News

Within a week of the October 7 terror attack on Israel, approximately 700 notable Hollywood personalities, including Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Douglas, Debra Messing, Gal Gadot, and a handful of entertainment executives, came out strongly in support of Israel. In an open letter, devised by a nonprofit organization called “Creative Community for Peace,” they condemned in no unspeakable terms Hamas’ heinous attack on Israel, as well as calling for the release of its hostages.

Part II

By now many of you have probably read my piece in last week’s paper, entitled “Never forget? How I wish I could!”

Since then, it has been a tough few days I will never forget - not my usual Chanukah, but with a Chanukah miracle.

On Sunday morning, our granddaughter’s husband Yosef (last name intentionally omitted) was given a 24-hour leave after nearly a month straight in Gaza. We hadn’t seen or spoken to Yosef, a member of the IDF Nahal Brigade, in nearly six weeks. While in Gaza, he had no phone, and for the last four weeks, our only news was through a supply officer who periodically went in and out of Gaza to make sure the troops were properly supplied. Yosef’s wife Batsheva had spoken to him a few times when this same officer let some of the soldiers use his phone to call home.

I sit here on the plane, physically departing Ben Gurion Airport, but not emotionally prepared to separate from the land of our people. Reflecting on the last few short days, my thoughts are a bit discombobulated. Operation Iron Hugs achieved operational success under every imaginable definition; but our mission, all of our missions, are just beginning.

Feelings of a Seminary Girl in Eretz Yisrael During the Current Times

Every seminary girl who comes to Eretz Yisrael for a year is looking to grow in her ruchniyus through Torah classes. She travels around the country. She becomes a Shabbos guest by many different families. She becomes more independent and makes new friends. As this war is still going on and we have not yet met Mashiach, let us understand how it feels to be a seminary girl in Eretz Yisrael at this time. Is she able to reach all the goals she had for her year in seminary?

The reflexive support for Israel’s right to wipe out Hamas is nearing an end. With non-stop coverage of the war in Gaza [the Israel-Hamas War] alongside continual protests by pro-Hamas activists, the average person who does not know the history of Israel and Gaza will begin to turn against Israel in the name of sympathy. So, it’s up to us, the friends, neighbors, and co-workers of those who did not receive this education, to inform people of the history when they ask for it. So, we must be prepared. For brevity, this will be limited to the history between Israel and the Gaza Strip.