Did You Hear?

As you celebrate Chanukah, please be vigilant and report anything suspicious or concerning immediately to 911 and then to the Jewish Federation using the Incident Report Form.

The IDF reports that “fierce battles” with Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip continue, as the Air Force carried out strikes against more than 250 targets over the past day. According to the IDF, yesterday saw some of the harshest battles in Gaza since the ground operation began.

As part of the hostage-release deal, 88 hostages have been freed from Hamas captivity in five groups over the last five days and reunited with their families in Israel. An additional 10 Israelis will be released tonight.

As part of a deal negotiated by Qatar (with assistance from the United States and Egypt) 39 Israeli hostages have now been released from Hamas captivity and have been reunited with their families in Israel, in three separate groups, over the last three days.

Since Nov 17th there have been multiple Jewish organizations across the country targeted with hoax bomb threats.

Overnight, the Israeli government voted to approve a limited hostage deal with Hamas, brokered by Qatar, with assistance from the US, Egypt, and others. Following a marathon eight-hour meeting, Israel’s government voted late last night to approve a deal that would enable a limited hostage exchange. From recent polling research by Jewish Federations: 72% of public supports humanitarian pause for hostage release; only 20% want unconditional ceasefire.

Worried about upcoming conversations with relatives and friends? Rabbi Schiff clearly responds to misunderstood issues in the war against Hamas.

68 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ground offensive began, and 388 soldiers since October 7. Reports continue of an imminent deal on some hostages. Commenting on a possible agreement, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said, “We’re closer now than we’ve been before.”

As the ground war continues, Israel has uncovered extensive tunnels under the Shifa Hospital, with concrete evidence that hostages were held there. Israel has also recovered several bodies of hostages at the hospital who were likely killed by Hamas.