Four slain hostages returned to Israel
Red Cross receives coffins containing the bodies of 4 hostages from Hamas, brings the coffins to the IDF.
Red Cross receives coffins containing the bodies of 4 hostages from Hamas, brings the coffins to the IDF.


When Kamala Harris was asked whether Israel committed genocide in Gaza, she responded, ‘We should all step back and ask this question and be honest about it.'

Hostage survivor Eitan Mor told Netanyahu that during his time in captivity in Gaza, he had conversations with Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas' military wing.

'Second Hakafot' of Simchat Torah for Jews from around the world held in Jerusalem.
The Tanya compacts four millennia of Jewish wisdom to answer the great personal and existential questions of life. It has revolutionized the way we think about G -d the human soul, the world and our place in it.

Avi Ohana, father of Yosef Chaim, released from Hamas captivity, said: 'Yosef Chaim’s return is a sign of Divine mercy, faith, and unity. I thank the Creator, the IDF, the people of Israel, and the nation’s leadership.

US President says Hamas knows 'I'm not playing games' in demanding the terror group's disarmament. 'It'll happen quickly and, perhaps, violently, but they will disarm.'

Rivka Bohbot, wife of released hostage Elkana, shared moving moments with her son Re'em, and called to bring the rest of the hostages home, 'I never gave up, this is my personal victory.'

After Hamas transferred only four bodies, in violation of the hostage deal, Israel reduces the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and prevents the departure of Gazans to Egypt.

Nothing-absolutely nothing-of the European chatter, shuttles, winks or diplomacy produced any results, except that their warnings, declarations, and travels fueled hatred toward Jews worldwide. Opinion.

The self-destruct gene of the Palestinian Arabs in general and Hamas in particular may come into play next, as Jew-hatred makes them cut off their nose to spite their face. Opinion.

US President says the mission of returning all of the hostages is not complete as long as the bodies of the last 24 hostages are still held in Gaza.

The family of hostage Yossi Sharabi confirmed that his body was returned to Israel and he was officially identified at the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Avinatan was completely isolated. For two whole years - he did not meet other hostages and knew very little about what had happened in Israel since October 7.

The bodies of Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, Guy Illouz and Bipin Joshi have been identified at the National Center of Forensic Medicine

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum sent an urgent letter to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, expressing both profound gratitude and deep alarm that the bodies of 20 hostages remain in captivity.

The family of former hostage Alon Ohel said that for most of his captivity he was held in the same tunnel, chained and in pain.

Wishing a joyous Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah to all our readers. News coverage ends this evening, resumes Saturday evening.

Eurovision organizers postpone a vote on Israel’s 2026 participation, citing Gaza ceasefire developments. The issue will now be discussed in December.

CNN’s Christiane Amanpour apologizes for saying Hamas “probably” treated hostages better than Gazans. Critics condemned the remark as pro-Hamas and insensitive to victims.

On the day 20 hostages were freed, Cedarvale Park in Toronto vandalized with antisemitic graffiti. CIJA and HonestReporting condemn the hate, warning of rising threats to Jewish Canadians.

Four deceased hostages’ coffins transferred to Israel after being received by the IDF and Shin Bet from the Red Cross. Military tribute held in Gaza before transfer to Israel for identification. Israel urges Hamas to release all the remaining hostage bodies.

Freed hostages share chilling details of Gaza captivity, including starvation, isolation, and emotional moments like Elkana Bohbot’s anniversary plea.

Evyatar David reunites with his family after being freed from captivity. A Hamas video showing him digging his own grave drew global condemnation two months ago.

Just hours after releasing hostages, Hamas executes Gazans accused of collaborating with Israel. The public killings filmed by onlookers, are part of a crackdown on internal dissent.

President Trump joins Middle East leaders in Egypt for signing of Gaza Peace Deal, praising the historic moment. He also meets with PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas during the summit.

Freed after two years, Avinatan Or reunites with his parents and girlfriend Noa Argamani, both abducted by Hamas from the Nova Festival. Their story became a global symbol of the October 7 attacks.

Eitan Horn, freed from Hamas captivity, reunites with his brother Iair, also a former hostage. The two endured months together in harsh conditions before being released in separate hostage deals.

President Trump, speaking in Egypt, expresses optimism about recovering hostage bodies from Gaza and praised Egypt’s pivotal role in advancing peace talks with Hamas.

Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah about to begin in Israel. Our North America desk will update the site until they start in New York.

Aharon Mizrahi, 76, of Ramat Gan, died after four months of fighting for his life following an Iranian missile strike that also killed his partner, Eti Cohen Angel, during Operation Rising Lion.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, with President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal, bid farewell to U.S. President Trump upon his departure at Ben-Gurion International Airport

Avi Ohana says Shema upon embracing his son after Yosef spent two years in Hamas captivity.

Hadash MKs shout "terrorist," hold signs demanding 'recognize Palestine' in middle of US President's address to the Knesset.

After 738 days, Hamas is no longer holding any living hostages; the 13 last living hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross, and the other seven are already in Israel. Some of the deceased hostages will be returned to Israel in the afternoon.

President Trump addressed the Knesset today and declared that 'This was not only the end of the war, but of the age of terrorism and of the beginning of the age of peace and of God.'

President Trump and Knesset members cheer for Ari Spitz, who was critically injured in a bomb explosion in the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza six months ago, losing a hand and both legs.

Has the war ended? In Gaza, the fighting goes on - this time between Palestinians themselves.

When you're holding the four species, when you beat the aravot, do you feel this power?

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Hamas officials directly to overcome long-standing deadlocks in the negotiations.

Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomes President Trump to Israel, 'on this special day that has been engraved in our national memory.'

US President Donald Trump made a special emotional gesture to Israel's ambassador who lost his son in the war in Gaza

President Herzog spoke with released hostage Alon Ohel - a talented pianist - and invited him to play the piano at the President’s Residence.

Marc Zell, Chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, says that only President Trump could have brought on an entirely new Middle East.

MK Ohad Tal thanked PM Netanyahu and President Trump for their roles in securing the release, emphasizing Israel’s determination not to accept partial deals and warning that Hamas must be dismantled to ensure Gaza no longer threatens Israel.

The 20 hostages released Monday from Hamas captivity are Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Avinatan Or, Bar Kupershtein, Eitan Horn, Elkana Bohbot, Evyatar David, Maxim Herkin, Matan Zangauker, Nimrod Cohen, Rom Braslvaski, Segev Kalfon, and Yosef Haim Ohana,

Einav Zanguaker, mother of hostage Matan, speaks with her son just prior to his release from Hamas captivity. 'The war is over, you're coming home.'

The family of hostage survivor Eitan Mor joyfully announce his return from Hamas captivity after two years, thanking the IDF, security forces, Israeli leadership, US support, and the people of Israel for their role in bringing Eitan home.

As we have faced the unspeakable evil of some and the moral confusion of others, we are more fiercely committed than ever to be driven, guided, and uplifted by Hashem and His Torah.

After over 730 days in Hamas captivity, hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama on the phone, telling her, 'It's all okay, calm down.'

Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, parents of murdered hostage Hersh, join the nation in gratitude and hope, echoing the words of Psalm 126: a song of return, laughter, and renewal after long months of pain.

The IDF has released footage of the returning hostages' arrival in Israel. Watch.

President Trump arrives in Israel ahead of the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Ben Gurion Airport control tower: 'Welcome to the State of Israel, Mr. President. Your visit carries deep meaning for people in this time.'

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is commanding Operation 'Returning Home, says it is a 'very significant day' marking progress toward key war objectives. 'Our mission will not end until the last hostage is returned.'

The radical transition from the Yom Kippur solemnity to the Simchat Torah revelry can be dizzying, but it makes sense. Just as our joy at the hostages' return accompanied by sorrow at our losses.. There is a method to the madness.

Government statement welcomes returning hostages home, says families have been updated.

Sukkot teaches us that just as Hashem encompassed and supernaturally protected B’nei Yisrael in the desert, the Midbar, we too must palpably sense that He surrounds us and intervenes in the world and in our lives.

A full life requires only one ingredient: the Torah.

'I warmly welcome you to Jerusalem and thank you for your steadfast friendship with Israel,' writes Minister Orit Strock in a personal letter to US President Trump, urging him to stand firm for a secure, demilitarized Gaza and a true, lasting peace.

The special prayer is being held under the leadership of the Tikva Forum and the Association of Community Rabbis, with bereaved families, reserve soldiers, and Minister Amichai Eliyahu.
