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War in Israel: Update on Current Situation

May 15, 2025 - October 7 War, Day 587, 58 hostages remain in captivity

 

IDF Activity

  • ​​​​​​​Last night, a terrorist in the West Bank shot a pregnant Israeli woman and her husband who were on their way to the hospital for delivery, killing the mother. The baby was delivered, but its condition is unknown. Israeli forces are searching for the attacker. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the attack, and the Yesha Council expressed shock and sadness.
  • On Tuesday evening, a significant Israeli strike targeted terrorist infrastructure hidden at the European Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Senior Israeli officials and multiple sources indicated that the primary target was Mohammed Sinwar, who assumed the de facto leadership of Hamas following the killing of his brother, Yahya Sinwar, in October.
  • The IDF reported that the strike targeted a Hamas command center located beneath the hospital. The outcome of the operation regarding Mohammed Sinwar remains unconfirmed, with Israeli sources suggesting a potential success, while Hamas has not issued any statements. The strike may have also killed Hamas Rafah Brigade Commander Muhammad Shabana.
  • The attempted assassination of Sinwar occurred amidst ongoing deliberations within the Israeli Security Cabinet concerning the continuation and focus of military operations in the Gaza Strip. These operations have involved mainly targeted actions aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure, neutralizing its operatives, and exerting pressure for the release of hostages.
  • Two separate security incidents occurred in the West Bank this week. Near the city of Hebron, an attempted stabbing attack targeting IDF soldiers stationed at a checkpoint was successfully thwarted by the troops onsite, resulting in the neutralization of the assailant without any injuries to Israeli personnel. In a separate incident that took place near Jenin, gunfire was directed towards an Israeli vehicle traveling in the area, resulting in minor physical damage to the vehicle but fortunately no injuries to its occupants.
  • A senior Hezbollah operative was the target of an airstrike that took place in Southern Lebanon earlier this week. While the Israel Defense Forces have not formally confirmed their involvement in the strike, local Lebanese media outlets reported the death of an individual identified as a commander within the Iran-backed Shiite militant group.
  • Officials announced on Sunday that the Mossad and the IDF recovered the remains of Sgt. First Class Zvi Feldman, who went missing during the battle of Sultan Yacoub in the First Lebanon War in 1982. The battle, which took place nearly 43 years ago between the IDF and the Syrian army in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, resulted in the deaths of 21 Israeli servicemen and injuries to over 30 others. Feldman, a tank soldier, went missing during this battle along with Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz and Sgt. First Class Zachary Baumel. The remains of Zachary Baumel were recovered and returned to Israel in 2019.
  • Also, after a five-year investigation, the IDF discovered the burial site of Pvt. Arthur Gasner, a soldier who has been missing since he died in 1949. His remains were identified in a grave in Rehovot alongside two comrades.
 

Houthis

  • In the past 24 hours, the Israel Defense Forces intercepted two out of three ballistic missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen. The IDF reported that one Houthi missile misfired on Tuesday.
  • The third missile, launched toward Israel on Wednesday, was intercepted just before 8 a.m. local time, triggering air raid sirens that sounded from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and sending millions of Israelis to seek shelter.
  • Following these missile attacks, IDF Spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings via a post on X for those present at the Red Sea ports of Ras Isa, al-Hudaydah, and al-Salif in Houthi-controlled Yemen.
  • This incident marks a continuation of the pattern of Houthi missile launches towards Israel, prompting Israeli air defense responses and, in this instance, a direct warning to individuals in Houthi-controlled port areas.
  • Discussions between the US and the Houthis regarding a ceasefire reportedly continue. However, no official announcements of significant progress or alterations to the existing non-aggression agreement concerning US shipping have been made. The Houthis’ rhetoric towards Israel remains hostile, with the group continuing to express its intent to carry out attacks.
  • Israel reportedly expressed surprise and displeasure regarding the US-brokered truce with the Houthis, citing a lack of prior notification.
  • Prime Minister Netanyahu has previously indicated Israel’s readiness to “defend ourselves alone” against the Houthi threat, a stance likely reinforced by the US agreement that does not mandate a cessation of attacks on Israel.
 

Hostage Release

In a dramatic development, 21-year-old Israeli-American Edan Alexander was released from Hamas captivity after roughly 19 months. The release, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, occurred on Monday, allowing for an emotional reunion with his family in Israel; his family recited the Shehechianu prayer. Click here for the video. Thousands of people celebrated the release in Edan’s hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey. The former captive informed his family that he was tortured, bound, and blindfolded during his imprisonment in Gaza. He described his initial days as "hell" due to Israeli strikes. He also recounted surviving a tunnel collapse.

  • Hamas described the release as a "goodwill gesture" towards the Trump Administration, potentially aimed at encouraging a new ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. This marked the first hostage release since Israel's renewed major offensive in Gaza in March.
  • Following Edan’s release, Israeli authorities report that 58 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, with at least 20 and up to 23 believed to be still alive.
  • Negotiations for Edan's release reportedly involved direct communication between the Trump Administration and Hamas, with Palestinian-American activist Bishara Bahbah acting as a key mediator, seemingly bypassing direct Israeli involvement in these talks.
  • Edan Alexander's parents thanked President Trump, Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler for securing his release from Hamas after 584 days. Speaking from the hospital, they did not thank the Israeli government, instead urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize the remaining hostages' return.
  • While Hamas had previously linked Edan's release to a recommitment to a stalled ceasefire, the current release is viewed by some as a move to encourage renewed truce negotiations and greater humanitarian access to Gaza. Qatar and Egypt welcomed the release as a positive step for further talks.
  • Israel acknowledged being informed by the US of the intended release once it was finalized. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office emphasized that Israel made no concessions for this release. It reiterated that military pressure on Hamas would continue in parallel with efforts to secure the return of all remaining hostages.
  • A group of over 65 former hostages held in Gaza then signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump, and other officials, urging Israel to seize the “historic momentum” created by Edan Alexander’s release and resume negotiations for a deal to free all remaining captives.
  • The letter stated, “We believe the Israeli government now faces a genuine opportunity to return to the negotiating table. We urge all those involved in this process: Please do not walk away until a comprehensive deal is signed.” They also wrote that “the majority of Israeli society wants the hostages home — even at the cost of halting military operations,” emphasizing the “sanctity of human life and the paramount importance of bringing the fallen back for proper burial in Israel.”
  • Despite Netanyahu's reluctance to agree to a permanent end to the Gaza war, US envoy Witkoff is pressing Israel and Hamas to compromise in the hostage negotiations that are taking place in Doha, which might extend beyond Trump's Mideast trip. Israel is threatening a large-scale operation if the “Witkoff” proposal—a partial release for a temporary truce and war-end talks—is rejected by Hamas.
 

Trump's Middle East Visit

  • US President Donald Trump launched a four-day diplomatic visit to the Middle East this week, undertaking scheduled stops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Today, he is visiting Doha and Abu Dhabi.
  • In a surprise move, President Trump said Tuesday he will move to normalize relations and lift sanctions on Syria’s new government to give the country “a chance at peace.” While this is a significant gain for Damascus, it is likely to be considered a setback by Israel, which intensified its military and territorial expansion within Syria following the downfall of the Assad regime in December.
  • During his visit to Saudi Arabia, President Trump secured a $600 billion investment deal with the kingdom, including a $142 billion defense agreement. 1 He praised Saudi leadership and outlined plans for significant U.S.-Saudi economic and military cooperation.
  • Upon his arrival in Qatar, President Trump held a series of meetings with the country’s leaders to bolster the defense and trade ties between the two nations. Controversy is swirling about a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet that Qatar has offered to give Trump for use as a temporary replacement for Air Force One that he could keep after his presidency.
  • Also, while in Qatar, President Trump indicated today that a deal with Iran was close, expressing confidence that it could prevent a military attack on their nuclear sites.
  • The Trump Administration is reportedly weighing an agreement to supply G42, an Emirati AI company previously under US scrutiny for Chinese connections, with hundreds of thousands of American-designed AI chips. The idea of selling the chips to a foreign country raises concerns because analysts predict that AI will be increasingly used in planning military strategy, supplying troops, and waging war.
  • President Trump’s itinerary for this Middle East trip did not include a stop in Israel.  Media reports indicate growing tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Disagreements include Trump's approach to Iran, particularly his willingness to engage in nuclear talks, and his handling of the Houthi situation in Yemen; the agreements reached have reportedly not included any guarantees regarding the Houthis ceasing their attacks on Israel.
  • Yesterday, President Trump stated that appointing a new president and prime minister in Lebanon earlier this year presents a "new chance" for the country, "free of Hezbollah's grip." He noted that the new Lebanese government, led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has been taking steps to wrest control from Hezbollah.

War in Israel: Update on Current Situation

May 8, 2025 - October 7 War, Day 580, 59 hostages remain in captivity

 

IDF Activity

  • IDF Captain Noam Ravid, 23, and Staff Sergeant Yaly Seror, 20, both from the Army Corps of Engineers, were killed in Gaza this week. Their unit was clearing a building when explosive devices hidden in a tunnel shaft under the house were detonated - killing them and wounding two others.
  • For a full list of those who have fallen in the current war, see here. The Institute for National Security Studies think-tank has launched this moving memorial project, “In their death, they commanded us to live.”
  • Three soldiers were wounded in two separate terror attacks yesterday. At the Reihan Junction in Samaria, a terrorist opened fire at IDF troops, severely wounding at least two. A suspect has been arrested. In Har Hevron, a terrorist attempted to carry out a car-ramming attack against IDF forces. The terrorist then exited his car with a knife and was shot by soldiers on site before he managed to stab passersby.
    • A Hamas commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon yesterday. The target, Khaled Ahmad al-Ahmad, served as chief of operations in the terror group’s western sector in Lebanon. According to the IDF, he had perpetrated numerous attacks on Israeli civilians and troops during the war.
    • The IDF continues to take actions in Syria to protect the Druze community there, amid increased sectarian fighting in the country. With nearly 150,000 Druze in Israel, thousands of whom serve in the military, the Israeli government is committed to protecting the ethnic minority. Today, Israeli troops began operating a forward mobile medical triage facility in southern Syria, as part of several efforts undertaken to support the Syrian-Druze population and ensure their safety. See footage of the facility here.
 

Houthis

  • Almost all rocket sirens in Israel in the last few months (typically a few each week), have been triggered by missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, who control a large part of the divided country.
  • Typically, these missiles are intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, but due to the long range and unpredictability, sirens are heard in large areas of Israel, often causing millions to run to shelters.
  • On Sunday, for the first time, defense systems failed to intercept an incoming Houthi missile, which struck the grounds of Ben Gurion Airport outside of Tel Aviv. The missile hit an open area not far from the terminal buildings. Since no structures were hit, damage was minor, and only four people suffered injuries. Nonetheless, the psychological damage was considerable as thousands of people at the airport saw the strike occur, and dozens captured it on video that was later shared widely. More significantly, most foreign airlines immediately suspended flights to and from Israel, stranding thousands of citizens outside the country. Limited flights on Israeli carriers led to prolonged waits in the airport. Some airlines have begun to resume flights, but others may wait weeks, or even more.
  • In response, on Tuesday, Israeli fighter jets launched a large attack on Yemen’s Sana’a International Airport, the main international gateway of the Houthi-controlled part of the country. Following IDF warnings to vacate the terminals, most of the airport was destroyed by Israeli strikes, including the control tower, terminal buildings and numerous aircraft on the ground. The entire airport is inoperable for the foreseeable future.
  • Yesterday, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached between the US and the Houthis in which the terror group agreed to end attacks on US and other international shipping in exchange for a halt of US attacks on Yemen. The Houthis explicitly stated that the deal does not include Israel, and the terror group has already attempted to fire additional missiles at Israel since the agreement was announced. Israeli commentators have bemoaned the fact that the US agreed to a deal that did not require a cessation of Houthi attacks on Israel.
 

Hostages

  • US President Donald Trump surprised many on Tuesday, especially in Israel, by stating that there are 21 hostages who are still alive. Until then, the commonly accepted number was 24. Hostage families suggested that there may be information about some of the hostages that Israel shared with the US government, but not with the families.
  • Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office later clarified that there is confirmed intelligence about 21 hostages being alive, and incomplete information about three others; this is why President Trump stated that only 21 are alive.
    • Today, the Israeli government said that there is significant concern for the lives of three of the hostages: one Israeli and two foreigners, whom Hamas is holding.
 

Diplomacy

  • According to numerous media reports, secret talks have been taking place between Syria’s new leaders and the Israeli government, with the United Arab Emirates acting as mediators. The talks are reportedly focused on security coordination, to ensure that there is no further escalation of tensions between Israel and Syria. While most agree that it is too early to refer to the talks as a breakthrough, or to say that they could result in a normalization agreement in the longer term, observers have noted the additional blow to Iran’s seemingly losing its major ally, Syria, in its multi-pronged attacks on Israel.
  • Last week, Prime Minister Netanyahu, met with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) that included US Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), and Laura Friedman (D-CA).
 

Three new reports highlighting various aspects of Federations Israel Emergency work have been released:

War in Israel: Update on Current Situation

April 30, 2025 - October 7 War, Day 572, 59 hostages remain in captivity

 
 

Tonight begins Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. The Jewish State is celebrating amid a terrible war. Yesterday, the country stood still for two minutes at 11 am to mark Yom Hazikaron, the memorial day for fallen soldiers. We are sending out the Israel Update today because the Israel Office will be closed tomorrow for the holiday.

  • 318 soldiers were killed between Yom Hazikaron 2024 and Yom Hazikaron 2025.
  • 25,420 soldiers have fallen in all of Israel’s wars, including during the pre-state period.

In a moving ceremony at the Wailing Wall, President Isaac Herzog said:

This year, perhaps more than ever, the siren’s sound is also a true alarm, commanding us: unite and come together. Do not tear apart from within. Do not destroy our home.

It rises further and further, like a terrible cry, a wail, a scream that pierces the gates of Heaven. For the fallen men and women, the murdered; for the many wounded in body and soul; for our kidnapped brothers and sisters—the beloved, the tormented—held in captivity and distress for more than a year and a half.

From here, I call out to our brothers and sisters in the hands of murderers: A whole nation is missing you, worrying for you, crying your cry. A nation tormented beyond measure. A nation that knows—deep in its soul, burned with longing and anxiety—that the wound cannot heal until you return. Until you return to us. Here, at the place where our soldiers swear to defend the homeland and the freedom of Israel—we too swear, I swear: not to rest and not to be still. Not to rest and not to be still. Not even for a moment. To act with all our might, by every means, to take one more step, and another, until all of you come home. Every single one.

Three new reports highlighting various aspects of Federations Israel Emergency work have been released:

 

IDF Activity

  • Fighting continues in Gaza. Last week, three soldiers fell in battle.
  • On Sunday, the Air Force launched a pinpoint attack on a building in Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood, where Hezbollah is headquartered. The target was a storage facility holding a large quantity of precision missiles, in violation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Israel continues to respond to every violation of the agreement by Hezbollah.
  • Sporadic rocket fire, mainly from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, continues. These missiles are typically intercepted by Israel’s defense systems. Using open-source data, the HonestReporting NGO has mapped the terror tunnel network running under Gaza. The newly released interactive site can be seen here.
 

Hostages

  • According to most reports, negotiations over a hostage deal are at an impasse. Nonetheless, media reports note that Egypt said that a deal is close. One Israeli government official, while averring that “not everything the Egyptians say is true,” acknowledged that there has been some progress, with the duration of the potential ceasefire Hamas’ future role in Gaza both still needing to be resolved.
  • Hamas has expressed a willingness to sign an all-encompassing deal that would see a release of all 59 remaining hostages in exchange for a very large number of Palestinian prisoners, plus a full Israeli pull-out from Gaza and a five-year ceasefire that would leave Hamas in power.
  • Israel says that it won’t accept any deal that:
    • leaves Hamas in power
    • allows Hamas to maintain its weapons
    • doesn’t allow IDF forces to be stationed at several points that it deems critical to Israel’s security
  • Israel, for its part, has stated that it is willing to pursue a partial deal that would entail the release of some hostages in exchange for a shorter-term ceasefire.
 

Hostages

  • While hostage and ceasefire negotiations continue, the sides seem to be at an impasse. Hamas is demanding an internationally-backed agreement that will see a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal, in exchange for a release of all hostages. Israel, on the other hand, will not consider a deal that leaves Hamas in power, or that denies the IDF a security presence in buffer zones and other militarily strategic areas that are vital for the country’s security.
  • Israel’s negotiating team, led by Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, is set to depart for further talks in the coming days.
  • Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad continue to release “sign-of-life” videos of hostages they are holding; they sent out three in just the past week. While families have welcomed any proof that their loved ones are alive, the psychological toll of seeing them in captivity is heavy.
 

Yom Ha'atzmaut 2025

  • To mark Israel’s Independence Day, the country’s Central Bureau of Statistics has released several facts, including:
    • The country’s population has, for the first time, surpassed the 10 million mark, and now stands at 10,094,000 people. This is 12 times the population  of Israel in 1948.
    • 77.6% are Jewish and 20.9% are Arabs.
    • 27% are under 14 years old, and 13% are over 65.
    • 45% of the world’s Jewish population now lives in Israel
    • 4 out of Jews in Israel were born in the country.
    • 91% of Israelis say they are either “happy” or “very happy” with their lives. 67% say the same about their financial situation.
 

Other Developments

  • Israel has denied involvement in a blast that ripped through Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port last weekend. Iranian media says at least 50 were killed and more than 1200 injured.
  • In the first time a government minister has discussed a time-frame for the war, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer said, "A year from now, the seven-front war… will be over. Israel will have won. And I think you will see many peace agreements, either that have been forged or will be forged in the coming years…..”
  • Following weeks of political and legal maneuvering, including attempts by the government to fire him, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar announced on Monday that he will resign from his position on June 15. Speaking at an event commemorating fallen Shin Bet operatives, Bar conceded that “all the systems collapsed and the Shin Bet, too, failed in providing an early warning” on October 7. As the Shin Bet head, he continued, “I took responsibility for this—and now, on this special evening, symbolizing remembrance, bravery, and sacrifice, I have chosen to announce the fulfillment of that responsibility and my decision to end my tenure as head of the Shin Bet.”
 

The Yoms

  • As it is Yom Ha’atzmaut, we will conclude with a short, famous Israeli poem, by Tzur Ehrlich. While it loses something in translation, it is worth contemplating:Two remembrance days each year,One week apart, we calculate in sum,The price of having our own state,And the price of having none.

War in Israel: Update on Current Situation

April 24, 2025 - October 7 War, Day 566, 59 hostages remain in captivity

 

Yom HaShoa 2025: As Israel commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day today, a two-minute memorial siren sounded across the country at 10 am, bringing all activity to a short pause, as citizens stood at attention to remember our six million brothers and sisters who perished during the Shoah.

Ten of the freed hostages from October 7 are in Poland to take part in the annual Yom HaShoah March of the Living ceremony at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

 

IDF Activity

  • Fighting continues in numerous locations across the Gaza Strip. In the last week, the IDF has taken control of the Morag Corridor, which separates the city of Rafah from the rest of Gaza.
  • Last weekend, 35-year-old IDF Command Sergeant Galeb al-Nasasra, a Bedouin soldier, was killed in action in Gaza while attempting to rescue two female soldiers who were severely wounded when an RPG was launched at their vehicle. Al-Nasara was the first soldier to fall in Gaza since fighting recommenced. The tragic event highlighted the presence of both Bedouin and female soldiers among those fighting in the IDF in Gaza.
  • Earlier today, an IDF airstrike in northern Gaza targeted a group of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives at a command center used by the groups. The strike hit Jabalia’s former police station, killing at least nine people. According to the IDF, the site was used by the terrorists to carry out attacks on Israeli civilians and troops. The military says that it took steps to mitigate civilian harm in the strike, using “precision munition, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence.”
  • Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the entry of 600 Syrian Druze clerics into Israel tomorrow to celebrate the holiday of Ziyara at the tomb of Nabi Shuaib in the Lower Galilee. This will mark the first time Syrian Druze visitors have been permitted to stay overnight in Israel. In March, Katz authorized a similar visit for 60 clerics, who met with the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, and visited holy sites.
 

Rockets

  • Sporadic rocket fire continues from both Yemen and Gaza, sending Israeli citizens to shelters.
  • On Tuesday night, a single rocket fired by the pro-Iranian Houthis in Yemen activated sirens in Haifa and across the north. The missile was intercepted by Israel’s defenses and caused no damage or injuries. Last weekend, millions of Israelis in Tel Aviv and across central Israel ran to shelters as a result of separate Houthi attacks that were also intercepted.
  • Despite its limited remaining capabilities, since the end of the ceasefire, Hamas has succeeded in firing a small number of rockets against Israeli civilian targets in the south, thankfully without causing major damage.
 

Hostages

  • While hostage and ceasefire negotiations continue, the sides seem to be at an impasse. Hamas is demanding an internationally-backed agreement that will see a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal, in exchange for a release of all hostages. Israel, on the other hand, will not consider a deal that leaves Hamas in power, or that denies the IDF a security presence in buffer zones and other militarily strategic areas that are vital for the country’s security.
  • Israel’s negotiating team, led by Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, is set to depart for further talks in the coming days.
  • Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad continue to release “sign-of-life” videos of hostages they are holding; they sent out three in just the past week. While families have welcomed any proof that their loved ones are alive, the psychological toll of seeing them in captivity is heavy.
 

Political Developments

  • In further signs of increasing Palestinian frustration with Hamas, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) called the terror group “sons of dogs,” and said they need to release Israel’s hostages and “rid the Palestinian people of this issue.”  Anti-Hamas protests by Gazan citizens have continued.
  • Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich accused the IDF of failing to carry out the government’s orders. The Cabinet has told the military to take over the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza (in order to prevent Hamas from controlling the aid), but the IDF Chief of Staff says that this task would put soldiers’ lives at risk.
  • Ronen Bar, whose dismissal as head of the Shin Bet by the government is being contested in court, has submitted an affidavit in which he accused Netanyahu of pressuring him to help postpone testimony in the prime minister’s criminal trial. Bar said the request was submitted against his own professional opinion, and that Netanyahu also asked him to use the Shin Bet to act against anti-government activists who are involved in legitimate political protest. Bar also alleged that it was “made clear to him” that he was expected to be loyal to the government even doing so defies a High Court of Justice ruling.
 

In Other News...

  • Massive wild fires broke out yesterday in the Jerusalem region because of a heat wave. The fires caused the closing of a number of major roads and the evacuation of several small towns and moshavim. Three firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and one fire truck was consumed by the flames. Large swathes of forest have been burnt.
  • An Israeli man was killed by sharks while swimming off the Mediterranean coast. Even though sharks are relatively common in these waters, attacks are rare.
 

Loss. Destruction. Small Miracles

From one of our grantees' personal blog, Beth Steinberg, founding director of Shutaf:

Visiting Kfar Aza 8 months later

JUN 11, 2024

Traveling south, some 8 months after October 7th, I feel ready, I hope, to see some of the destruction wrought on that terrible day. The hard news of last week, 4 more hostages declared dead - Chaim Peri, 79, Amiram Cooper, 84, Yoram Metzger, 80, and Nadav Popplewell, 51 - the first 3 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Popplewell from Kibbutz Nirim, and 35 year old Dolev Yehud’s body identified through DNA findings in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Yehud was buried last week, mourned by his wife and 4 children, one of them born after October 7th. Continue reading here

Special Update on Rafah

 
 
 
 
 

Israel’s Rafah Operation and the US Reaction

The US is withholding some arms shipments to Israel in response to the IDF’s operation in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. Here's what you need to know:

 

Background

  • Rafah, located on the Egyptian border, is the last major enclave deemed critical by Israel, to defeating Hamas. The IDF claims that is has disbanded 20 of 24 Hamas battalions in Gaza, but four of the remaining intact battalions and many Hamas senior leaders, as well as hostages, are believed to be in Rafah. According to military analysts, most of the weapons Hamas used to massacre Israelis on October 7 came through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. 
  • As a result of the fighting in the rest of the Strip, an estimated 1.3 million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah, including many who followed Israel’s orders to evacuate northern Gaza to safer territory in the earlier stages of fighting. 
  • The US, and many other countries, have called on Israel to refrain from attacking Rafah due to concerns over a humanitarian crisis that could result from major fighting in the area. Egypt is also worried that an attack on Rafah could see hundreds of thousands of Gazans storming the border and entering Egypt.
  • Washington has said that if an incursion must take place, then Israel needs to take considerable measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the civilians in the city.
  • At the same time, negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of hostages continue. Many in Israel have argued that the only way to get Hamas to compromise and reach a deal, is through significant military pressure, especially in Rafah. Over the weekend, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had given an ultimatum saying that a Rafah operation would go ahead unless a hostage deal was reached by the end of the week.
 

Initial Incursion

  • Over the weekend, rockets were fired from Rafah at the Kerem Shalom crossing, killing four Israeli soldiers and wounding seven others. The crossing, which facilitates dozens of aid trucks entering Gaza each day, was badly damaged in the Hamas attack, and was forced to close. (Israel has since speedily made temporary repairs to the facility, allowing the crossing to reopen today, and aid to Gaza to continue).
  • On Monday, Israel issued evacuation orders to around 100,000 civilians in one area of Rafah. The warnings were sent via leaflets, text messages, and radio broadcasts, urging Palestinian civilians to move to nearby humanitarian zones in Al-Mawasi. The IDF facilitated the expansion of field hospitals and tents and an increase of water, food and medical supplies in the safe area. 
  • That evening, a low-level, pinpoint Israeli incursion into Rafah began, that did not involve major fighting.
  • The IDF reported that during the operation, the military eliminated 20 terrorists in the area, struck Hamas targets and located several tunnel entrances.  
  • The IDF also established operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah crossing, where special forces are currently scanning the area, after Israeli intelligence showed it was being used for terror purposes. The crossing is located some 1.8 miles from the Israeli border along the Philadelphi Corridor where weapons are frequently smuggled into Gaza from Egypt. 
 
 

U.S. Reaction

  • Yesterday, US President Joe Biden warned Israel that he will stop US weapons shipments earmarked for a Rafah offensive if the IDF embarks on a major military operation there. The President told CNN, “I’ve made it clear that if they go into Rafah… I’m not supplying the weapons that have historically been used to deal with Rafah.” 
  • Earlier in the day US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Senate Appropriations Committee the US had already paused one shipment to Israel of payload munitions due to concerns over Rafah. 
  • Nonetheless, Biden reiterated what he has repeated many time in recent weeks, and that is the US’ “ironclad” support and commitment to Israel’s security. Specifically, he told CNN, “We’re not walking away from Israel’s security. We’ve walked away from its ability to make war in those areas.”
  • Biden also said that what Israel has done so far in Rafah does not constitute a major military operation in that southern part of the enclave.
 

Moving Forward

  • The Israeli government will meet this evening to discuss next moves. While some have said that the US decision to withhold arms strengthens Hamas’s negotiating position, others have expressed confidence that Israel does have the capability of balancing its own security interests alongside its critical relationship with the US.
  • Many Israelis and others have remained defiant. One “unnamed senior Israeli official” told N12 News in Israel that, “an attack on Rafah will occur in any event. We have enough supplies to accomplish this without external help.”
  • Meanwhile, CIA Chief William Burns is again in the region trying to help the sides reach a hostage-release and ceasefire agreement, that would also halt further fighting in Rafah.

Jewish Federations continue to unquestioningly support Israel’s right to defend itself, including destroying Hamas’s capabilities to harm the Jewish state, while also strongly supporting the critical and close relationship between the United States and Israel. 


We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and are considering a public statement.

 

Further Reading

Newsweek: Israel Has Created a New Standard for Urban Warfare. Why Will No One Admit It?

Read about the international law aspects of press access during times of armed conflict in this article by active-duty army judge, Major Emily Bobenrieth.  

David Horovitz: Silver linings in an ongoing nightmare

Surprise! Hamas has thousands more fighters than Israel initially thought

 

On 107.1:  KEITH KRIVITZKY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OCEAN COUNTY, discusses a fundraising campaign the organization kicked off to help raise $150-thousand-dollars for the people of Israel impacted since the October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas, how the Federation is offering to match every dollar donated up to $50-thousand-dollars, and what it is like in Jerusalem.

We Stand With Israel Vigil 

Watch the video of our community's Israel solidarity event. 

Remarks from our vigil

Statements from elected officials

Statements from speakers

Update from Keith in Jerusalem 

OP-ED published in Jerusalem Post 10.29 - https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-770686

10.26
Dear Friends,

Greetings from Jerusalem.

Everyone here is in waiting mode. For some movement – a return of hostages or the start of a ground war…as that forward motion might hint that there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Until then, people are going about their days in a sort of shared state of misery, wondering whether to do normal, every-day things or to stay home, near family, and feel somehow less vulnerable.

An empty Tel Aviv promenade at 3 pm
The hostility to Israel and growing concerns about antisemitism around the world are just as troubling. Everyone in the Jewish community who is paying attention is shaken. As we should be. This is the price of family – when members of our family are suffering, we are all affected.

Bring them home
Family also comes together to help each other in times of need. I am proud to say that our Israel Emergency Campaign has already passed $100,000. We still need your help to reach our goal – and any contribution you give will be matched dollar for dollar!


Thanks to the many in our community who have shown their support so far, I am grateful that we have just made our first local emergency grants to help those struggling and in need of assistance in Israel. These include:
· Funds to our core partners at the JDC, Jewish Agency, and the Jewish Federations of North America to address a wide array of social service needs during this crisis
· Plus funds to several smaller organizations that coordinate volunteers and aid throughout the country (Lev Echad), provide counseling and support to families who have been displaced or lost loved ones (Koby Mandell Foundation), and work with lone soldiers and youth (Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center, Dror, Crossroads).  


Together, we can make a crucial difference!
Israel Emergency Campaign
Below, I share a version of an OpEd written recently to give a taste of what people are experiencing, and the trauma that exists, on the ground in Israel.
 
The most common phrase used today is b’sorot tovot – which basically means may we hear good news.
 
So I want to say to all of you: b’sorot tovot. May we all hear some good news soon.
 
Thanks and Shabbat Shalom.
 
Keith
Keith Krivitzky, Managing Director
 
 
Dispatches from a traumatized country 
 
I wanted to share with you some of the many conversations, messages, and news stories I have heard and seen since the horrific attack on October 7 in Israel. The trauma (and resilience) of Israeli society don’t always come across through news reporting on the current conflict. These are real events and conversations that happened, summarized (and sometimes translated) for clarity. Comments in italics are my own.
 
Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin are working tirelessly to have their son, Hersh, returned after being kidnapped by Hamas from the Novo dance party on October 7. He is injured, having lost his arm below the elbow, and in need of medical attention. Join at 7:45 am tomorrow to show support as they head to the United Nations to plead his case, and that of the other hostages, to world leaders. (Jon and Rachel are friends.)
Parents of at least two dozen fallen soldiers have sought to collect sperm from their fallen children. This is allowed under a special Health Ministry rule that was enacted following the start of fighting. (Touching and chilling at the same time.)
At a recent lunch in Jerusalem, I was eating with friends who engaged in a serious discussion about where they would hide in their house if it was overrun by terrorists. When it was clear that there weren’t many good places, the discussion shifted to whether they should build out some hiding holes just in case.  
If don't have a protected room, a shelter, or an internal stairwell that can be reached during a rocket attack, find a space with as few windows, openings and external walls as possible, and that there are no ceramics, porcelain and glass that could shatter. Upon an alert, stay against an inner wall, and sit under the window line and not across from the door. Remember: the further inside the building, with as many cement block or concrete walls as possible between you and the place of the explosion, the more protected you will be from being hit by shrapnel and blast. Wait for 10 minutes to protect yourself from intercepted rockets that might fall to the ground. (From guidelines issued by the Home Front Command. Depending on where you live, you have 30-90 seconds to reach shelter after an alert.)
The City of Jerusalem and Magen David Adom are sponsoring a blood drive on Monday at Teddy Stadium. Blood type O is urgently needed.  (Magen David Adom is Israel’s version of the Red Cross. There have been many blood drives throughout the country with people waiting up to 7-8 hours to donate.)
The Jerusalem coordinating center is looking for donations of basic items like clothes and toiletries as well as volunteers to help the thousands of people relocated from rocket attacks and fighting in the south near Gaza. Many had to flee their homes, bringing little with them.  (Currently there are more than 200,000 evacuees displaced in Israel. The number of volunteers has also been impressive, with numerous and almost immediate responses to requests for help like this.) 
FYI - there is a “breast milk bank” with donated milk to provide to babies of mothers kidnapped or killed. Please spread the word.
The funeral for Netanel, a lone soldier, will take place at Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem at 12:30. His family is flying in from London - please show up to attend so that they can see he also has family in Israel. (A lone soldier is someone serving in the army, in many cases volunteering, with no family in the country. My friend went to this funeral, which was interrupted by sirens warning of a rocket attack. Attendees had to leave as soon as it was over as there were back-to-back funerals for those killed so far in the war.) 
Know who is sending messages in your Whatsapp group. An organization called “Love Israel” is asking for the names of Israeli soldiers so they can pray for them. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION. These are terrorists trying to get information! (Also chilling. Whatsapp groups are group chats. There have been many such messages, including cases where phones of hostages have been used to send messages from their captors in Gaza.)
My friend recently said goodbye to a colleague who had moved to Israel to flee the war in Ukraine. His family has now moved to Kishinev to escape war here. (This is a sad irony given that the Kishinev pogroms, to which the October 7 attack has been compared, added momentum to Jews seeking to build a home in Israel where they could defend themselves.)

 
Sadly, more and more of these messages and sad stories are shared every day. 


****
PS – I urge you to demonstrate your support and contribute to our Israel Emergency Campaign . Thank you. And if you have made it this far, you might also want to listen to this radio interview broadcast this past Sunday: KEITH KRIVITZKY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OCEAN COUNTY DISCUSSES EFFORTS TO HELP ISRAEL FROM JERUSALEM - 107.1 The Boss (1071theboss.com)

Keith's earlier messages from Israel

Israel Emergency Campaign

From JFNA before Shabbat 10.27:

Dearest Friends and Colleagues:

Before Shabbat, we wanted to send a quick note of –
Gratitude – In just a little over two weeks, our incredible Jewish Federation system has raised over $550M dollars for urgent needs and for the longer term rebuilding and rehabilitation of the families and communities harmed in our beloved State of Israel. More importantly, over $100M has already reached the front-line service providers and more is on the way even as we write this note. We cannot express adequately how overwhelming and inspirational it has been to watch you all spring into action and, even without knowing all the details yet of what the needs will be, mobilize your communities to support this Israel Emergency Campaign.
Determination – Our original $500M goal, established just four days into this crisis, was a recognition that the needs would be tremendous and that we had to get started right away raising the resources. We now know clearly that the needs far exceed that amount, and that our work continues. We are determined to continue our fundraising and allocations as long as is necessary to restore the Jewish State to health and prosperity.
Awareness – Even as the work in Israel continues, we face an extraordinary challenge at home. We are proud of the 123 community solidarity vigils and rallies that Federations have helped organize, all with important political, civic and business leaders there. And of course the response of our political leaders, inlcuding President Biden, has been extraordinary. But we know that being a Jew and a Zionist in our communities, in our schools, and in our businesses increasingly makes our community subject to verbal and even physical attacks. We are on the offensive, and we will be working together across the Jewish world to mobilize our communities in support of Israel and against antisemitism. 
Remembrance – As we prepare for Shabbat, our friends and colleagues in the Pittsburgh Jewish community are remembering the victims of the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue building, which occurred five years ago today. May the memories of Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil Rosenthal, David Rosenthal, Daniel Stein, Richard Gottfried, Joyce Fienberg, Melvin Wax, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon and Irving Younger always be a blessing and may we never forget our responsibility to the safety and security of our communities here in North America and around the world. And, of course, we add to the names of the martyrs of the Jewish people the more than 1400 victims of Hamas’ attack on October 7th.
Torah – This Shabbat we read the “origin story” of the Jewish people – God’s call to Abram to leave his land, his place of birth, his father’s home, and “go to the land that I will show you.” This parsha, Lech Lecha, reminds us – even as thousands sit shiva for victims of Hamas terror and for the soldiers who defended against the attacks, hundreds of thousands of soldiers are at the front lines to restore security to Israel, thousands of doctors, nurses and aid workers are caring lovingly for the wounded – that the Jewish people and the State of Israel are one. We always have been and we always will be.
Prayer – And as Shabbat begins with over two hundred hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, we pray for their speedy return to their families and for their health and safety. May the Holy One bless and protect them, and may those charged with negotiating their return be granted wisdom and courage in their efforts.
Wishing everyone a Shabbat of rest and calm.
Julie Platt, Chair, Board of Trustees
Eric Fingerhut, President & CEO
July 24, 2023
 
Dear Friends,

Following hours of high tension, protests and political maneuvering in Israel, the “Reasonableness” Bill that will reduce the Israeli Supreme Court’s power to strike down some government decisions passed its third reading in the Knesset, and is now law.

The new law passed with 64 votes in favor and 0 against, as opposition MKs boycotted the final vote on the bill in protest. The law stipulates that courts can no longer use a “reasonableness” standard to strike down decisions made by the cabinet or government ministers, including appointments. See further background on the new law here and see here to read arguments on why many feel it will diminish the checks and balances of the Israeli system of government.

The law passed after almost 30 hours of continuous Knesset debate that began on Sunday morning. During that period, hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets across the country both in favor of and opposed to the bill.  This morning, hundreds chained themselves to the entrances to the Knesset to try and prevent MKs from entering the building. Many businesses, shopping malls and other venues were shuttered.

On landing back in Israel last night from an official visit to the United States, President Isaac Herzog went straight to the hospital bed of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (who had a pacemaker implanted yesterday), before meeting opposition leaders, to try to reach a compromise. This morning the President said, “We are in a state of national emergency. This is the moment for responsibility…During these decisive hours, I call on elected officials to act with courage, and to reach out in order to arrive at an understanding.” Within the Knesset, last-minute attempts were made to amend the bill or to come to a broader compromise (see more here), but none of these efforts ultimately bore fruit.

The leadership of the Jewish Federations of North America will be meeting this afternoon to consider further steps.  In the meantime, please join our webinar tomorrow, Tuesday, July 25 at 12PM ET to hear the latest developments and examine possible repercussions. Register here. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us for any assistance you might need in your communities.

For further reading see:
Reasonable guardians? How repealing ‘reasonableness’ may affect top custodians of law
An explainer on “reasonableness” by Prof. Amichai Cohen
As judiciary fight reaches a climax, both sides set to lose


Rebecca Caspi
Senior Vice President Israel and Overseas
Director General, Israel Office

July 24:  In these crucial days when Israel's Knesset decides the future of the Israeli judiciary, the leaders of the National Institutions and the Jewish Federations of North America have sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Leader of the Opposition, Yair Lapid, emphasizing the need for unity and peace within our home. They call for respectful dialogue, moderation, and a shared commitment to the future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

As partners in shaping the destiny of the Jewish people, we urge leaders to seek common ground for the well-being of Am Israel. Let us remain united, a beacon of hope, strength and unity for the entire Jewish community.

July 23 United in Support of Israel & the Latest on Judicial Reform

Dear Friends, 
Like everyone who loves and cares about Israel, we are following the news from our Jewish State today with great concern and anxiety.  
We wish Prime Minister Netanyahu a complete and speedy recovery and pray that his newly installed pacemaker will provide the health benefits that his doctors seek. 
As a vote on the first piece of legislation that would change the balance of power between the government and the Supreme Court approaches, protests in Israel both for and against the legislation continue to grow. Efforts to seek compromise also continue, including a visit by our good friend President Herzog to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s hospital room immediately upon his arrival back from his historic trip to the United States, and further meetings with Opposition Leaders Lapid and Gantz, as well as the notable involvement of Israel’s Histadrut Labor Federation. We of course hope for and encourage these efforts at compromise as the very best possible outcome for the country. 
Whether compromise is achieved on this bill or not, the divisions in Israeli society caused by this bitter debate are deep. Even as we approach Tisha B’av, the day on which we commemorate the destruction of the Temples and the loss of Jewish sovereignty for two millennia, it is apparent that the work of building a flourishing Jewish State, to which Jewish Federations are committed, is not done. Israelis with whom we have worked for years – and who have always helped us put Israel’s political debates in perspective – have been issuing dire warnings. The rhetoric that some Israeli officials are directing at segments of society that disagree with their positions is growing harsher and, God forbid, the unity of the IDF is even at risk. This contentious behavior is seeping into our own communities, and we know it would be even worse if our Federations weren’t making constant efforts to bridge the gaps and keep us all working together. 
All of us in the Jewish Federation system will devote the necessary efforts and resources to helping Israel build the social, legal and political structures that can bind the wounds of the past few months and engender the widespread support and respect needed to solve the most vexing issues the country faces. Many of these efforts are already underway, including support for organizations such as the Jewish People’s Policy Institute, the Israel Democracy Institute, our own iRep coalition on religious pluralism, and support for LGBTQ organizations in Israel, as well as many other important efforts of individual Federations. We will all work together to develop additional steps we can take to help build Israel’s civil society.
It is important to emphasize that our efforts to date on judicial reform have not been in vain. Every conversation, every meeting, every fly-in, has had an impact. This week’s Knesset session – whatever happens – is but one moment in a long-term struggle that will play out over many years. 
Nevertheless, the stakes this week go far beyond the particulars of the bill under consideration, and all sides know it. To the governing coalition, the failure to pass this bill would be a major setback. To the opposition, the passage of even a minor bill on the topic of judicial reform would embolden the government to take further steps in the same manner.
Yet the particulars do matter. It is difficult to provide a succinct summary of the legislation under consideration and why it has engendered such strong feelings because the details are complicated and because concerns about the bill must be understood in the context of Israel’s system of government, which does not readily translate to our own systems in the United States and Canada. We will delve more deeply into this subject at a webinar this Tuesday – whether the bill has passed or not – at 12PM ET. In the webinar, we will also consider the impact of President Herzog’s visit to Washington D.C. and New York.
Jewish tradition holds that the age of prophecy ended with Malachi. There are several explanations given throughout Jewish texts for this, but the one that resonates with us today was offered by Rabbi Hayyim Angel: “No longer having prophets to tell us what God wants of us enabled mature human participation in the natural covenant between God and humanity.”
We are in the Three Weeks of mourning stretching from the 17th of Tammuz to Tisha B’av. In a remarkable coincidence, the seven and one half year long cycle of studying a page a day of Talmud – daf yomi – focused during these Three Weeks on the destruction of the Temple, and especially on the opinion of the sages that the Temple was destroyed because of divisions within the Jewish people. In yet another coincidence, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog addressed a Joint Session of the United States Congress on Rosh Chodesh Av – the first day of the month of Av, the beginning of the intense Nine Days from the first to the ninth of Av. We may not have prophets, but our history, our sages and even our Jewish calendar are screaming at us, trying to get our attention.
We still have time for “mature human participation in the covenant,” but the harm that has been caused is real and will require serious efforts at repair. President Herzog has led the call for dialogue and civility. His trip to the United States was a triumph of leadership and diplomacy. We must do everything we can to bolster his resolve and help him carry this burden. We must also use all the considerable influence of the North American Jewish community to insist that all sides in Israel take a step back from their extreme positions and return to negotiations. 
In the Talmud, Rabbis Akiva and Tarfon famously debate the relative merits of study and action. Rabbi Akiva wins the argument by concluding that study is greater because it leads to action. We must learn the lessons of our Torah and our history and, as Rabbi Akiva taught, turn those lessons into action. Join us on Tuesday at 12PM ET as we continue to study and consider our role in this important moment.

Julie Platt, Chair, Board of Trustees
Eric Fingerhut, President & CEO

 July 11, 2023

Dear Friends,
Today has seen very high tension in Israel, with perhaps the most significant developments since the new government was formed just over a half a year ago. The debate and protests over the issue of proposed judicial reforms intensified dramatically, with protest groups launching a “National Day of Resistance” as a first bill moves through the legislative process.

Last night, the controversial Reasonableness Standard Bill passed in a first reading in the Knesset (in a 64 to 56 vote). Today, it will be brought before the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, where it will be further debated in preparation for a second and third reading in two weeks, after which it would become law.
If passed, the bill would block Israel's courts from applying a "reasonableness standard" to decisions made by elected officials. This standard was established by the courts decades ago, and allows judges to strike down decisions made by the prime minister, ministers or other government officials if they believe the decision is beyond the scope of what “a responsible and reasonable authority would do.” (See more about the bill and its background here and here). 

Examples of this clause's use in the past include a case in which Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman decided to unilaterally end funding for day care centers for some parts of the Haredi sector in the middle of a school year (the Supreme Court overturned his decision) and more recently, the prime minister’s decision to appoint Shas Party leader Aryeh Deri as Interior Minister and Health Minister. (Deri has been previously convicted by the courts, and according to the Supreme Court, had pledged not to re-enter public life; a claim Deri denies. See more here). The actual cases in which the courts overturned government decisions have been few, averaging less than one a year in the past quarter century.

The proposed law has been softened from its original version. The new version, currently before the Knesset, still allows judges to strike down decisions by unelected government officials, but would prevent it from having oversight of decisions of ministers and the prime minister. Opponents of the proposed change see this as giving unbridled power to elected officials, without appropriate checks and balances.

Tens of thousands of Israelis began protesting early this morning. Dozens of major roads in the country have been blocked, including the main Jerusalem – Tel Aviv Highway, one of the country’s busiest and most important corridors and the alternate route into the city – 443 – along with the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv. Police used water cannons and dragged demonstrators away from the Jerusalem – Tel Aviv Highway, and one protestor suffered a head injury from the high-pressured water. (See video footage here). Other protestors are attempting to disrupt activities at Israel’s only major international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Energy Minister Israel Katz called for the arrest of a protest leader "for sedition and disruption of public order.” Police have detained at least 40 people for disruptions.

A crowd of several hundred people have also gathered outside the Histadrut Labor Federation Headquarters in Tel Aviv, demanding that Israel’s largest labor union declare a general strike. While the Histadrut, which has the power to shut down large sections of the economy, has not yet joined today’s protests, its leader, Arnon Bar-David, warned of possible action today.

Meanwhile, some 300 IDF reservists in cyberwarfare units have issued a letter saying they will not show up for reserve duty in protest against the proposed reforms.

As most of you know, shortly after the new government was sworn in just over six months ago, it announced proposals to launch a series of sweeping reforms to the way the country is governed. (For details, see Jewish Federations’ Resource Page here). The past half year has seen much back and forth on the issue, with the protests increasing and decreasing in intensity, according to the government’s changing stance. Notwithstanding Prime Minister Netanyahu comments to English-language media that he intends only to move ahead with those aspects of the reforms where there is widespread consensus (see, for example, his interview with the Wall Street Journal here), members of his coalition have made contradictory statements, and the process of turning some proposals into law continues, spearheaded by Netanyahu’s Likud party.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has been working hard to get all sides to agree to a compromise proposal, and to return to the negotiating table.  For now, however, those talk have been halted. Jewish Federations have repeatedly called on all sides to join the talks under the President’s auspices (see here).

We will continue to monitor developments, and report as needed. Meanwhile, please feel free to share Jewish Federations’ comments, as well as this update.
Rebecca Caspi
Senior Vice President Israel and Overseas
Director General, Israel Office




Update on Security in Israel 5.12.23

Dear Friends,

Despite the optimism in yesterday morning's update that a ceasefire was likely, within a few hours Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fired multiple barrages of rockets at Israeli population centers, killing one civilian in the city of Rehovot and injuring others. The rocket attacks continued for a number of hours.  While overnight only sporadic rocket-fire took place, a number of launches remain underway at the time of writing. There is wide-spread speculation that this may be a final volley before a formal ceasefire begins.

In the early evening hours yesterday, a particularly intense round of rocket fire from Gaza caused millions of Israelis to run to shelters, including in major cities in the country’s center, such as Tel Aviv and Rishon Letzion. In an apparent malfunction of the Iron Dome defense system (see details here), one rocket hit an apartment building in the city of Rehovot that did not have its own shelters. One person was killed, nine others were injured, and the building suffered major damage. See further details here and here.

So far, more than 880 rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza during Operation Shield and Arrow, now entering its fourth day. Of these, some 672 crossed the border from Palestinian territories into Israel, with the rest falling short, or landing in the sea. Iron Dome has been activated 260 times, and has had a 91% success rate during the current operation. See here for a PIJ-produced video of a rocket being launched. 12 Israelis have been wounded as a result of the rocket fire and thousands more are suffering from various forms of trauma. Millions have had their lives interrupted. See here for an article about one family’s life under fire.

Meanwhile the IDF continued to strike PIJ military targets, and says that the terrorist organization has suffered a major blow, including losing many of its top commanders. In total, 170 terror targets have been hit. See here for a video of the IDF striking a PIJ military post and here for footage of a strike on a mobile rocket launcher. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza says that 31 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since fighting began. According to the IDF, at least four Palestinians have been killed, including children, as a result of failed rocket launches from Gaza. See further details here.

According to media reports, strong efforts are still underway to finalize a formal ceasefire, under Egyptian mediation. In an indication of the country’s willingness to de-escalate, Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that “quiet will be met with quiet.” See more here.

Jewish Federations’ partners, including the Jewish Agency for Israel, JDC, and the Israel Trauma Coalition, are addressing needs on the ground. The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror is providing immediate financial support to families whose homes were directly hit by rocket fire and is helping them with urgent needs. In addition to aid provided by the Government of Israel, the fund also grants supplementary aid to families affected by rocket fire, assists with rehabilitation needs, and addresses the needs of children and families dealing with post-traumatic stress. The Fund, which operates thanks to donations from Jewish Federations and others, was established 20 years ago and to date has supported 9,000 families affected by terrorist incidents and rocket fire, with grants totaling $20 million. Since the beginning of this year, the Fund has awarded grants to the residents of the Gaza border and victims of terror attacks totaling $220,000, and has also run special camps for approximately 350 children and teenagers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), another Federation partner, reports that close to 60% of residents living near the Gaza border have temporarily left their homes and are staying in areas further away from the conflict. ITC says the number of calls to trauma help lines have more than doubled in recent days, with the city of Sderot seeing the highest number of calls, by far. ITC says that the majority of the calls come from parents looking for advice as to how to calm their children. Due to the security situation, most trauma care is taking place over Zoom, but professionals visit homes in person where rockets have fallen within close proximity.

Jewish Federations of North America remain in close contact with the Israeli government, our partners, and others to monitor the situation. We will continue to update as needed.

Meanwhile, we are hoping for a quiet weekend here in Israel, and wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom.


Rebecca Caspi
Senior Vice President Israel and Overseas
Director General, Israel Office

From the Consulate General of Israel 5.11.23

At the end of the third day of Operation "Shield and Arrow,” I wanted to share with you an update on the developments:

·         As of 4pm ET, the Islamic Jihad has fired more than 800 rockets which were aimed at Israeli civilian communities, reaching the area of Tel Aviv.

·         1.5 million Israelis are at rocket range.

·         An apartment building in Rehovot, the Central District of Israel (about 20 kilometers south of Tel Aviv) was hit. One person was killed and eight others were injured. Three houses in Sderot were directly hit by rockets. No injuries were reported.

·         20% of the rockets launched by the Islamic Jihad have fallen inside Gaza. These misfires have killed four innocent Palestinian civilians, including a ten year old child. The Islamic Jihad is a threat to the innocent men, women and children in Gaza, placing them in the line of fire.

·         The IDF targeted two commanders in the Islamic Jihad’s Rocket Launching Force.  Ali Ghali, the Commander of the Rocket Launching Force, a central figure in IJ, was responsible for the recent rocket barrages launched against Israel.  Abu Deka, Deputy Commander of the Rocket Launching Force, was directly responsible for the barrage of rockets fired toward Israeli civilians in the last few days.

 

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