And So It Continues. Another War Update from the Middle East. 24 November, 2025

Either Trump and Netanyahu are genius, playing 4D chess; or the entire “Peace Plan” is collapsing; or perhaps…I dare say… G-d is in control this whole time.

The 20 Point Plan has yet to get fully past Step 1. Hamas still is withholding the corpses of three abducted people, two Israelis and a Thailandi day-worker. Three times they have tried to pass off either bodies of Gazans or animal remains as Israeli/human – as if Israel does not perform DNA matching and extensive forensics. Also, Hamas is not only refusing to disarm, but says they are ready to fight again – but more on that later.

The UN Security Council fully backed the Peace Plan in international law last week. There were 13 votes in favor of the text (eventually leading to a Palestinian State, wherever that may be designated) with Russia and China in abstentia. It was immediately rejected by Hamas saying “it fails to meet Palestinian’s rights and demands and seeks to impose on the Gaza Strip an international guardianship mechanism intended to achieve the goals of the occupation.”

There was supposed to be an international security force implemented with the task of keeping the peace between the Israeli occupied part of the Strip between the designated Yellow Line and the Hamas controlled area. They were also to help disarm the terrorists. However, only three countries have stepped up to the plate to tackle the responsibility. Those three countries are: Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.

This is completely unacceptable to Israel. What happened to England, France, Canada, Germany, Italy? Qatar has been a known safe haven for the Hamas and Islamic Jihad upper eschelon and their families who are still living like royalty inside luxury hotels, villas and apartments. The money for terror is largely disseminated by Qatar who seems to have vey deep pockets. It is Qatari funding which is responsible for taking over many Western universities, institutions and think tanks. There goal is to Islamicize the world.

Then there is Turkey. President Erdogan wants nothing more than to reestablish the Islamic caliphate with Turkey as the head. They have a little habit of sending the military into troubled areas as a “peacekeeping, stabilizing force,” setting up extensive military bases and then staying and incorporating the land of their occupation into Turkish sovereign territory. Take Cypress for example. In 1974, they came in to stop an imminent civil war. Today there are over 35,000 Turkish troops in Cypress with the flag of Turkey on the municipal buildings and tallest mountain and a breakaway republic only recognized by Turkey.

In West Africa: after the 2016 coup attempt against President Erdogan, Turkey opened dozens of madrassim, Islamic schools across Western Africa including Senegal, Niger, Benin, Ghana, and Gambia. These schools have promoted a pro-Turkish jihadi ideology. Many have been turned into surveillance centers against the (now majority Muslim) local authorities and population centers. The schools, much like the UN schools in Gaza, are bastions of Islamic radicalization.

Somalia has the honor of hosting Turkey’s largest military base complex outside of its own borders. It has established an extensive naval intelligence unit listening across the Indian Ocean. In Turkeys “Restoring Ottoman Heritage” in the Sudan, they built docks and ports for a large naval force. In Libya, Ankara sent ‘engineering equipment’ with rockets, rocket launchers, RPGs and advance surveillance and weaponized drones to the thugs in that country. It was already destabilized after the Obama/Hilary Clinton debacle. Turkey insists it is just ‘technical gear and engineering equipment.’

Also under the Obama administration, the Muslim Brotherhood bloomed into full power and fruition in Egypt. If you remember, it was an ‘Arab Spring.’ It was a time of great hope for peace and stability in the Middle East. So why is this all so important?

An international “peace force” entering Gaza would be given aid and tools and would be tasked with setting up advance surveillance and cyber infrastructure. It is a well-coordinated strategy. Qatari funding. Turkish building up of fences, cameras, military bases, Egypt which saw under its watchful eye the smuggling of weapons across the border between Egypt and Gaza (Rafah, Philadelphi Corridor and the underground tunnels wide enough for vehicles to pass) provide a recipe for disaster for Israel. Their main goal…. To build up an Islamic entity and eventually wipe out Israel.

Back to Hamas. In several instances last week, terrorists have defiantly (stupidly) crossed over the Yellow Line. In one instance the soldier had an RPG slung across his back. He was immediately eliminated no questions asked. It was a blatant violation as was the operative who crossed over the line and shot at IDF troops. He, too, was instantly eliminated. This past weekend, in two separate incidents, Hamas operatives were seen emerging from a tunnel shaft. 15 were killed as they began to fire on Israeli soldiers. 11 were taken as prisoners of war.

Now, let’s turn our attention to Syria, our neighbor to the northeast. Earlier last week, the new President of Syria visited the White House. I would like to remind you that less than a year ago, his name was Muhammad al Jawlani and he was on the 10 most wanted list ($10 million reward!) for heading alQaeda and involvement with ISIS. He is directly responsible for the deaths of thousands. Today he is in a suit and goes by Pres. Ahmed AlSharaa.

Syrian-Israeli and U.S. negotiations have come to a seeming dead end as AlSharaa demands that Israel concede all of the Golan Heights, our most strategic property. Israel has insisted upon a full peace agreement, not a limited security arrangement. We do know that President Netanyahu, and several members of his Cabinet toured the region aerially last week. Israel has also been active in training 24 Syrian Druze to be firemen, giving them special equipment as well as two fire trucks as well as instruction. Israel has also come to the aid of the persecuted Druze and Christian communities in the southern part of the country.

Now for Lebanon, directly to our North. Hizbulla has been flagrantly violating their ‘Peace Deal’ by majorly ramping up their military fortifications just north of the Litani River in the southern part of the country. Their current Christian run government has been turning a blind eye as reinforcements troops arrive from Iran. Houses and municipal buildings have been once again overtaken by the designated terror network. They have been assembling weapons and smuggling in armaments (rockets, missiles, grenades, guns, drones, rocket launchers, RPGs) as fast as the Israeli jets can seem to find them and blow them up.

Israel has been hitting with surgical precision (I actually hear a whole group of jets thundering over my house now on their way North) more “soft targets” until last week. Two towns were cleared of the population and the known Hizbulla command centers were flattened. Yesterday marked the first time in over five months that Israel’s Air Force struck Beirut. Using excellent intelligence, an apartment complex in the center of the city was targeted. Haitham Ali Tabatbay, the number two in command has been eliminated. He was the military chief of Hizbulla.

The United States had been pursuing him for the past nine years. He had a $5million reward for any information leading to his whereabouts (hey. Does that mean Israel pockets the money?? Just asking for a friend….) Tabatabyebye commanded the elite Radwan Forces and was a chief planner in the upcoming but now cancelled (I hope) 7 October Part Two: Galilee Edition.

So that wraps up my smugness and today’s edition of the heat continues in Israel. Stay tuned for further updates, and hopefully some fun posts as well. Oh, I forgot to mention that Iran has been threatening to send over 2000 armed missiles at once and Hizbulla is vowing a huge retaliation. And to think, I just finished rehanging all my pictures and putting out all my china….

The Most Important Blogpost: A Must Watch

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!!!

https://youtu.be/W2tABdDQMFE?si=iRlgxe8SLGE_l4SG

The Heat Continues 9 November, 2025

John and I came back from cool British weather, true sweater weather with leaves turning yellow and crimson and bright orange… to the unabated desert heat. We are having a drought here in Israel and the temperatures are still up. There are no autumnal colors, just the Southern California brown and black of heat scorched fields. Hopefully, there is an end in sight and we will have a change in weather by next week.

On the other hand, things are heating up rather rapidly. A different kind of heat. Who ever said “Peace has come to the Middle East” is full of hot air. Up to our north, in Lebanon, Hizbulla has been building up their military apparatus. Despite what President Aoun says, they have been getting new IRGC recruits from Iran and Syria.

UNIFIL observation forces in Southern Lebanon were supposed to ensure that the Trump-brokered ceasefire was standing. So far all they have one is to have shot down an Israeli surveillance drone. UNIFIL have allowed Hizbulla forces to reenter Southern Lebanon, and have overseen their fortifications.

The Israeli Air Force has been selectively striking at Hizbulla’s current leadership. Last week the municipal buildings in Taybeh and Taur Daaba were taken out after intelligence revealed they were

being used as military infrastructure. The people of the towns were given 18 minutes warning to evacuate before the strikes occurred. The IAF is currently carrying out large scale attacks on supply chains and munitions factories and storage facilities there. It is estimated that over 1500 long range missiles and parts have been snuck into Southern Lebanon through Syria in the past couple months alone.

In the meantime, Syrian President Sharaa, former alQaeda terrorist on the ten most wanted list, is in the United States. He no longer wears his turban and camouflage suit, but has trimmed his beard and wears a suit. Besides meeting with Trump and White House Cabinet members, he’s been filmed enjoying a game of pick-up basketball with Centcom members. I guess this leopard has succeeded in hiding his spots. He has sworn to the U.S. officials that the new, reformed Syria is carrying out operations against the ISIS militants who have been ethnically cleansing Southern Syria of Druze and Christians.

https://youtube.com/shorts/OO3jK_6MvZ8?si=SYKMEbroHhLBS_W_

Down Gaza way, Hamas is still playing games. Weapons have been found to be smuggled intro the Rafah area on the Egyptian border via drone. So the IDF sealed off the area and declared it an active military zone. Any drones coming in from Egypt will now be shot down. We are hearing from the released hostages that Hamas is using every available young person to go underground and manually dig out the tunnels that have been stopped up. 24 hours a day, these kids (most are boys ages 8-13) are being used as slave labor 24 hours a day.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad forces (PIJ) are playing games as always. They say they are having problems locating the remains of the six bodies that they have been holding. This past week, several more were returned including two Americans, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen and a Tasmanian Agricultural student who was kidnapped into Gaza and murdered by the civilians there on 7 October.

Last night the body of Captain Hadar Goldin was to be returned. The Red Crescent came to pick up the coffin and return it to the waiting Israeli forces. But let’s backtrack… Hadar Goldin was one of the first soldiers killed (during a ceasefire) in Gaza in 2014. We were still in California and the news came about Hadar and then Max Steinberg, a Lone Soldier from the San Fernando Valley, CA (I knew his parents). Max’s body was retrieved. Hadar’s taken into captivity to be used as leverage against Israel.

Hadar was engaged to be married to a lovely young girl. When he was abducted, his photo was the first to hang on my fridge. His body has been held hostage for almost 13 years now. The Goldin family have traveled the world over to try to put pressure on the international governments and to raise awareness about the plight of their son. And the remains in the coffin yesterday were supposed to be him. But they were not. More games. Now Hamas says it will hand over his body this afternoon. Another card thrown into the pile- the stakes remain the same.

On the brighter side, and speaking of games, last week the Marine Corps Marathon was held in Washington, D.C. (my brother-in-law competes). Let me share with you this story of a young American Israeli hero you might have never heard of.

Mendel Vile’s family left Chicago when he was 7 to move to Israel. They were committed Zionists, believing in the land of Israel rightfully belonging to the indigenous peoples, the Jews. Mendel grew up and became a combat engineer for the IDF. In December, 2023, deep into the Gaza Strip, a Hamas anti-tank missile struck the vehicle he was in. He was only 19 at the time. Several soldiers were killed in the attack. Mendel’s broken, burned body was pulled from the wreckage, shrapnel embedded throughout his body. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he spent 3 months of seemingly endless pain.

“This is it. Is my time over?” he thought in those early days. The medical staff told him to focus on his survival. Friends and family visited him to lift his spirits in a never-ending parade. Daily the nurses told him to be patient, take things slowly. He endured 7 surgeries. Mendel kept repeating one mantra, “One day I will run a marathon.” Of course, in his condition, no one believed him. But he knew HaShem would give him the strength and healing to push forward with his rehabilitation.

Mendel believed beyond all hope. The surgeries were followed by months of grueling physical therapy and rehabilitation just for him to be able to stand on his own. But he was a true warrior. With faith in G-d and his own ability to recover. This week, he finished his race – the Marine Corps Marathon. It was the second he’s run in the past three months. Wrapped in the blue and white of the Israeli flag, he crossed over to personal victory,

Mendel Vile did not run alone. He carried with him on the back of his Jersey, his best friend, Oriya Yaakov, a photo of the buddy that was killed alongside him on that day. As he was running, a young man (wearing a kipa/yarmulka) also trying to finish the race, spotted Mendel. He joined the IDF soldier, who gave him strength to continue. Vile said,”We tried to push each other along. Come on, man, you’re my brother. You’re part of the tribe. Together we are strong. Together we can win. I’ve never been prouder to be an American. An Israeli. a Jew.”

But that’s not the only story. Oh no! Barack Elizor was also a critically wounded IDF soldier back in January,2024. Multiple surgeries and almost two years of intense rehabilitation and physical therapy, Barack just completed the New York Marathon, helping to raise funds for Shalva, an organization for children with special needs.

Not all stories are pleasant. I just finished reading the book Hostage, by Eli Sharabi. A riveting and highly recommended true account of what it was like in the tunnels of Gaza being held a prisoner. Some of the released captives are finding a difficult transition to freedom. Where some have vowed to move on with their lives, stronger in faith and spirit and resolve, others are irreparably (almost) scarred.

This past Thursday night an interview with hostage Ron Braslavski was aired on the Israeli news. It was more than difficult to watch as Ron shared his nightmare. He was held in solitary confinement for two years, starved, whipped, burned and brutally beaten on a daily basis. Through tears and shaking, we heard how PIJ differed from Hamas. More brutal. More degrading. Ron was sexually abused in order to debase him and wipe out his humanity. He was shackled not only hand and foot but tied, naked, by his penis, to the bars of his cage. It was the video of Ron, released in July, that changed the course of the war. For then the world saw the brutality that was taking place inside Gaza.

https://youtube.com/shorts/HArYcaS2S50?si=USdgyRgyarB01vqA

We pray for him and for all the hostages, their loved ones, and the country to be miraculously healed spirit, soul, emotions, mind and body. May they know only love and support. May they find purpose, focus and happier days ahead.

More Stories of Hope and Encouragement. 2 November, 2025

As the former hostages are readjusting to their new lives back home in Israel, stories of faith and hope and encouragement are coming forth. To be sure, what these people experienced was hell on earth, but they clung to their faith in G-d (some finding it for the first time) and the hope of their rescue. This helped to sustain them through the darkest times.

I am currently reading the recently released book, Hostage, by Eli Sharabi. He was held in Gaza for 491 days- almost two years, not knowing that his wife, children, brother, and most of his entire family had been brutally murdered. His one goal was to survive the ordeal. Last week, he buried his brother, Yossi, also taken captive, but returned by Hamas in a coffin. But that is not where the story ends.

Eli has resolved to live. After grieving the loss of his loved ones, he is putting the past behind him. To live the life G-d gave him. Eli has been active advocating for the release of the other captives, and now the bodies that remain in Gaza. This past week, he appeared on the runway at Israeli Fashion Week in Tel Aviv, and has a new girlfriend – his physical therapist. He has been doing countless interviews. Here is a clip from one of them-

https://youtube.com/shorts/4YZp-Ks-tZ0?si=RCIkhd0NCgOZoZpZ

Alon Ohel was actually a “neighbor” of ours. We didn’t know him, but he is from Misgav, the next mountain over. He was released with the other 20 after exactly two years of captivity. A gifted pianist and musician, Ohel, now 24, was held for a time with Eli Sharabi, who was an immense support to him. Alon was severely injured while being taken into Gaza front the Nova festival. He still has shrapnel in his eye and head. His time in the tunnels was especially devastating, spending the last seven months in absolute isolation.

Upon his return home, the entire community lined the streets, waving Israeli flags. Hundreds of people stood outside the family home singing to him. t this past week, he made an appearance on national TV, playing piano and singing with many popular stars here in Israel. It was a moment of pure joy.

https://youtube.com/shorts/TKjBSZD9Ajk?si=MeBQczkW02djjf1a

Bar Kulershtein shared that every Friday evening “underground, beneath the most impure place in the world, we were screaming from the soul and singing praises to the creator of the universe. We would rock the tunnel with our songs for Kabbalat Shabbat. “Shalom Aleichem” and “Lecha Dodi.” We would close our eyes and imagine our loved ones were all present with us at the Shabbat table.” The 21 year old was working as a security guard for the Nova festival. He refused to abandon his post as a guard and paramedics. Bar helped many youth to evacuate the party and stayed behind to nurse the wounded.

Despite being starved, beaten and tortured, he remained strong. He told his mom: “Mom. They beat me but I didn’t feel it – my body was frozen. I trained my mind not to think about the pain.” He never lost hope or faith during the long ordeal. In the tunnels, he dug waste pits, built a little water channel and made a small area where the other hostages he was with could sit alone. He took upon himself the mitzvah of charity. He vowed the 200 shekels he saved in his wallet at home would be donated as soon as he was rescued.

He was not especially religious in his adult life, despite his Modern Orthodox upbringing. Yet, in the tunnels, deep underground he encountered Muslims who prayed five times a day and fasted and observed all their Muslim holidays. Bar told himself that if they are doing that, if they are trying to convince him with bribes to become Muslim,then he would become close to his Creator. He would say the Shema often, and recite all the Psalms he knew by heart.

Former hostage, Matan’s Zangauker miraculously found a worn book of Psalms written in Hebrew on the floor of one of the tunnels. He used it for daily prayer, and credits his faith in *-d for keeping him alive. Besides requesting a tsitsit (fringed undershirt) to wear, one of the first things he did was to don a Kipa and wrap Tfillin on his arm and head and say the Birkat haGomel prayer in thanks for G-d’s deliverance from a life threatening event.

One of the most poignant reunions captured on video was that of Bar reuniting with his father. His dad had suffered a stroke prior to 7October attack. He was paralyzed on one side and unable to walk or talk. He vowed to stand to meet his son when Bar returned home. After two grueling years of rehab, Mr. Kupershtein, with the aid of a walker, rose from his chair and walked over to Bar to embrace him. This was a tremendous gift to everyone.

Beautiful young Agam Berger was one of the seven female captives taken from her army base as a surveillance soldier. Both she and her family, found great strength and deep meaning in keeping their Jewish faith traditions alive. Agam was an inspiration to her fellow hostages, refusing to eat non Kosher foods, keeping the Shabbat, saying her daily prayers, singing to her captors like David sung to King Saul.

Upon her return to Israel, riding in an army helicopter last year, Agam held up a sign that in Hebrew said, “I chose a path of faith and have returned through faith. There is none other/higher than G-d.”

Three weeks after her kidnapping, Agam’s mother had the rabbi bring a Torah scroll into her bedroom. They converted the first floor entrance of their apartment complex into a makeshift synagogue where they held regular services.

Eitan Horn, 37, taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz says that he knew when Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year, took place. He fasted for the first time in his life while in the tunnels.

We cannot begin to fathom the suffering and pain they endured. Yet for all of Israel, every single hostage is a hero just simply for surviving those unimaginable horrors. Even though we celebrate the beauty of renewed lives, their individual pathways to recovery will be difficult. While it is amazing and wonderful that some hostages felt the presence and protection of G-d, others found different sources of strength. Some just clung on one day to the next. Some survivors are giving interviews and speaking openly about their ordeals. Others cannot even begin to open up….and we respect that.

Each freed hostage, each family, has been given a special team of therapists and trauma specialists to help them readjust. All are finding love and healing inm the arms of family. Many have had seudot hodayot, or meals of thanksgiving with all the extended families. Shabbat has become an integral part of their reentry into the world. It has been healing for all to sit at table together thanking their Creator and feasting on comfort food.

https://www.tiktok.com/@noatishby/video/7466157908170984735?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Alon Ohel with family celebrating Shabbat together

May we hear only good news. May those that have been returned continue to find renewal, healing and comfort despite the difficult journey ahead. May they resume their lives stronger, kinder, more patient and loving and much wiser. May their days be happy and successful. May they be filled with love and light.

Gentlemen May Cry Peace, Peace!! 31 October, 2025

“Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace! Peace!’ but there is no peace.” – Patric Henry before the Virginia Assembly, 1775

We’ve all heard talk of a peace deal in the Middle East. Of and end to the war. Of a cessation of violence. A meticulously crafted, 20-step plan was voted upon by the countries involved and set into place a few weeks ago by the Trump Administration. On the surface it looked interesting at best.

Hamas was supposed to release all hostages, 20 living and 28 corpses they had been holding through the past two years (the body of Hadar Goldin has been kept since it was taken in 2014). Israel let free 2000 convicted felons and terrorists including 250 masterminds of mass suicide bombings, and terrorists with lots of blood on their hands (literally) from the killing of multiple Israelis. They were released back into Gaza, into Judaea and Samaria (the West Bank) and East Jerusalem.

The deadline for the swap came and went, with Bahamas sending back our live hostages, thank you G-d for their safe return and 7 corpses. Only 6 were Israeli…one was a Gazan who had been sent over “by mistake.” Two full days later, 3 more were released. Hamas said it was having trouble locating the bodies. They were probably buried under rubble from IDF airstrikes. Egypt was called in with heavy diggers and the Red Crescent was set to assist. Then two more bodies were turned over. Days and deadlines came and went. 72 hours or else, threatened Trump. Then 48 hours or else. Israeli intelligence believes that Hamas knows the whereabouts of 10 of the remaining 13 bodies.

Finally last week, at the last hour of the ultimatum, Hamas reported they had found a body. It was actually a completely staged recovery, all caught on drone footage. Multiple reservists with eyewitness accounts, were the first to report it was happening. The Red Crescent was there to assist and the casket would be transferred to Israeli forces. When forensics in Israel received “the body,” it was only parts of remains… from a dismembered Ofir Tsarfati who had been previously rescued (by the IDF) and had been buried – in December, 2023! The DNA matched up. Can you imagine a sicker joke? The grieving families had to relive the trauma as they dug their loved one up and hold another burial service.

https://youtu.be/-nXbkW2g4QI?si=UZYHYlq4g-W2qw9e

In Gaza violation of this “peace deal,” Hamas has continued to fire off rockets into Israeli territory. None have made it outside the border communities surrounding Gaza, and most have been launched toward the Kerem Shalom crossing, where the humanitarian aid comes through.

As IDF soldiers have been trying to clear out the tunnel system and any booby trapped buildings from within their designated Yellow Line, terrorists dressed as civilians have jumped out of tunnels or from buildings shooting and seriously wounding soldiers. Two days ago a reservist, a father of three young children, was killed.

Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, and Vice President JD Vance both visited Israel this past week, claiming the Peace still held and the Ceasefire and plan were still relatively intact. A series of intense airstrikes by the IDF, supported by the Trump Admin were carried out across Gaza and the ceasefire went back into effect.

In what world does a ceasefire mean fighting continues? The last two weeks have seen ongoing violations from Gaza with surprise attacks and the withholding of bodies. Two more were returned late last night , so that now only 13 remain held. The area of the Gaza Strip is supposed to be policed by some grand consortium of international military. It seems that there are US, UK and French troops within Israel near the Gaza Envelope who are coordinating the ground ops. Egypt, Turkey and Qatar are on the ground enforcing the peace. That’s a bit like leaving the crocodiles in charge of the zoo, as those three countries want nothing more than the Jews gone, and Israel/Palestine to be an Islamic territory. Together they form a Muslim Brotherhood Enclave.

Hamas, which is supposed to completely disarm, is not being incentivized to do so. They, instead, have vowed never to give up their weapons, but to keep fighting ‘the occupation forces.’ The question of Israel taking land in Gaza (even in response to plan violations and for attacking Israeli troops) – move the yellow line- is completely off the table, despite the fact that the IDF currently remains in control of 53% of the Strip.

The reason Hamas, Qatar and Turkey made this deal was not to look for peace, but because Hamas was on the verge of destruction. The IDF had eliminated all of their top leadership. Israel was in control of 80% of Gaza. They were striking Gaza City hard, the last 20%, where the remaining Hamas leadership was hiding. So a deal was reached. In Arabic, Islamist terms, this is a hudna: it is a temporary pause in order to regroup and rearm. From the 2000 released terrorists comes their new leadership.

In further news, it was revealed earlier this week that the World Health Organization were the ones who actually fabricated the “Israel-caused famine” in Gaza. Top WHO officials met in Geneva in December, 2023 to discuss how to label Gaza as being in the midst of a famine, according to Dr. Michael Thieren. He stated that their main objective was to put intense global and political pressure of Israel, not based on facts or data. The roles had already been set, said Thieren. From 7 October, Israel was the aggressor and the Palestinians were the poor, innocent victims of a murderous regime. There was a 70 page document written to fit the narrative.

The fighting between Israel and Hizbulla to the North in Lebanon continues unabated. President Joseph Aoun, of the Christian party, assures the world that the Lebanese military is in control and that Hizbulla’s will never be fallowed to retrench. Yet that is all talk. The leadership crippled in the IDF beeper and walkie talkie incidents have been replaced by IRGC commanders from Iran. Shipments of arms and missile parts are regularly being transported to the Bekaa Valley…and blown up in targeted IAF strikes.

We have firsthand reports from the front of the Hizbulla attempts to dig tunnels, place missile launchers and arms caches along the border. Israel sits tight guarding along the southern edge of the Litani Border. Two of our very good friends, both reservists (husbands and fathers of four little kids each) are up there now. One is a paramedic in a tank. The other a border patrol officer. They both have left their jobs and families to serve ten days on and seven days off. It’s really hard for them, but they cannot allow the jihadists to regroup and threaten all the Northern Israeli inhabitants.

Another man we know, an older gentleman, now almost 50 years old, a father and recent grandpa, strands guard in the reserves patrolling the communities of Judaea against enemy infiltration into the towns and kibbutzim there. He and his fellow reservists uncovered an entire weapons smuggling front from Jordan last week. They called in the IDF to clean up the matter. Avi also stands guard, patrolling the roads in the Judaean hills against any rock throwers or snipers who wish to ambush passes by.

Lastly, in the past few days, 3 of the released terrorists in the peace deal have been rearrested. Get your head around this one. For those of you who speak of Israeli oppression of Christians in Bethlehem. It’s not the Israelis. The holy city for Christians and once-popular pilgrimage site has been absolutely overrun with radical jihadist Islamists, pushing out 90% of the Christians. Yesterday a 16 year old released in a hostage deal returned to Bethlehem and to his days of terror. He was caught making incendiary devices in a make-shift factory there. He was planning to carry out an attack at Rachel’s Tomb within the coming days.

Another terrorist was rearrested as he tried an attack at a crowded bus stop near Jerusalem. He was taken down just prior to committing the stabbing. So that’s a bit of the rundown on where things stand here in Israel.

We have already entered into daylight savings time, so Shabbat comes an hour earlier today. I’m still in the process of laundry, setting the table and trying to prepare the meal, so in must sign off for now. Next week I shall have some uplifting posts for you. Shabbat shalom and a peaceful weekend to all.

The Music That Carried Us. 26 October, 2025

This is a longer, but hopefully, vey enjoyable post that you can do at your leisure. Over the past two years I’ve been adding to my playlist of songs that were written and became popular since 7 October, 2025. There are many different genres and I have included as many translations as possible.

For us, 7 October, which should have been the most joyous religious and family holiday turned into a surreal nightmare. We were all shocked to the core, frightened at the possibilities of what would come next as our men and women were called up to defend our country. Would there be more attacks from other borders? We kept hearing of the atrocities and the body count kept climbing. 253 people had been brutally taken hostage into Gaza, the oldest was 86 years old and the youngest only 7 months. We were like zombies those first few weeks, but those that stayed behind sprang into action, gathering supplies, cooking meals and doing everything we knew how to help the troops.

The Jewish people throughout history have been a musical people. Our prayers all have chants and melodies that reflect the places we’ve wandered. We sang at the crossing of the Red Sea (Miriam, who led us in praise and worship was over 90 years old at the time!!!). Young David calmed the frayed nerves of King Saul with the music of the harp. The Levites sang at the Temple. And David the King, composed and sang many of the Tehillim, the Psalms.

Music has sustained us through all of our troubles. Through our joys as well. The melodies carry us through tears and laughter, through death and life. We sing at funerals. We sing at weddings. And we sing and dance before battle.

The songs that have come out of the massacre and subsequent war are songs of hope and longing for better days. Many are patriotic, rallying the troops and lifting the country. Some are therapeutic. They comfort those who mourn and those with survivor’s guilt and PTSD. There are songs of anger and defiance and always songs that call upon G-d. For help, for strength, for protection.

The entire country, just weeks before the war started, split into fighting factions calling for a civil war, was now completely united. One soul, one spirit, one body. We were all brothers, all family. And the song “Acheinu” came to the forefront. Everyone was singing it.

As for our brothers and sisters, the whole house of Israel, who are given over to trouble or captivity, whether they abide on the sea or on dry land: May the All-present have mercy upon them, and bring them forth from trouble to relief,from darkness to light, and from subjugation to redemption, now, speedily and at a near time. Now let us say, Amen.

https://youtu.be/q5DmDnTSMKI?si=rxdH76Z5tn-WqUY7

Hanan Ben Ari’s song from 2020, Shevori Lev….”My Heart is Broken” became a national hymn. We heard it on the radio, on loudspeakers in the malls, and on social media.

Who knows every pain? Who repairs every broken heart? Creates light and darkness? Makes peace and war? Who sits in judgement? Covers in mercy? Pardons and forgives? Sees no knows all? And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end…. Who was, is no will be. Who takes and gives. Renewed life. Opens arms. Grows wings. And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end-

https://youtu.be/z27MZP_4P_U?si=6Hw1hHD2rTpz9dD1

My favorite Israeli artist, Idan Raichel, composed the most gorgeous (they are all gorgeous) and poignant (they are all heart-wrenching) song and melody that became a sudden hit. All of Israel’s artists seemed to be expressing the heart and soul of the nation in their compositions. This one is Tachzor, “Return” sung by Roni Dalumi. It was released just 3 weeks after the attacks.

Return. Return today. I wish you would just come (show up) without any advance notice. Return.

A simple song. A haunting melody. The anguish and longing of a people.

https://youtu.be/sTXAA96W1Ww?si=gAL8cKWB4xo7eaSL

There were songs that were prayers for our military. The prayer John and I pray daily over those defending our country wherever they may be…from distress, sickness, friendly fire, booby traps, kidnapping attempt. Please G-d, keep them safe. Go before them and lead them to victory.

The first video is the traditional version is usually by the IDF choir and cantor. This clip s by the Maccabeats, a male a capella group. I chose this version because it includes the English translation.

The next (video clip) version which starts off with footage of the Six Day War, then the traditional prayer as interpreted by Subliminal went viral. The first is a prayer. The second a rally cry of war and defiance for the strength of G-d to be with the troops in victory and in battle.

https://youtu.be/fvOYgHCihIU?si=D8nRRtSE6rZatkfU

https://youtu.be/efHekdRUOJs?si=-gFrO-i9kPJx8sU4

The men were being called up. All divisions. It was, at first thought, that less than 50% of reservists would answer the call. Instead it was over 100%. People of all ages were volunteering and those that had moved to other countries were flying back home to join. Lone soldiers, kids who leave their homes and families in other countries flew to Israel to enlist. It was incredible.

Here are three of the most popular tunes. There are many more. The first extols the virtues and strength of the Golani Brigade, true infantrymen and women. True fighters. The first lines of defense. “Golani Shell,” “My Golani Unit” is sung by Raviv Coner

https://youtu.be/LRN6QrVuR3E?si=diYqLpOq5UdHOP-d

Israeli national treasure, composer and singer, Yehuda Gaon is still going strong at age 85. I listened to his songs as a teenager. He’s amazing. I’ve seen him perform live several times. This time he filmed himself with the young men and women of the different branches of the IDF. They sing an old song of his: “LoT’nats’chu Oti” – “You Will Not Defeat Me” It is a song of unity, patriotism and strength. And now it has new verses and a new look. It was recorded a mere month after 7 October.

https://youtu.be/7yMw3vG4_kU?si=1UJOLK3mMfmzwveB

We have a saying here in Israel, that during wartime, the kindergarten teacher has a secret identity -she’s really a paramedic. And the lawyer at his desk is a rooftop sniper. My dentist, well, he drives a tank. And the construction worker – he saps (undetonates) bombs. The university student now carries a gun again and my aunt is a radio control tower engineer. Together they are superheroes. The song is done by Hatikvah 6, a very popular group.

(If you have ever watched Fauda, you will see in this video, the Israeli actor, singer and pop superstar, Idan Amedeo. He served in Gaza on the front lines, was injured severely at the beginning of the war, recovered and went back to his unit. Then he was crirtoically injured when an IED exploded. Burned almost beyond recognition, they didn’t know if he’d make it. He had shrapnel throughout his body. After months of rehab, determination,faith and hard work, the entire state of Israel celebrated when he left the hospital, walking on his own).

https://youtu.be/CUaDobraZ1k?si=LXMcgUp7FRJuB2ed

Another by Hatikvah 6 is a rally cry for the IDF….a family of fighters. Again, this one is a roll call for all the different units of the army. “Proudly protecting the Land and its people without fear…and a little crazy, a little fun. Whether with a cannon or a stretcher on my shoulder. We are here for one another. Don’t mess with us. We are the IDF family.” Each unit has its own cheer and this song celebrates that. It is the “Hymn to the Army”

https://youtu.be/V5SpIgH7VHI?si=3uF-0otHhUuBclun

My absolute favorite raw, angry, “Go get ‘em” anthem is “Harbu Darbu.” It was a number one radio hit for a couple months. The Hebrew stand kind of translates into “Swords and Strikes.” Basically

A “don’t mess with us. This time you chose the wrong fight. We are coming after you. And we are never backing down” anthem. It’s really angry, but so were we. In this rap-style song by the duo, Nes and Stilla, every army unit is called up roll call style.

Who are you rats crawling out of the effing tunnels and you people shouting at us ‘Free Palestine? who do you think you are, you children of Amalek? We brought the whole army out to meet you: all in uniforms, men, women, young and old. This time there will be no stopping us….. roll call”

https://youtu.be/1rk3n9V-aQs?si=sWNCFfRtiGXzfZwO

We were angry, but we were also hurting and missing our loved ones. Several songs came out in the memory of a particular person who was killed. And there was survivors’ guilt. This song affirms that it is ok not to be ok. It is ok to be alone. It is ok to want to be with people. It is ok to cry, but it is ok to laugh with friends. It is ok to not want to get up in the morning. It is fine to talks a walk in the forest. It is ok to move on, and it is ok not to. It is ok to not be ok….” The song was done by survivors of the Nova Music Festival and the attacks on the kibbutzim.

https://youtu.be/WlBWOrLqErI?si=fNcpmdbPp1298W6o

We wear a wounded people, and yet this upbeat sounding song tells of the waitinumg. Waiting for the soldiers to come home on leave…please G-d. For the hostages to walk through the door. Come home!! Every Thursday and Friday I had to hold back tears watching video clips of soldiers returning home after weeks of battle…to the arms of their little children. The screams of the wives and the tears of the parents.

https://youtu.be/2p3rtnQ_7y4?si=HLtek-vJuzU741Bx

The following by Ishay Ribo became a number one hit. A song of faith. And of return…of a different kind. A return to G-d. And the country answered with a resounding call to faith that has lasted even until today.

https://youtu.be/Y30pfWIQfoo?si=6jxYL8dVenM3ylU_

And another by Ishay Ribo, “HaLev Sheli“.

My Heart 

My heart is split in

My heart is split in two

What the maidservant could not see by the water

Like a storm from the sea, it pounds

Like Miriam’s timbrel, it beats

And there is no cure in the world

My heart surrenders

https://youtu.be/6U_5KhaH6IM?si=yVGrwLmqvzk2yXi_

For two years, Israel’s entries into the Eurovision international song competition carried the nation and showed our hearts. They were ridiculed and rejected, scoring very low with the judges, but winning the votes of the people. This year, the competition hosts vowed to cancel if Israel was a participant, but after weeks of protests, we were allowed back into the show.

The first song, October Rain, was disqualified. It caused quite a stir as the lyrics were “too political”. They ere not. So the writers got together and worked out new lyrics and the song, still full of emotion, still waiting for the captives to return, with us on the other side in the middle of a hurricane…. Hence, “Hurricane”.

https://youtu.be/lJYn09tuPw4?si=5CeaJhC5OJguRz97

The next song, actually an homage to the Bibas family (the mom, Sheri, the dad and two babies…red headed Ariel and Kfir….stole our hearts. They loved to watch Batman cartoons together. Notice the costume worn by singer, Yuval Rafael….This is a song of hope, strength and optimism. “A New Day Will Rise.”

Note: There is a backstory behind the singer, Yuval Raphael. She attended the Nova Festival with friends. When they realized they were under a severe attack, many of the young people ran to the bomb shelters across the highway. Shelters that were meant for 20 people were packed with 60. Terrorists were shooting and throwing grenades into the concrete bunkers. Many were killed that way. Yuval was in the back of a shelter texting her dad the entire time. He told her to play dead. Her friends were killed next to her and on top of her and she lay wounded and bleeding until being rescued 16 hours later. Yuval would go on to star in and win the Israeli version of The Voice. She was chosen to represent Israel in Eurovision 2025.

https://youtu.be/_7zHp51j2WM?si=fGYrHl7esjinE59Z

I believe it was around the holiday of Purim last year (Queen Esther and Mordechai against Haman and the evil decree to genocide the Jews) that a young soldier in the IDF (he’d only been in service a couple weeks) shot Yahya Sinwar, military commander of Hamas. The evil Hamas was eliminated. And of course, within 24 hours, there was a song-

https://youtu.be/huQxm8YmUPM?si=H0i8I3294a-xshn8

Here are some many more songs. A simple young fellow wrote a simple song about G-do’s love for each and every one of us. The chorus goes- We are loved unconditionally by Him and only good and blessings are bestowed upon us. It will only. Get better and better. This song is played absolutely everywhere all the time. At weddings and funeral, pro Israel rallies and in the army. It is our theme. ״Tamid Ohev Oti” “He Always Loves Me (and blesses me)” Get ready to dance!

https://youtu.be/_7zHp51j2WM?si=eRaTrU9hTcWcBF3W

I know I am leaving out so many. I especially love seeing the Ruach ha Kodesh, the spirit of HaShem, rush mightily upon our soldiers. They sing of G-des protection and blessing. “No fear for He is with us. The people of Israel live. In the spirit of David against the enemies, the Philistines, we also have the victory. The Holy One, Blessed be He is King. there is no other. We pray for all our children. We protect our country. We pray for G-do’s blessings. We are not afraid. Who is meshuggeh/crazy (the rally. Cry of the Golani Brigade) We are crazy and We are not afraid. G-d is king now, then and forever and we give Him thanks and praise…..”

https://youtu.be/5eJqw0t3e9c?si=lOSKSAAjvc99a-CJ

And of course…no list would be complete without the song “ Am Yisrael Chai” – The People of Israel live!! By Eyal Golan

https://youtu.be/1HgKB4-kQdA?si=ORbI-xLQnN5tbGnOhttps://youtu.be/1HgKB4-kQdA?si=ORbI-xLQnN5tbGnO

End of Week Rundown (Answer to Some Questions). 24 October, 2025

In an ironic twist, what we call the ultimate hippukh, or flip/inversion, France asked for Israel intelligence and the Mossad to help recover the Crown Jewels stolen from the Louvre earlier this week. Why irony? For the past two weeks (actually much longer) Macron and France have done nothing but rail against Palestinian mass starvation and genocide at the hands of Israel. We have cut their food, their power, their medicine, their aid and are ethnically cleansing and colonizing. To add insult to injury, two weeks ago Macron at the UN called for the recognition of an official Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Now they seek our help. Go figure-

“What do you feel about and what are Israelis saying about the Peace Deal?”

Very good question. With many answers. It’s all pretty complicated and everyone has their own idea of what is actually going on behind the scenes. First, we were more than hesitant that the Hamasniks would ever give back all the hostages. We are absolutely rejoicing and celebrating the return of the 20 who made it out alive. We are not surprised that those bodies, some of which have been held since 2014 (Hadar Goldin, whose photo is still on my fridge), are slow in coming. But they are being returned every few days by ones and twos, so that gives closure. Two more bodies expected tonight.

As for that great Peace Deal: The Trump plan is horrific for Israel on so many levels. It’s great the hostages are back, but again, at what cost and when will we ever learn our lesson? These convicted Hamas and Palestinian Authority convicted terrorists who have planned and executed mass murdered and attacks are now released by Israel. All 2000 are now free back into Gaza, Judaea, Samaria and Jerusalem, and many have vowed to finish their job and commit mass murders and attacks against Israelis. So that is pretty darned evil.

There are 20 points in the plan that must be followed for it to truly work. We are now on Part 2. Hamas needs to completely disarm and for all those terrorists aligned with any of the several terror groups – to leave Gaza. Like that will ever happen. Hamas is publicly executing those they felt were spies, those from tribes that didn’t outwardly support them, PIJ, PA sympathizers, “dhimmi,” and others they deem undesireable. Trump has commanded them to stop “or else.” In the meantime rockets from Gaza continue to be launched into the Israeli border communities (this morning 1:12 am and 1:23 am).

In another phase, an international “security group” aka overseeing military, is supposed to enforce the ‘ceasefire’ as the IDF retreats to their demarcated territory. The group includes soldiers from Egypt, Turkey, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE. All nations that really love Israel (NOT!!) and who will see to a fair disarmament (not gonna happen, folks. For one Turkey wants nothing more than for Jews and Israel to disappear and establish a Caliphate with them as head). U.S. troops are supposed to remain in Israel overseeing the entire operation. There will be no US boots on the ground in Gaza.

Hamas is rebranding themselves. They no longer want to be called Hamas (which actually translates to “violence” in Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic). They are calling themselves “The Security Forces of Gaza.” They are still Hamas, guys. They have said they will only hand over their weapons to the Palestinian state authorities. Mohammad Nazal, a senior Hamas official in Qatar stated: ”Hamas will not disarm. We will maintain control over Gaza’s security. The ceasefire is only a temporary ’hudna’ a pause to rebuild our strength and regain some breathing room.”

While the US is extolling the victories, peace and the strength of the Trump Admin, unless Trump and his cabinet are playing 4-D chess, I cannot see how these “allies” can be believed or trusted or this plan to work. It’s just naïveté. Israeli news Kan Reshet Bet reported deeply alarming developments this week. Hamas, with the knowledge of their mediators, is quietly taking part in reshaping the new technocratic government that will run Gaza. This, as Rubio, just reiterated ten minutes ago, will not be allowed to happen. (How can they stop it?)

Around half the ministers that were selected to govern the Gaza territory were people who backed the Hamas agenda. They want Israel Judenrein, cleared of Jews and will not even recognize the existence of Israel, a legitimate Jewish state. Egypt and other mediators are sharing their full list of candidates with Hamas to gain their approval. So there will be Hamas sympathizers running Gaza. Great. In the meantime, the Palestinian Authority is selecting the other security team candidates, insuring that Hamas will remain behind the scenes exerting its influence, i.e. indirect control.

I, personally, believe this Peace Deal is a complete misreading of the Middle East. You see it in the way they are speaking about this deal and Trump’s response to the violations by Hamas of the ceasefire (as stated above). We have released all of our terrorists/prisoners even before all our hostages have returned. Hamas has continued attacking IDF troops, murdering their own people, and firing rockets into Israel. Thee have been coordinated attacks on the same day in different locations. This is not peace by any means. Hamas has and will in no way disarm. The Trump administration continues to make excuses for them and give them threats, yet nothing is done positively to control them. The Administration are insisting ‘We have a peace deal.’ And ‘This is the new Middle East.’ We see things as otherwise.

President Trump has done more for Israel than any other President in history. His Abraham Accords and moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem were phenomenally good for Israel and the MidEast. But his 20 point Peace Plan is unfortunately, dangerous for us. It completely ignores Qatar (and Turkey), the real source of radical Islamic jihadist ideology, and as a result, their funding of terror and exportation of Islam, throughout the Western world. By continuing to legitimize Qatar, it strengthens global Islamization (through propaganda, education, true colonization/immigration and jihad, if necessary). The plan is a pie-in-the-sky solution to what I fear is a short term peace, if at all. The Turkey-Qatar relationship continues to grow as Hamas continues to refuse to comply….

I am opposed to Whitcoff and Kushner. Both have financial ties and have business deals in and with the Qataris and Saudi Arabians. Not that it’s a bad thing. They can have business with anyone they want, but that does not make them impartial. I feel they have been compromised. President Trump last summer went on a whirlwind tour of the Arab nations, making business deals. This was enriching for the United States and for Trump. But does his accepting an ‘unconditional gift’ of a $4million dollar Boeing aircraft to be used as the new Air Force One put him at a disadvantage? Do gifts make him beholden to the givers in any way?

Which brings me to the next question:

What’s going on with this annexation and why did JD Vance say it was stupid and an insult?

So This is a big misunderstanding of what is actually happening. Complete misreading and making huge international deal out of a small matter, in my opinion.

First, since the Oslo Accords came out in 19 , parts of Judaea and Samaria, then renamed the West Bank, were divided up into a jigsaw puzzle of pieces labeled Area A (under complete Palestinian Arab control. Legally. Security forces wise. Population wise. No Israeli citizens allowed. Enter at your own risk.) Area B (joint control. Both Palestinian and Israeli. IDF and Israeli police can enter and settlements can be both.) Area C (belonging exclusively to Israel in governance -regional councils; security -Israeli police and IDF; population -mostly Jewish). It’s a horrible division.

Even though Israel maintains full control of Area C, under international law, they are not allowed to expand or build ‘settlements.’ This goes so far as to if a person living in one of the larger suburban cities wants to put an addition to their house (second story, expanded covered terrace), it is verboten. This, in my opinion, is ridiculous, since I believe it is part of our indigenous, ancient and ancestral lands.

On Thursday, there was a narrowly approved vote of 25-24 in the 120 member parliament, the Knesset. It would theoretically apply Israeli civil law to settlements in Area C, a move widely described as “annexation of the West Bank.” According to the Algemeiner (News): “Experts have noted that annexation in international law means taking the territory of a foreign sovereign country, explaining hat since the territory in question does not belong to another country, the bill would apply Israeli sovereignty to the area (which it already possesses). The bill faces several rounds in Knesset before it is even passes ok to law, which can take years. This was more of a symbolic act, not an immediately binding takeover.

So for JD Vance to say, “If it was a political stunt, it was a very stupid one, and I personally take insult to it,” was a jump on the gun reaction without knowing or understanding any of the facts. His response was just enough to make international headlines again – against a “colonial aggressor, Israel.” Further bombastic statements were made by both Vance and then Trump, and now Secretary of State Rubio is in Israel to oversee the entire kerfluffle.

Netanyahu was quick to rebuke the “far right” calling it a deliberate provocation. The opposition party voted for it, in order for any talk of annexation to make international headlines and embarrass Netanyahu, which it did. All in all, it is a big mess of a nothing-burger. Everyone handled it badly, even if, for many reasons Israel has a right to govern and settle in its own lands.

Finally, in other news: two of our personal friends have been called back up for reserve duty on the Lebanese front, leaving behind wives, small children and jobs. Hizbulla, despite what the Lebanese president is saying, is continuing to rearm and regroup along the Northern border. Receiving fresh weapons and fresh IRGC groups smuggled in from Iran, they are trying to entrench and fortify in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon and along the Litani River. The Israeli Air Force has had to do surgical strikes on new weapons depots and storage warehouses. They are uncovering and dismantling new bunkers, so technically, they are in violation of their ceasefire agreements, and Israel must defend itself from attack by taking the offensive and eliminating any threat they can find.

That’s it for me. It’s getting close to Shabbat and I must finish cooking for tonight (sweet potato ravioli in a sage butter sauce; roasted red, yellow and white beet salad with feta and blush wine vinaigrette; and a Swiss chard side dish with caramelized onions in a Stilton Bechamel sauce. Tomorrow we’ll have egg Canada and mixed berries for breakfast and an amazing salad with smoked duck, raisins, chickpeas, and pickled onions on Little Gem lettuce with homemade garlic croutons and a vinaigrette dressing. I hope to go back to sharing photos and echoes sometime in the near future.)

In the meantime, May we be rejuvenated by a completely peaceful and restful Shabbat/weekend. Until next time….

At What Cost? The Great Trade-Off

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.

A Concealment Within a Concealment

One of my absolute favorite Hebrew songs is “V’Afilu b’Hastarah” or “A Concealment Within a Concealment.” I play it in the darkest of my trials to remind me that G-d is present always – even when I can neither see nor feel Him. He is there standing beside me… within me… even in the most hidden, dark parts of my mind and emotions. The song is often sung at funerals here. And it has sustained many during the hostage crisis.

https://youtu.be/9vJH1r8_d3U?si=Jq3CHfv0WtmrvWa4

I had been praying (along with much of Israel and many others throughout the world) that the hostages in Gaza would lean on G-d to sustain them. That He would be a source of hope and strength to them. The stories that are beginning to emerge this week from those who were held in captivity for two years are a testimony to the answer to prayers and the faithfulness of the Holy One and Merciful Father.

“They were starved. A piece of bread in the morning and a spoonful of rice at noon, if they were lucky. That was it. They faced punishments, including physical abuse. No light. No water. No showers. Constant mental stress and fear. Every time the negotiations failed, their treatment would become more extreme. They were dealing with psychopaths.” – Rom Braslavski’s uncle

These are some of their stories:

Rom Braslavski

Rom was held alone by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. He endured both extreme physical and psychological torture. He was offered extra food if he would convert to Islam, or at least fast on Ramadan (they withheld food anyway), or read the Koran. He was abused each time he refused. “it’s important for ROM to maintain his Jewish identity because they tried to force him to convert,” his mother reported. “They tried to tempt him with food and small gifts. He didn’t break down and did in’s do it.”

During a three month period last spring, the abused increased. “Several times a day, thy would beat ROM with a whip and with things that I will not even mention. He absorbed it. He told me, ‘Mom, I always knew G-d was with me and that it would come to an end.”

At some point, after being given just half a pita in the evening every day, and living with hands and feet handcuffed, Braslavski managed to wiggle out of his chains due to weight loss. He found a terrorist’s uniform and a lighter in the pocket. He tried to cook some pasta he found by lighting a book and the uniform inside the tunnel. However, the smoke attracted the attention of civilians outside. He was whisked away by his captor before he could be lynched. Every night he would say the “Shemah” prayer. Before his release, ROM was held with the bodies of slain hostages. He never gave up his faith.

Segev Kalfon

The first thing they do now each morning is to put on their prayer shawls and tfillin (phylacteries) and say morning prayers.

Segev Kalfon, 27, was kidnapped while fleeing from the Nova music festival. He said that he managed to fast the two Yom Kippur holy days that he was in captivity. He counted down the days, weeks and months to the best of his ability. While a hostage he was held shackled hands and feet to a cage in an underground tunnel without light or hygiene. He endured physical and psychological terror, yet held fast to his Judaism which gave him the strength to endure. “I dreamed of crying out ‘Shemah Yisrael’ to the terrorists. In the darkest place, I succeeded in seeing the light.” When asked what message he wants to convey to the public, he responded ‘Emunah, Emunah, Emunah (faith): strengthen your Emunah.”

Matan Angrest

Matan Angrest, now 22 years old, was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. He suffers from acute asthma. Matan asked his captors for a Jewish prayer book. They found one for him after several months of asking. He used it to pray three times a day while in captivity under horrid conditions. He suffered from severe burns in his hands and underwent a medical procedure without anesthesia or follow up care. He was beaten so badly he sometimes lost consciousness. He still bears many injuries from the severe torture. This past Friday, he left the hospital to attend the funeral of his commander, Cpt. Daniel Perez.

His strong ties to his Jewish roots kept him sane. Simple prayers were uttered in darkness. With faith and unity Israel will always succeed was his comment. He desires to go back into Gaza to recover the body of his friend, Itai Chen.

Evyatar David

Evyatar came to the forefront of the world’s attention just a little over two months ago. Hamas released photos and videos of him in a deep underground tunnel, visibly starving to death and forced to dig his own grave. After releasing false photos of “malnourished Gazan children” who we found out had other severe conditions or who were Ir@qi children from 2016, this footage marked the beginning of the end for the terrorist group.

The relaxed musician received phone calls from his favorite musicians, and on Thursday was invited to join the popular Israeli group Hatikcah 6 onstage to sing “V’yehi Ohr,” “Let There be Light,” a reference to the week’s Scripture passage in Genesis 1.

https://youtube.com/shorts/8DQjhLJT_GU?si=7io2Au2zdv3Pr7Y4

Omer Shem Tov

Omer was in the hostage group returned last February. Taken from the music festival, he was often submitted to extreme abuse, starvation, and psychological torture. He stated that Hamas ordered him to carry out an attack against IDF soldiers. “They put booby traps in the house that was above the tunnel. Then they said to me: “Omer, when the soldiers arrive at this house you blow it up like this.” “I told then,”no.” ‘And they told me ‘You won’t do it, we’ll shoot you in the head.’ I told them: ‘Then shoot me in the head.”

He has spoken throughout the world of the faith that held him through captivity. At the beginning of his captivity, Omer was above ground for 54 days with hostage Itai Regev. “One day a bomb fell fifty meters from us. It was a dud. That was the first time I met HaShem (G-d).”

While held 40 meters underground in total darkness, Omer recalls how he began speaking to G-d each night – not to ask for anything, but to just have a conversation. He would ask the Creatir of the Univese how He was? What was He busy doing? In a pitch dark tunnel, with no space to stand, Omer found his way through prayer. He thanked G-d for each breath he was able to take. For every crumb of food he was given. Eventually, he says he could feel G-d’s presence so strongly, it made him smile- even in the darkness. “I could feel Him. Really, really feel Him standing there with me.” In the last five days the battery of his one flashlight finally ran out. “ I prayed that G-d would get me out of the tunnel. Two hours later, his captors arrived and took him out of the tunnel. After two days, the Hamas commander demanded that he be put back into the tunnel, to return him in the morning. That night, the IDF bombed that tunnel. “It was the second time I met HaShem.” Omer stated. He was protecting me from certain death.

There are many more stories of faith and light to share. Even in the concealment within the concealment, He is there. Horrible things may happen around us and to us, but He is there with us. He suffers with us. He comforts us. He strengthens us and He picks us up.

From one of my favorite prayers:

“Your love sustains the living. Your great mercies support the falling, heal the ailing, free the captives. You keep your faith with those who sleep in the dust. Whose power compares with Yours? You are Master of Life, Death and Deliverance. Holy is Your name. And holy are those that praise You each day.

The greatest miracle is the “hottest trend of secular youth in Israel today.” It was reported on Channel 14 news last night. It is truly a phenomenon what is happening. The youth are keeping the Sabbath fully. Since 7 October, more people are reading Scripture and attending services regularly. “Tens of thousands of Jewish youth in Israel, raised without any religious upbringing, after October 7, they started to see the hostages return speaking of a newfound faith. There’s a thing where people return from Gaza tunnels speaking of G-d. And it’s affecting everyone. They’re experiencing a religious event. Not all of them, but most. Take Omer Shem Tov. Every time I hear him, I say, ‘Wow! This guy is incredible! These people are now on such a high spiritual level. The things they are saying. (Cut to clip: Former hostage: “The thing to remember is gratitude to HaShem. For all things. For small things. Say thank you.Blessed be G-d. When you just say, ‘Blessed be G-d for everything that comes to you, in the end, you…HaShem will be there with you and He will help you.’ ) Host: These words were from the stoner at the rave. He was taken from Nova, long dreadlocks and beads. Look at him now!” (Screen flashes to a before and after photo …. This is a seen miracle. Blessed be HaShem.

Tears of Sorrow; Tears of Joy 17 October, 2025

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.