Shabbat prep time, and I still have loads of laundry and unpacking to do. We’re still fighting nasty coughs and the creeping crud, and both John and I are more than a bit exhausted. So much other stuff happened while we were away (deaths in the family; infighting within a group I was in…I was on the Board of Directors of an Inter-religious Dialogue group. The “Israelis” (me included) were invited to retire due to political unease. This has dragged on for weeks now and I’m drained.) Being with my kids and grandkids was a tremendous blessing and source of joy, but it is so wonderful to be back home in Israel. There is no other country like this one on earth. Shabbat shalom.
These are the intermediate days of the (in Israel) 7 day Passover Holiday. All the children are off school. Families are taking vacations or going on field trips. Things are relatively quiet here. And I am spending the week at home, gardening, organizing and getting much needed rest. Despite grand plans of day trips and museum visits, I’m being a slug. Our houseguests from Vienna never arrived, and I’m taking advantage of all the extra time. Spring has officially arrived and the weather is glorious! All the trees are in full bloom.
So instead of getting into the war and all the intrigue about who knew what and when which has come forth in the past couple weeks, I choose to focus on the good.
The first story is the tale of a discovery and reunion.It is being seen as a small miracle from 7 October after over 18 months in Gaza. It was an emotional day yesterday when Rachel Danzig was reunited with her beloved Billy, a 3 1/2 year old King Charles Spaniel. Billy, was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz into Gaza by Palestinian civilian terrorists. Rachel’s husband, Alex,76, was also kidnapped (subsequently murdered and still remains there). Many of Rachel’s family and close friends were slaughtered that day.
Last Thursday, a reservist, Aviad S., discovered Billy in Rafah, Gaza. He carried the dog back to his unit and took her into his care.. Billy even spent Passover with the soldiers before being brought safely back to Israel. Tuesday, a vet confirmed by microchip implanted in Billy that the dog belonged to Danzig and yesterday, the long-awaited reuinion took place. Billy leapt into Rachel’s arms, tail wagging and licking her. The family, still in mourning, described the moment as “a miracle from heaven.”
Since Billy’s captivity, the family had adopted another Kig Charles Spaniel, believing Billy would never return. Now both dogs will live together, a symbol of resilience and healing in the face of unimaginable tragedy. This story struck at the heartstrings of Israelis, still reeling after the events of 7 October, a small sliver of goodness and a reminder that miracles do happen.
Recently released hostage, Sasha Trouvanov was in the United States a couple weeks ago. He visited the White a house and spoke with President Trump. He also had the opportunity to speak with various organizations and at Jewish synagogues on the East Coast. At a Palm Beach Synagogue, he gave testimony yesterday of how he found G-d while in captivity.
Before October 7, I didn’t believe in G-d at all. . I was raised in a community they was atheist. g-d has no place in my life at all. During the time I was held in Gaza and the tough things I went through, step by step I got the place to think to reflect about my life, what I’ve been through, what I’ve done before 7 October, and the event itself and what I am doing now in this time in this place. I am in Gaza and I start reflecting on my life and thinking about what is life itself. Is G-d real or not. I came to understanding that the is G-d and it gave me a lot of strength. Believing. Being g able to pray. Finding strength from prayer. Being able to understand that well maybe I’m in tough moment right now. Maybe G-d put me in a place that is tough… it’s very sad. You are alone and feel very alone. Very vulnerable. It’s my choice what I’m d9g with it. I can be sad I can be depressed or I can find strength do things that will help me get out of this situation. To find happiness even if there is not a lot to be happy for. I chose the second choice. I choose G-d. It’s helped me a lot. It’s helped me when my life was in danger. It helped me going through hardships as well as physically and helped my soul a lot. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to find this belief in G-d during this tough time.
Not only is Sasha back to safety with his now-fiancée, who was released in 2024, but he is studying the Scriptures with a rabbi and learning about Judaism. Because he is a Cohen, part of the priestly line, Sasha was invited to be one of the Cohenim to give the priestly blessing to the crowds gathered at the Western Wall this Passover.
Of the hostages taken from Israel into Gaza were the Americans, Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva. Every weekend before that horrific day, the family would gather together for an American style pancake breakfast, made with love by Keith. It filled their home with joy and love, and the scent of maple syrup. On Simchat Torah, 2023, their Saturdays were shattered when their community was breached and they were abducted by the terrorists, their home destroyed. Aviva was released in December of ‘23, but Keith remained in the underground tunnels for 484 harrowing days. He was isolated, abused and starved before his release a little over 2 months ago.
Now that he’s back home and together with family, he’s joyfully sharing the family tradition with the public. In Sarona Market, Tel Aviv, he’s exuding hope, resilience and healing with his pop-up – Keith Siegel’s Pancake House. “In captivity, food was a rare commodity. I didn’t allow myself to think about pancakes,” stated Siegel. “ I was amazed when I came back and discovered that everyone. Israel was making them in my honor. It moved me deeply.” These days, lines to buy Siegel’s pancakes stretch around the block. It’s a message to the world. He asks the customers to remember the remaining 59 captives with every bite. All proceeds go to family recovery projects and for therapy for them and other victims. “This pancake house isn’t just about food. It’s about not giving up. It’s about remembering.”
Aviva and Keith Siegel and their daughter, Shir, at the Pancake House
We here in Israel have recently found out the heroism and bravery of IDF soldier, Eden Nimri, 22. Liri Albag, one of the female Israeli girl soldiers released two months ago met with the parents of Eden Nimri to share with them the details of their daughter’s valor during her last hours at the Battle of Nahal Oz Shelter. Despite 10 people murdered by the Hamas terrorists that day, and the 7 IDF soldiers being captured into Gaza, Eden kept firing at the terrorists. The Hamas terrorists tossed smoke grenades into the shelter where soldiers had taken cover. Her efforts allowed 14 to escape and then remained the last soldier armed in the shelter until she ran out of ammunition. Hamas then threw three more smoke bombs in which were tossed back out by Karina Ariev (also captured, just released) and Shiraz Yam Amar, who was killed. Eden then fought off several terrorists with her bare hands!!! until she, herself, was shot and killed. Altogether, Eden was responsible for saving the lives of 19 soldiers.
Before this war is over, I am sure we will be hearing the stories of our valiant young people and how they stared down terrorists bent on evil and destruction. Stories are just now coming out as people are in therapy sessions, willing to speak with news outlets about their ordeals and as more hostages are released.
The birth rate is up 14% since the war began. Couples are still getting engaged and married at an incredible pace. Grand engagement parties are being sponsored by IDF battalions as a soldier pops the question (always on blended knee) to his intended. The Jewish people are celebrating the true meaning of the holidays as never before. People are finding faith in G-d and I do believe that Israel is growing stronger and more solid in their faith. It is a healthy sign and gives hope that things will be better soon.
We’re now in the US for a month as my daughter was due with her second baby almost two weeks ago. Great news, finally late last night she had a peaceful, joyful home birth with a midwife. There were no complications. She had a baby girl, 6 pounds 12 ounces (3.07 kg) and the happy family are resting comfortably. John and I are in a hotel taking care of her 3 year old big brother. Later, a zoo trip is in order.
But first, I’ve been carefully watching all the news from the Israeli side – absolutely none of which has been reported on any news stations or paper here. So last night’s declaration of war on Gaza came as a surprise to many. Over the three weeks, the US has been involved (with Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Hamas) in intense hostage negotiation and continuation of the cease-fire talks.
Hamas refused every single offer put on the table. Israel, in good faith, continued offering an emptying of prisons of many remaining convicted terrorists including all who have been captured during the war over the past 17 months. They tried to negotiate a ceasefire through the end of April. And a rebuilding of Gaza. The US envoy with Steve Witcoff attempted to secure the release of eleven hostages: one American who is still alive; three that were known to need intensive hospitalization and eight bodies including those of 4 Americans. Then they asked for the return of 5 – one alive, 4 dead. All requests were denied. 59 hostages are still in captivity. Those alive are suffering greatly as per the reports from the recently released hostages.
Hamas has violated every single ceasefire from October, 2023 onward. They have launched missiles during a pause of fighting. They have delayed in releasing names of hostages to be set free. Hamas returned the body of an unknown woman in the coffin which was supposed to hold Shari Bibas (it was soon rectified). They delayed the release of hostages in order to stage elaborate propaganda sets. They have sent little children as young as 4 years old, to the border and to IDF outposts to ‘spy out’ the troops and territory (just last week). They have continued to dig tunnels and pour cement to reinforce the tunnels even as there was a pause in fighting. And weapons caches have been found smuggled in through both Egypt and through humanitarian aid shipments.
On the 20th February, Hamas-associated operatives operating from Judaea/Samaria (West Bank) infiltrated into Israel planting bomb on busses in 5 Israeli cities. There have been dozens of stabbing and shooting attacks throughout Israel during the ceasefire. The White House reports that Hamas leaders will not agree to any reasonable offer to end the war.
Last night Israel proceeded with “Operation Strength and Sword,” a preemptive campaign designed to prevent another surprise incursion by Hamas operatives into Israeli territory. Troop movements were detected and intelligence picked up as to their intent to execute another 7 October attack. The military operation, a return to war, was designedto force Hamas back to the negotiating table. It is a limited measure.
The decision to resume airstrikes on Gaza was approved unanimously by all the ministers of Israel’s security agencies as well as both present IDF Chief of Staff and past head, Former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. Israel began targeted strikes (NOT indiscriminate bombing) last night from the sea and air. The IDF identified over 100 terror targets aimed at many top and mid-level commanders. At least 12 senior officials have been eliminated including:
Major General Mahmoud Abu Wafta, Undersecretary of Gaza’s Interior Ministry. He was responsible for the rebuilding of destroyed Hamas infrastructure.
Brigadier general Bahjat Abu Sultan, head of central operations
Abu Obeida Al-Jamasi, senior member of Hamas political and propaganda/journalism bureau
Abu Omar Al-khatta, Secretary General of Gaza’s Ministry of Justice
Abu Hamza, Spokesman for Islamic Jihad
Hassan Al-Naam Abu Ali, Senior member of PIJ
Some of their homes that were bombed in the surprise attack also housed their wives and children, who were also killed.
A statement from the Hostage Families Forum was just released:
The greatest fear of the families, the hostages and the citizens of Israel [not all by any means, my addition] has come true. The Israeli government has chosen to abandon the hostages. We are shocked, outraged and terrified at the deliberate collapse of the process to return our loved ones from Hamas captivity. Resuming the war will put the remaining 59 [ many are corpses being held] at greater risk.
In other news, in Syria, the Al-Julani regime now in power have killed over 8,000 Christians, Alawites and Kurds in systematic emptying of villages and executions. This has happened in Latakia, Hamas, Homs, Jablah and outlying towns. Over 150 Druze elders from the mountain villages bordering Israel on the slope of Mt. Hermon, were allowed entry into Israel to visit the holy shrines of their saints. These included the tombs of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law; the prophet Sabalan/Zebulon, and 2 others. It was the first time the Druze communities have been reunited since 1948. They were hosted for an overnight stay and meeting with the heads of the Israeli Druze communities.
Druze sheiks from Syria visit Israel
IDF air strikes targeting remaining chemical weapons storage facilities near Damascus and other weapons depots resumed in Syria over the past two days. Israel does not want these to fall into the hands of terrorist insurgents. Also, several targeted strikes by the IAF were made on Hizbulla tunnels and strongholds in Lebanon. Hizbulla, also, has been continually violating the terms of their ceasefire. Israel is now on the offensive in preventing further attacks on the citizens of Israel, hoping that all those displaced from the northern border towns and villages will soon be able to return.
The Trump administration has been bombing key missile sites and ports in Yemen to put down the Houthi regime. They have been putting a stranglehold on shipping in the Red Sea/Gulf of Adan/Arabian Sea. As I was writing this article, at exactly 10am California time/ 7pm Israel time, the Houthis launched missiles from Yemen headed towards both Dimona, the nuclear reactor site, and Ben Gurion airport. The airport closed all operations temporarily. Iron Dome was able to intercept both warheads.
In the meantime, we have begun to get news from the MidEast on television here. The Gaza Red Cresent (health ministry) is reporting over 1700 children have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. It is interesting to note, that the people who cannot keep count and location of 59 remaining hostages are able to give a death toll in less than 12 hours. Israel has estimated that just over 300 people total have been killed, but this is just a proximate count. As far as I know, there has not been any report of troop movement into Gaza.
As for us, John has been a crack trooper in fending off concerted attacks on the cookies and mini fridge. He’s changed 2 diapers, and wrestled the pjs off a wiggling toddler to put on his outfit of the day. Toddler wrangling while I write this post has him in awe of how I managed 4 little ones under the age of 7. The toy cars have been lined up and are ready to roll across the floor. And if I can get myself in gear, we will go to the zoo soon. I’ll try to send a photo of the baby soon…. And if any other news develops, I shall try to report.
Bein haMitzar in Hebrew roughly translates to between the narrow places. Between a rock and a hard place. The straits are narrow and the sides are tall. So what do we do? Take it day by day, pray and push through. That seems to be the Israeli way.
At present we are in a period of relative (relative!) calm. The Houthis are inactive. Hizbulla has been mostly dismantled on the Lebanese border. They have violated their end of the ceasefire on numerous occasions, and the IDF is staying put in 5 strategic places to ensure that they cannot invade Israel Hamas-style as was their original intent in July/August.
The Syrian rebels, although a threat, are fairly well contained in Syria. Israel has the entire Mt. Hermon area, the highest peak and most strategic outlook in the area, with views deep inside both Syria and Lebanon. The Druze and Christian communities, on what was Syrian territory before they abandoned it, are literally begging to be annexed into Israel. They form a protective edge on the Israeli border with Syria. Personally, I say ‘go for it.’ Annex them. They will fight to defend Israel, and if caught by the Rebels, they would face (the peaceful Christians) extreme persecution, even death. Israel is still carrying out precision air strikes to take out lead Hizbulla operatives in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. They are also targeting weapons transfers and weapons storage facilities.
In Lebanon, the new president, Joseph Aoun, has kicked Iranian diplomats out, refusing to let them attend the funeral of Nazralla last week. The new Suni Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in his speech to Parliament, “ We want a country that will have the decision on war and peace in its own hands. A country that is not run with an aggressive mentality but with a defensive mentality, one that will protect its people, and if it has to go to war, it will be done according to the constitution.” With that, they are trying to oust the country of Iranian influence as well as its proxy in terror, Hizbulla. It is asserting its own independence, finally. The country and people have been impoverished and ravaged by endless wars for decades and it seems that they want an end to all this.
Judaea and Samaria remain a huge problem. Over a thousand convicted felons…murderers and those who have planned suicide attacks on Israelis, have been let out of prison into Judaea in Samaria. It is a hotly contested land with both Jewish cities, towns and farms and Arab cities, towns and farms. In Samaria, Jenin, which has always been a hotbed for terrorists, weapons smuggling, drug running and general violence is now being cleaned out by the IDF. They are actively seeking weapons caches and terrorists. Also, Tulkarem is a nest of nefarious activity and is being closely monitored. Several car rammings nd stabbings have been reported in Samaria. Just Friday, 12 people were injured, 2 critically, in a car ramming attack.
In Gaza, phase 1 of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has ended. The agreement, led by US envoy Witkoff, Qatar and Egypt require Israel to pull out of the Philadelphi Corridor. This is the narrow border between Egypt and Gaza. Israel refuses as they need to be able to prevent terrorists from freely crossing the border with weapons. They cannot be allowed to rearm and regroup. We have seen the myriad troops in their uniforms and carrying weapons at the captive release ceremonies. Hamas considers Israel’s non withdrawal policy a breach of the agreement, which they have completely violated on all accounts.
Negotiations are still ongoing, although intelligence reported that Hamas had relocated operatives from southern Gaza back to the North. They still have tunnels ands hidden weapons stockpiles as well as suicide drones laden with explosives, so they still pose a very viable threat to the citizens of Israel. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz staged, “the cease fire was not due to troop exhaustion or lack of munitions, but solely to facilitate the return of the hostages.” Israel has agreed to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan, which is happening now. They will pause in any hostilities for 42 days in exchange for the release of all the non-soldiers male hostages and all in desperate need of medical attention (Alon Ohel) still being held. This would eventually lead to a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has absolutely negated that deal. They have flatly refused. Israel has said that there will be no truce without the release of ALL the hostages. The hostages are their one bargaining chip…
Israel now has three options:
Return to fighting an all-out, no-holds-barred with Hamas in Gaza
Extend ,Phase l and continuing the release of the captives, completely nixed by Hamas last night. Whether this option remains viable, who knows, as Hamas always negates an agreement, then backs down at the last minute and acquiesces.
Push forward to Phase ll of the proposed agreement. Israel will continue to release more prisoners in exchange for captives. Hamas demands the release of 150 convicted prisoners in exchange for each body/hostage released. Israel will completely pull out of Gaza.
The Trump administration is fully backing Israel in its decision. Trump has already demanded a release of those being held or there will be “hell to pay.” It seems Hamas is being backed up against a wall with only two possible options – complete surrender or resume fighting until the end. We are waiting to see what will happen next. Our troops are ready whatever the outcome.
Tuesday, the seven leaders of the Arab League will begin their summit in Cairo to discuss the proposals made by Trump and the question of what will be in the Gaza Strip. Who will live there? Who will govern? Who will rebuild? What will be rebuilt? Also being discussed are relocation possibilities and regional security issues. Most of the plan has already been hashed out by Egypt.
Through this entire war, hostage release debacle, and all the internal affairs of the nation of Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been testifying in court. He has been made to stand on trial in the middle of the most insane war. The fact that he has been held in a room, having to testify for hours and hours instead of dealing with the war, shows a little of Israel’s deep state issue. Elon Musk last week called out those people who are actually unelected officials running the bureaucracy of the country. The deep state here is much more impactful than people realize. The vast majority of Israel are against this.
Intelligence has come out about the events surrounding 7 October. As it turns out, a young girl (soldier in intelligence) wrote a full report about the intended plans of Hamas to invade on a holiday Shabbat and do as much damage as possible, massacring, bombing, kidnapping hostages, and using massive continual rocket barrages as a distraction. She gave the written report to her immediate supervisor, who completely dismissed the entire write-up as complete fantasy. He tried to rationalize that there was absolutely no way this could happen, that Israel’s defense was strong. The girl was told to stand down, and the report never reached the higher ups. That’s ego. The commander has been fired. I hope he will be held partially responsible.
Further details are coming forth from the released hostages as to their treatment while in Gaza. It is horrific, for the most part. Here is the testimony of Eli Sharabi, whose wife and two daughters were killed that day, unbeknownst to him. Just so you know can see, this is a photo of him before he was kidnapped:
Eli Sharabi before he was taken to Gaza as a civilian hostage
I pray that all the hostages will be liberated miraculously, through negotiations or daring rescue operations.
I will be leaving for a month in California. My daughter is due with baby #2 at any moment. Hopefully, my husband and I can be of some help. We also have another daughter and her family in the area. And our youngest daughter in Seattle will also try to join us with her family for a long weekend.
In the meantime, I have several “feature articles” which I hope to release in the coming days. I have already done the interviews. We will be watching the news very closely and if anything happens, or if war breaks out, I will try to cover it as much as I can find out. In the meantime, we remain in the narrow straits, a time of quiet for now-
Today, I’d like to start off by apologizing to anyone who I have made to feel uncomfortable or upset. I am not setting out to do that, and I have spared many gory stories and photographs for that reason. I do try my best to sift through all the news from Israel, find only the factual that I can verify, and report what I see and what the people are experiencing and feeling. I really do try to be as unbiased as possible, and have shied away from topics I know might be offensive to some of my readers (although one day I might have to take those ‘projects’ on).
As for my own standing with the L-rd. I know we all will be standing in front of Him in judgement one day. I try to keep myself in right standing with Him and with those in my personal life. I am answerable to them, and try to live my life accordingly. And I do try my best to forgive those who have wronged me personally. That said, there is true good in this world -which I will write about in this article – and true EVIL. When I see evil and untruth, it is upon me to call it out and stand against it. We are called to fight against evil, in our own lives and in the world, to the utmost of our abilities. We are to spread goodness and light and help one another, but we cannot allow evil and untruth to go uncovered or unanswered. There is mercy, there is judgement; we do our part and leave the rest up to G-d.
That said, today’s post will focus on the resiliency of the Israeli people as a whole. Why do they seem so strong? What keeps them going? How can so many seem so resilient…as in the ability to rebound after disaster? Not all can. There have been several suicides after the 7 October…people with survivor’s guilt after the NOVA music festival; those who have seen too much to process; and those whose loved ones have been murdered or directly affected. But they are the minority. Most have taken the proverbial bull by the horns and are doing great things, being a source of strength and inspiration for the rest of us.
Despite the tragedy and the horror, stories of the released hostages are coming out from the families. Some have gone on to give interviews or make public appearances. Several weeks ago five female IDF soldiers were among those released from Hamas captivity. They were the observation soldiers, who, at an army base adjacent to the border, did surveillance on the computer monitors of the border fence and beyond. They all spent 15 months living in captivity, sometimes together, sometimes alone. They were hidden away in hospitals, in underground tunnels, at some points in the homes of ‘innocent civilians.’ Sometimes they were held together or saw each other during a transfer of location. Other times, they were alone.
Agam Berger, now age 20, from an observant Jewish family, was held for months with a Gazan civilian family who did not let her shower; who denied her food, yet had her cook for them (she was watched by the children and not allowed to eat any of the family food she was ordered to prepare); who kept her chained. Yet she informed her captors that she would never light a fire to cook on the Sabbath. She would keep the Jewish dietary laws of Kashrut completely, even if that meant only a pita or spoiling vegetables every two days.
In another civilian’s home where she was kept with Liri Albag and Naama Levy, she told her parents, “Last January the terrorists brought us a Hebrew book they found in the field. They asked me what it was and then just gave it to us. It was a Siddur (prayer book), and we used it daily throughout our captivity. It was G-d’s gift to us.” She went on to say, I do not know why, but somehow they valued me more because I was religious. They said all of Judaism is a lie, and told me I would become Muslim, but they preferred someone who believes in G-d over someone who doesn’t.”
She described feelings of despair and frustration during her prolonged captivity, yet never gave up hope that she would survive her ordeal. Her religious faith provided the strength and stability to keep her going while in Gaza. She found ways to track the passage of time. “We celebrated all of the holidays. Sometimes we had access to radio, and occasionally, we saw things on television that helped us know the date.” She would pray for a sign, and miraculously, she would see on a television ‘9 Av,’ a fasting day. From there I counted the actual days and was able to observe all the fasts – Yom Kippur, Tisha b’Av and the Fast of Esther.
Sometimes she was held with fellow captive, Liri Albag, and the two provided emotional support to each other. At one time, she overheard her captors playing a radio and hearing of the rescue of some of the captives early on. “Hearing people fighting for is on the radio strengthened us,” Agam reported. At a news event, she recently made a request, “…that you each take on one good deed in the name of those remaining. Whether it’s doing good for someone else or praying in their merit. I want all the hostages home soon.” As she was led out of Gaza, she and the other girls resolved to radiate strength and joy for the world to see that despite the terrors, Hamas did not have the victory over them and that the people of Israel remain. They vowed from the onset to keep their G-d given dignity.
Meeting with her parentsA model of faith and hope
Just a week ago, Agam Berger’s little sister drafted into the IDF. It was Agam who proudly pinned her braid to her epaulets at the tekes kumta installation ceremony. All of the released hostage girls who served in the army have requested to return to finish their service.
When Hamas tried to drag Liri Albag, 19, into their underground tunnels, she blatantly refused. She insisted on staying above ground. Somehow she was able to talk the terrorists into stopping to abuse released hostage, Amit Soussana, who described Liri as a “force to be reckoned with. Liri is something special. She has an incredible strength, radiating an ability not to be broken. She gave me courage.” At one time, while being held in a UN sponsored hospital, Liri saw on a television report that people all over the world were fighting to bring the hostages home and the knowledge that they were not forgotten provided her with the strength she needed to survive her ordeal. Upon her release, while in the helicopter that would bring her h9e, Liri gave the heart sign with her hands to show her love and appreciation for the people of Israel.
“Abba, there are 2 million terrorists there, make no mistake. I saw with children ages 6 and 4, who were spitting on me and cursing the Jews.” She has partially described to her parents “ experiencing insane things that are hard to tell everything about.” Those are reticent to speak out loud too much, because they fear for the lives of the hostages still being held in captivity. “Entire families are under Hamas. I realized I was staying with a family. I started to ask myself ‘why am I in a family home? Why are there children here? Then I learned it was to teach them to mistreat me.” At one time, close to her release, she was forced to do a propaganda video.
As for others: Kobi Levi, every day wore the tefillin, the boxes containing passages from the Torah/Deuteronomy 6) strapped on their arm and forehead during prayer, that were worn by the kidnapped Eli Sharabi in his merit. Sharabi’s sister had put out a Facebook post soon after his abduction. “She innocently asked who would be willing to take on the responsibility of wearing his tefillin very day. I saw the post, and immediately without thinking twice, I reached out.” Every day when he prayed, he would ask G-d for a release of the hostages, and prayed for Eli Sharabi in particular.
Kobi has yet to meet the one he prayed for for almost a year and a half, but wrote a letter that has been delivered to Eli. “ … you’ve returned home half a person, just as your family described…you’ve been through so much, losing your wife and daughters, May their memories be a blessing, and your brother who was killed I captivity, May his memory be a blessing. Yet you survived this entire period, and I’m sure that thanks to all the people who love you, you’ll slowly return to yourself. Without knowing you, you’ve entered deep into my heart, and I’m sure we’ll meet. I love you dear Eli. Better days will come, I’m sure.” The tefillin and prayer shawl have been returned to their owner.
Meet Shachar and Boris. Before their deployment into Gaza to fight Hamas, they made a vow to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro together.
Indomitable spirit of Boris & Shachar: They Made It!!
Then came the unthinkable. Shachar was critically injured by an RPG that exploded beside him. Then, just a few days apart, Boris was critically wounded in a terror tunnel that was booby trapped with explosives. It took the lives of four of his unit members. Most people would have given up…but not these two. After months of rehabilitation, including Boris’ prosthetic leg, two weeks ago they proudly stood at the mountain’s peak in the snow. Carrying a banner bearing the faces of the four soldiers who never made it home.
“We wanted to show everyone struggling physically or mentally to believe in themselves. Get up. Leave your home. See what you are capable of,” stated Shachar. Even with broken bodies they climbed – for themselves. For their brothers-in-arms. For the unbreakable Israeli spirit.
British-Israeli hostage, Emily Damari, now 28, was held captive by Hamas at UN facilities for much of her 15 months. She was denied visits from the Red Cross, despite her medical condition and underwent surgery without anesthesia, painkillers or antibiotics for gunshot wounds to her legs and hand. She was given an out of date bottle of iodine to put on her wounds by a UN doctor at Shifa medical center. When she heard of her release, Emily offered Hamas to stay in captivity so an older man, American-Israeli, Keith Siegel, could be released in her stead. Her request was denied, but a week later, Siegel was also freed.
In a photo that has since gone viral, Emily is seen upon and shortly after her release, waving her bandaged hand emblemizing her courage and resilience. It is now an Israeli icon, emoji and meme: it is a symbol of defiance against the true oppressors. Religious have adopted it as the priestly benediction “May G-d bless you and keep you.”
Ohr Aharoni, Israeli designer and wife of a reservist, is offering necklaces with the Emily’s hand image. It can be found on her Jewselry.com. Site or from Etsy. All her proceeds go to help the wives of reservists or families whose husbands/fathers have fallen or been gravely injured in combat. She is another example of the amazing Israeli spirit.
Despite the missing fingers and bandages, Israeli spirit says ‘Rock on!!’
In addition, this morning, former hostage, Emily Damari, received a heartwarming gift. After learning that Emily was in need of a car to resume her normal life, in an amazingly generous anonymous donor in America bought her the car of her dreams. Rabbi Shai Graucher presented her with a new BMW on the donor’s behalf. May she continue to heal and to rebuild her life.
Faith, spirituality, determination to survive and thrive are just some of the factors that motivate Israelis to push forward. Support from friends and family also helps. But the Jewish people have been fighting off those enemies who wish to see them annihilated for millennia now. They are familiar with the trope. And they know how the story always ends: the Jewish people are preserved, victorious; their enemies are vanquished; a great feast is created. As the saying goes. “They lost. We’re still alive. Let’s celebrate.” There is also the command to be the Light to the world. I believe Israel, although badly shaken, will continue to shine. As former hostage Mia Shemm put it, “We will dance again.”
Rainbow spotted over Mediterranean/Tel Aviv, Thursday morning
Amid all the horrors and atrocities we’ve read about or seen in this world over the past week, there shines the miraculous. Sometimes in the middle of a storm, a rainbow appears. To remind us of the Mercy and Love and Promises of G-d. This week two huge ones shone brightly. Neither were widely noticed nor were they widely publicized.
The first rainbow was a true, visible one. The day of the return of Oded Lifshitz and the Bibas babies in coffins, amidst the gray clouds and raindrops, a rainbow shone. Out over the Mediterranean, off the coast of Gaza and up to Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Netanya. It didn’t last long, but it was there, almost as if it were a sign.
I will now share with you a post on X/Twitter that was written by Hillel Fuld. “Hilz” is a completely reliable witness. I can vouch for him. He is the brother of my friend Ari Fuld (of blessed memory), who was killed in a terror attack right before Yom Kippur a few years back. I will now share with you from the X account of Hillel Fuld:
Since day one, I’ve been telling anyone who will listen that since 10/7, we’ve witnessed so many miracles, it’s hard to count. Some of these miracles are easy to recognize, like how well the beeper operation went down or how successful we were at intercepting or detonating those hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles fired at us from Iran. Twice. Other miracles were harder to recognize. And then we have last night. Last night was a miracle the caliber of the splitting of the sea. I am talking an open miracle that could and should have ended very differently.
Do not ask me my sources and if that means you don’t believe what I’m about to say, so be it. You can keep scrolling. But if you know my work, you know I’m very careful with what I share so if I’m sharing this, trust me, it’s based on a reliable source.
Last night (Thursday), a young lady noticed a suspicious object on a bus in the center of Israel. She reported it to the driver who pulled into a station, got everyone off the bus at which point, the bus blew up and was completely destroyed. But that wasn’t the end of it. Not even close. Over the hours that followed, an additional four bombs were found on busses, some of them exploded, others were taken apart before exploding. Some malfunctioned. According to my source, and this was news to me, a whopping 15 busses were supposed to explode this morning. According to reports, the terrorists set thetimer to 9 PM instead of 9AM. So, is that the worst of it? Not even close. In addition to the 15 busses, 5 suicide bombers were set to detonate bombs on the light rail at the same time, all in the center of Israel (Tel Aviv area). So, is that the worst? Nope. That’s the good part. Where did this attack originate? Gaza? Nope. It was Judaea and Samaria. In other words, these terrorists came from within Israel. And here’s the kicker, and again, I am not telling you where I heard this, all of the above was intended to be nothing more than the distraction, much like the incoming rockets on 10/7. Just a distraction for the real invasion. My source says that as those busses and terrorists blew up, massive security and emergency forces were supposed to rush to the scene at which point, there would be a massive breach of the security fence and many terrorists from Judaea and Samaria would invade Israel and carry out another 10/7 2.0. Only this time it wouldn’t be from Gaza so it would be an invasion into basically every major city in Israel. For the third time, this is not information that is publicly available. I can’t share a link and I won’t share a source. Believe me or don’t. Up to you. It is worth pointing out that for decades, we did not have any bus explosions in Israel. We do this deal and release terrorists, some of whom were the architects behind the buys bombings during the intifada, and all of a sudden, we’re back to busses blowing up. I can’t imagine anyone believing that that’s a coincidence. All of this was supposed to go down during rush hours and would have caused hundreds, maybe thousands of Israeli deaths. Even if the rest isn’t true, multiple busses blowing up like this bus during rush hour? Can’t even imagine. Yesterday morning was one of the hardest days in Israel’s history. Perhaps the hardest. We all felt hopeless, every last one of us. When we are in pain, G-d is in pain with us. I don’t know about you but yesterday morning, as I saw the coffins of the Bibas angels, I looked up to HaShem and asked why. Why would He cause us so much pain or allow Hamas to do this to us? I told myself that we’ll be okay but wasn’t sure if that was true. Was G-d even watching over us any more? Has He abandoned us? Did He turn His back on us? Then, as the hostages were being delivered, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the Israeli skies, a sign from the times of Noah, that G-d won’t ever destroy the world or let it be destroyed. A rainbow, according to Jewish scripture, is G-d’s way of telling us, “Don’t worry. I got your back.” Still though, I was just so sad and so angry. And then the news started to hit my feeds. A bus exploded. No injuries. Hmmm. “How does that happen?” I asked myself. Then another bus exploded. No injuries. And a third. No injuries. I already felt G-d’s presence again. And the news kept coming in. More bombs discovered. More Intel. This was supposed to be the biggest attack since 10/7, maybe even bigger. Totally thwarted. By who? The IDF? Nope. Shabak? Nope. Mossad? Nope. This was a massive attack prevented 100% by G-d Himself. And a very vigilant young lady who noticed the suspicious object. Whatever Hamas planned or didn’t plan for this morning. I would not be writing these words if the plan had come to fruition. But G-d had other plans and fate all the pain G-d’s chuildren endured yesterday, He felt we needed to be reminded of His presence. He felt we needed to be reminded that He has our back, now and always. He was right. We did need it. This event might go down in history as one of the biggest miracles the Jewish people experienced since Biblical times. “There are two ways to live life. One is that nothing is a miracle. The other is that everything is a miracle.” The beepers? The walkie-talkies? Getting Nasrallah? Haniyeh? Deif? They’ll attribute all of that to Israel’s intelligence. But this? What happened last night? Israel had nothing to do with it. If you don’t see this event as a miracle, there is only one explanation. You don’t want to see it as a miracle. Open your eyes. Clean your lenses. HaShem is here with us in our pain and each day that passes, we are one day closer to Him finally revealing Himself to us, explaining why any of this had to happen, and ultimately bringing Moshiach. For now, I just wanted to recognize HaShem’s greatness and on behalf of the hundreds, maybe thousands of Israelis who should be dead right now, just say thank you.
הודו לה השם כי טוב כי לעולם חסדו Give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever. ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוהינו מלך העולם הגומל לחי ים טובות, שגמלני כל טוב. Blessed are you, O LORD, our G-d, King of the Univese, who rewards good deeds, who rewards me for every good thing. We say this blessing when we are saved from tragedy. Today the Jewish nation was saved from tragedy. Thank you, HaShem.
-Hillel Fuld, on X
Bus driver checks bus, orders all passengers out after spotting a suspicious package… bus will explode 1 minute later
We are not O.K. Israel is not O.K. We had steeled our collective ssoouls for yesterday, the hardest day since 7/8 October, when the Hamas terrorists and “innocent civilians” of Gaza broke into Israel raping, murdering, looting, bombing, destroying and kidnapping true innocent civilians. Soldiers, yes. But also men and women. Teenagers. Concert attendees. Thai, Nepalese, Filipino, Eritrean and Indian day-workers. Bedouin Arab Muslims. And children. And little babies. Over 14,000 people were massacred that day. Scores wounded. And over 250 people taken captive into Gaza.
Under the latest ceasefire agreement, several dozen captives are being returned in exchange for thousands of convicted terrorists serving long sentences in Israeli jails. But more on that later- Israel has rejoiced as five beautiful, strong, resilient female IDF soldiers were released. We’ve gasped and we’ve cried to see the brutal treatment of some of the hostages on display with sick psychological torture to the very end. Men and women civilians taken captive – true prisoners – were paraded through hostile radical Islamic crowds, emerging as skeletons – mere shadows of their former selves. We were reminded of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the brutality against Jews throughout the centuries.
Yesterday was the most cruel day of all. It seemed all of the Palestinians were out in the streets. All ages celebrating what they perceive to be their victory in this war. Children carried on the shoulders of their fathers, out to cheer the grand parade as the victims dead bodies were carried to the main performance stage. Sweets and candies were being handed out. Glitter and confetti thrown and Palestinian flags raised high.
From a drone’s perspective, the crowd at the hand-off site was made to stand in the shape of a large piece of male anatomy. It was another swipe at Israel. “This is what we’re doing to you. You are being royally screwed and it’s on display for the entire world. We are in control. You are nothing.”
In a ghastly, demonic display of the ugliest and most macabre choreography, the black coffins of four innocent Jews were given over to the Red Cross to transfer to Israel. We would later find out the coffins were locked with no keys given and they were glued shut. Among those the boxes contained was the remains of an 85 year old great-grandfather. Oded Lifshitz, one of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was a gifted pianist. He was a peace activist who helped Gazans who were ill, by transporting them to the hospital for medical (cancer) treatments. He even let Palestinians stay in his home as they were undergoing chemo and radiation. He was known for his kindness to all. May he finally rest in peace.
Also returned were two small children. Ariel Bibas, age 4, and Kfir Bibas, 9 months when captured. Israel had grown to love these little red haired boys as their own children. And their mother, Shiri. It was horrific, but they were coming home at long last. Or were they? And in what condition? (See my blogpost from yesterday for the full update) If you remember yesterday, when I said we wouldn’t know for sure who were in those coffins until a full identification and possible DNA analysis was made on the bodies? I was not being sardonic, but realistic. Knowing the barbarity of these people who act more like monsters than human beings: their entire world is bent on inflicting maximum pain and anguish on Israel.
We are coming to the realization that there are few, if any, truly innocent civilians in Gaza. The same people who stayed with Oded Lifshitz and his wife mapped out their entire house for the 7October attacks. His wife saw people she knew taking items from her house as she was carried off. It was the ‘civilian population’ who were last seen taking Shiri Bibas and the two children away into Gaza. And it is the youngest of the children who are being groomed to hate Jews and to kill and murder and celebrate death.
This morning we woke up to the news:
We are utterly devastated. Shocked. Angry. Insensed. And that is exactly the reaction the terrorists want. But what else did we expect? Seriously!! And where in literal hell is Shiri????? Is she even still alive? Her parents were killed. The family dog was shot. Their home destroyed. Her husband, Yarden was released last week, told by Hamas that he would be reunited with his family back in Israel. He would soon find out that other members of his family were massacred. How will he deal with all of this when the one thing that helped him survive in the dark, underground tunnel was the thought of seeing and holding his wife and babies again? And those boys!! All we know is that they were “brutally murdered” in November, 2023. No specifics. Do we even want to know?
Back to the prisoner release swap. As part of this ‘great deal,’ Israel is emptying its prisons of caught, tried, and convicted murderers…people who have rammed cars into crowds; committed stabbings; planned suicide missions for other Palestinians; planned or executed bombings in which multiple people were killed and injured; committed multiple shootings; stole or smuggled contraband weapons and bomb making materials into Gaza/Judaea/Samaria. Tomorrow 802 women and teenagers will be set free, back into Gaza, East Jerusalem and the ‘West Bank’ (Judaea/Samaria). All have committed serious acts of terror and attempted murder. Many of those released in the past few weeks have openly vowed to kill as many Jews as possible in as short time as possible.
Last night, at about midnight, there was a huge explosion in the seaside city of Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv. Five busses exploded at the bus terminal. I thank and praise G-d for this miracle. No one was killed or hurt. The explosive devices planted in the busses were reportedly planned to explode simultaneously all over town at exactly 9am, the height of Friday morning bus travel. It would have resulted in hundreds of casualties. Arab Palestinians put the timers on their bombs, that detonated way too early. Already two suspects, caught on security cameras, have been arrested. They were released prisoners from three weeks prior. One of the undetonated explosives found on a bus near Tel Aviv had the inscription in Arabic “ Revenge of the People of Tulkarm.”
Large police forces are still on the scene. Bomb disposal units have been dispatched throughout Israel to check each bus and train. Ben Gurion Airport as well as the other two smaller airports have tightened security around the perimeter. All vehicles will be thoroughly searched prior to entering the premises. Only passengers and staff will be allowed to enter the airport and they will be searched before they can go inside. (If you are going to Ben Gurion, expect heavy delays and arrive at least four hours early). Security has been tightened everywhere.
The public is urged to stay away from and affected areas and to remain vigilant for any suspicious items or activity.
And so, with heavy hearts, uplifted arms to G-d, and open eyes, we enter into the weekend. Shabbat, our Island of Peace. We await the next gruesome parade and staged spectacle from Gaza as 6 more hostages are expected to be released.
I beg you, please pray for us this weekend. In your synagogues. In your churches. In your homes with your families. Pray for us. We are broken people today… we still have 66 hostages being held in Gaza.
This past week has been intense. Really, really intense emotionally, mentally and spiritually. For me and for all of Israel. And today even the weather is an expression of what is churning inside us. The rather warm winter is giving way to high winds and angry looking skies, thunder and lightning, interspersed with breaks of glorious sunshine that are fleeting passages, only to be replaced by cloudbursts of driving, pounding rain and hail, then a rainbow and bitter cold winds.
I work part time as an independent journalist for a few magazines and e-news outlets. This week I was asked to cover two stories which had me interviewing the grieving parents and wives of fallen soldiers. What can I say? There are few words, but I have been privileged to be able to enter into the pain, the anger, the questioning, the hope and the love of these amazing people (I will eventually write a post about this). All are determined to honor their loved one’s legacy in beautiful and creative ways that not only help them, but the entire country move forward. Still, the heaviness is almost unbearable.
Last night, John and I had tickets to see our favorite Israeli artist, Idan Raichel. I cannot say enough about his music. I started following him in the early 2000’s when my Israeli girlfriend gave me one of his CDs. We saw him 4 times in Los Angeles and I’ve heard him perform 3 times here in Israel. Not only is he an extremely talented artist, his music is just beautiful to hear. An Israeli Medal of Honor recipient and Poet Laureate of Israel, his words (in Hebrew) are extremely profound and romantic in the highest of ways. Several make me cry. He sings of life, loss, love, family and the need to cherish every moment in this world and hold fast to what is good.
Before the concert started, the news had been leaked that the four deceased hostages to be returned the next day included an 85 year old grandfather and peace activist, Oded Lifshitz. He was abducted along with his wife, Yocheved, 82, who was returned December, 2023. Oded spent much of his life advocating for co-existence with the Palestinians and spreading peace, taking sick Gazans to the Israeli hospitals for their cancer treatments. Just let that sink in: the Hamas monsters kidnapped elderly people in their 80s and then left several to die or be killed in those terror tunnels. This Israeli man helped them live. it is ironic that a man who dedicated his life to peace was murdered by the same group he sought to dialogue with. After her release, Yocheved described her brutal treatment at the hands of the terrorists.
And then came news that we so dreaded to hear, shattering all our hearts. Our beloved Shiri Bibas and her babies, Ariel and Kfir are coming back in boxes. The Bibas family is still holding out hope that it is not them being returned, because Hamas has already delighted in the use of psychological warfare and torture of the Israeli people. Hamas proclaims captives are dead when there are actually signs of life. And they have told captives being released that their loved ones are alive and waiting for them, when they were, in fact, murdered. It’s a sick and twisted game they play. And our hearts and our insides are all in knots.
Last night’s concert, typically upbeat and celebratory, was a night of subdued intensity. (As an aside, we’ve been taken aback by how much people have aged over the past 16 months, we included. Idan seemed to have grown a decade or more older in the past year). It was in no way political, but the songs all spoke to our heart. Especially this one, “In the Night,” which was written in 2008.
“In the Night”….even if it seems like it is over, everyone else is waiting. Even if it’s bad and the majority are angry. Waiting for answers to find another reason to hope. Who knows? Who knows? In the small hours, the simple prayers ask – in the night, in the night – in the small hours, the simple prayers plead….
This morning at 8:00 am, the macabre, demonic show began. It was more than difficult to find a live feed, since (thankfully and rightly) Israeli stations, and even Memri and AlJazeera were not streaming live coverage. Today the streets were thronged with “the innocent civilians of Gaza” all waving flags and cheering as there procession of four white Red Cross vehicles carrying the bodies of deceased hostages rolled through. At one point, the path was so clogged, the convoy had to pause for minutes. Palestinian flag-waving celebrants we’re jumping on the tops of the Red Cross SUVs. They were handing out candy and sweets. (It’s a famine everyone. Remember that. People are starving).
At the designated ceremonial location, today’s stage was all black. With black curtains opening to reveal a most hideous photoshopped canvas backdrop. It featured photographs of the Bibas family and Lifshitz covered in a pool of blood. An image of Netanyahu with vampire fangs, dripping blood and spattered with blood, dripped onto those photographs of the deceased hostages. (At this point many of us were/are still holding out hope beyond hope that it was all a psy-op and that the bodies inside were not those of the captives). The heading for this one read “The War Criminal Netanyahu and his Nazi Army Killed Them With Missiles and Their Zionist War Weapons.”
The pallbearers of this surreal Satanic ritual appeared all dressed in black. Their faces covered. Different colored headbands represented the separate, but united, factions of resistance (terrorism). They came carrying simple wooden coffins painted black. Each coffin had the photo of the deceased and their name in Hebrew (the name ‘Ariel’ was emblazoned underneath the picture of Kfir. Your guess is as good as mine on that one. The photo of Netanyahu with the Hebrew for evil dictator and. Nazi killer was written underneath. Four coffins were placed on the stage. In the background, a loudspeaker played festive Arabic music as the crowd chanted along and clapped to the rhythm.
As usual, members of the Red Cross were there to sign the papers. This time no certificates of goody bags were issued. They approved the hand off and loaded each of the coffins into waiting vehicles. The Red Cross vehicles then met the IDF at the appointed location. At some point, after the exchange was made (Idid not see this happen), the black boxes were changed for white coffins with the flag of Israel draped over them.
By the time the bodies reached Israel and were transferred to Israeli ambulances (ZAKA), the streets were lined with police, military and mourners – saluting and waving Israeli flags. The bodies were taken to a Tel Aviv forensics unit to identify the remains and the cause of death.
In the meantime, Hamas journalists were interviewing the “innocent civilians” who kidnapped Shiri and children. It was the face of evil. Arab reporters indicated that the kidnappers are still alive and were proud of their deeds that day. One person even joked about kidnapping the dog and then shooting it in front of the family.
No other people on earth parade their war crimes in front of the world to see. No other people celebrate it in their town squares, or what is left of them. Of coffins being put on display in a weird, sick, twisted show. The coffins stamped “Arrested 7/10/2023”. Never forget the world wants to reward this kind of barbarity with their own state. Anybody that doubts the brutality of these terrorists or thinks these people can be negotiated with needs to re-examine the whole story as well as their own core values.
The last straw, the last thing that broke my heart was a statement released by the Ministry of Health. “The identification process of Kfir will be complicated. Usually, identification is done through cross referencing teeth. Kfir was kidnapped before his teeth grew in.”
I want to cry. I want to scream from the top of my lungs on my balcony. I want the world to see the real side of this whole ugly mess and what Israel is up against. I should be writing my commissioned stories for the newspaper. The stories of grieving parents. Parents, who after losing their sons when a building booby trapped by Hamas exploded and collapses killing 4, wounding 10 seriously of whom 3 are still in comas – these parents visit one another in consolation and support, and then go to the hospitals together to visit the families of the survivors. We do not gloat over death and destruction. We value life.
Oded Lifshitz was just identified as one of the corpses. “The grieving state of Israel does not have to wait for the cause of death to be determined. The only cause of death is that a grandfather and a mother and her children were kidnapped from their home on Shabbat Simchat Torah morning,” stated Idan Raichel just a few minutes ago.
We will cry. We will mourn. We will grieve. We will lift our voices to G-d and pray. But we will move forward. We will go on. Why? Because there is no other choice. In the end our enemies will be vanquished. We will live. We will dance again. Just not today- May the memories of all the fallen and all the murdered be for a blessing to those who think of them.
Again, if you find this interesting or important, or if this another side that you have not seen reported, please, please share this with as many people as possible. The world really needs to know the truth.
(As an update… just got the report that Hamas attached a little parting note to Oded’s coffin. It reads: To the family of Oded Lifshitz. We would have preferred your sons to return to you alive, but your own army and great leaders chose to kill them instead of bringing them back. You were the victim of a leadership that does not care about its children.” How horrific is this? Trying to divide the country against Netanyahu in the middle of all that is going on. This is neither the time nor the place. In the meantime, I have procrastinated the writing of these articles. One due tomorrow. The other next Monday and it’s getting later by the minute….
Israel Dreams 