Jewish New Year Begins at Sundown; Netanyahu’s Hope: to Return Hostages Safely
The Jewish New Year: Rosh Hashana 5786 The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, begins at sunset on Monday, marking the start of the year 5786. During this time, Jews across the globe take a break from work, engage in synagogue services, and enjoy festive meals. Rosh Hashana is recognized as a blend of reflection and […]
Reporter’s Journal: Hostages, hopes for peace, and the harsh truth of the Gaza conflict
Reflections from the Middle East: Hostage Crisis and Conflict Having reported on developments in the Middle East for around 25 years, it’s striking how certain phrases never lose their truth. You know, the one about things changing yet remaining the same? Well, it’s accurate here, too. This latest trip, spanning three weeks, was anything but […]
Assassination of Charlie Kirk evokes sorrow from Hamas hostages group
The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, a notable conservative figure and co-founder of Turning Point USA, is casting a shadow over discussions regarding the 48 hostages that Hamas currently holds in Gaza. Kirk was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The Hostages and Missing Family Forum expressed deep sorrow over his […]
Senate Democrat: Israeli assault on Hamas in Qatar reduces chances of getting hostages back
Reactions to Israeli Strikes Against Hamas On Tuesday, Senator Jack Reed expressed concerns that Israel’s military actions against Hamas could hinder the possibility of retrieving local hostages and achieving long-term peace. “This certainly diminishes the chances of bringing back hostages, particularly those who are still alive,” he remarked. Reed noted that Hamas has indicated that […]
Trump Issues Executive Order Offering More Resources to Release U.S. Hostages
Trump Signs Executive Order to Enhance Hostage Recovery Efforts On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at bolstering efforts to free American hostages. Interestingly, his administration has already managed to recover 72 prisoners of war within the first eight months of his presidency. The signing event, captured on video in the Oval […]
Jazz musician dropped from festival for backing 50 hostages in Gaza: ‘I’m not a politician’
Berlin Musician Faces Cancellation Over Controversial Questions David Hamlin, a 25-year-old swing musician from Berlin, claims he is experiencing cancellation after being left out of significant European jazz festivals. He has faced accusations of making threats during a meeting organized by pro-Palestinian groups. Hamlin explained to media outlets that his only actions were posing a […]
Israel commemorates a year since the ‘Beautiful Six’ hostages were killed by Hamas.
Remembering Hostages in Israel TEL AVIV, Israel — On Saturday, Israelis commemorated a year since IDF soldiers retrieved the bodies of six hostages executed by Hamas terrorists in a Gaza Strip tunnel. Nearly 100,000 people reportedly gathered in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, to honor their loved ones and urged the government to finalize agreements for […]
Gaza City labeled a ‘dangerous combat zone’; remains of 2 hostages found
Israeli Defense Forces Declare Gaza City a “Combat Zone” On Friday, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) announced that Gaza City has been designated as a “dangerous combat zone.” This decision follows a rise in attacks in the area. The IDF indicated that a previously established pause in combat, which had allowed for the distribution of […]
All American hostages held overseas should be freed without delay.
I found Ahmad Shah Habibi’s essay about his brother’s capture by the Taliban quite compelling. His situation reminded me of my father, Bob Levinson, who was taken as a prisoner in a foreign land 18 years ago—something that still haunts me, especially considering the brutal circumstances surrounding his abduction. Ahmad’s brother, Mahmoud Habibi, holds dual […]
Israeli Special Forces Recover Remains of 2 Hostages
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) announced the recovery of two Israeli hostages’ bodies from Gaza, taken by Hamas since October 7, 2023, according to a statement released on Friday. In the statement, the IDF noted: The body of Ilan Weiss was retrieved from the Gaza Strip during an IDF operation, but details regarding another deceased […]