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.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara left a personal note for every returning hostage. 'We waited for you, we embrace you.'
The other side of the deal. Opinion.
Thousands of Jews arrive at the Western Wall for festive Hoshana Rabba prayers, thanking G-d for the hostages' release. Watch.
In their eyes, because this deal ends the war now, they won. They slaughtered 1,200 Jews on October 7, killed 500 IDF soldiers in the two years since then, and will now receive 2,000 of their own from Israeli custody. Opinion.
Do France or the United Kingdom have consulates in China-occupied Tibet serving Tibetans? Do they have consulates in Turkey serving only the Kurds? Opinion.
Israel Gymnastics Federation appeals Indonesia’s ban on Israeli gymnasts from world championship in Jakarta, calling the move “outrageous”.
The second phase could create a "bottleneck" leading to resumption of war - Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yaakov Amidror.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praises Trump’s Gaza peace deal, calling it “a path forward.”
President Herzog to inform President Trump of his decision to award him the “Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor” in recognition of his efforts to bring the hostages home.
Former MK Eisenkot at an event in memory of his son: "I see this deal as a dilemma, but it was made from the strength of Israel."
Ukrainian President praises Trump’s Gaza ceasefire and urges similar pressure on Putin.
MK Amit Halevi says he will not attend the US President’s speech at the Knesset. “The agreement is not a victory. We must acknowledge the pain and learn lessons.”
Moshe Or, brother of hostage Avinatan Or, shares his emotions ahead of their long-awaited reunion.
As the deal to release Israeli hostages from Hamas is set to be implemented, activist Rudy Rochman warns of hidden risks in its conditions.
Government approves significant amendments to the list of terrorist prisoners slated for release as part of the deal with Hamas.
At the United Hatzalah concert, Ambassador Huckabee, Ambassador Friedman, and Elon Gold wow the crowd with “Sweet Home Yerushalayim,” a twist on a classic tune.
At Jerusalem rally, mother of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin shares raw grief and hope ahead of the hostage release, urging unity and compassion after 736 days of anguish.
Before flying to Israel, President Trump notes rare unity around his Gaza peace plan, as 500,000 cheered in Israel and support echoed across Muslim and Arab nations. He also declares the war in Gaza over.
Senior Hamas military wing member Mahmoud Kawasmeh to be freed under hostage deal. Ministers were told he "promoted military activities against Judea and Samaria."
President Donald Trump responds to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s invitation to address the Knesset: We stand on the doorstep of one of the greatest diplomatic achievements in history.
Israel is preparing for Hamas provocations during the coming night and up to the actual release of the hostages from captivity.
Members of armed gangs in Gaza were called to hand their weapons in to Hamas internal security forces.
Your life, even if it is incomplete, even if it is fragile, is still a gift. Notice the openings, the small moments of relief, the return of the hostages.They are part of Hashem’s care, a taste of the greater shalom to come.
Two Brazilian nationals staying illegally in Orlando were arrested after allegedly planning to set fire to and bomb the Chabad House there.
According to the official, the agreement makes it possible to secure the return of the hostages while exploring a gradual dismantling of Hamas.
Israeli music star Hanan Ben Ari presented a rendition of a verse from the Book of Lamentations for the return of the hostages, incorporating an emotional recording of the late Rebbe Shlomo Carlebach.
Jerusalem completes final arrangements for President Trump's visit, including road closures, flag displays, and enhanced city services for residents.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a statement to the press ahead of the return of the hostages to Israel, warning that there were still many challenges ahead.
Saleh al-Jafarawi, known for pro-Hamas videos and accused of corruption, was found shot in the head in Gaza, reportedly by anti-Hamas clan.
A local newspaper distributor in Kochav Hashachar was identified as a terrorist last Friday. Residents remained in their homes for about three hours until the mistake was clarified.
ICE is doing crucial work, but in this case, they are endangering a man who fights the Iranian mullahs, who courageously writes what he thinks and who must not be returned to Iran - where he will be summarily executed. Opinion.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced Israel’s victory over Hamas after two years of war, calling it an existential triumph and pledging lasting security for Israel.
Eros vs Thanatos continues. They are still battling for the survival of the world. Opinion.
When politics replaces principle, even peace itself becomes a casualty.
Captivity survivor Eli Sharabi sent an English copy of his book 'Hostage' to US President Donald Trump, thanking him for securing his release.
Danny, father of hostage Omri Miran, called for the public to stop vilifying the prime minister regarding the hostage deal.
US Vice President JD Vance said reports of an American troop deployment to Gaza are false, confirming the US will only monitor the ceasefire terms while regional allies handle security.
Footage shows the new beachside restaurant in Khan Yunis that shares a name with the festival where Hamas terrorists murdered 378.
The flag, measuring 26×36 feet (8×11 meters), was erected in Ateret, which is in a major flight path to Ben Gurion Airport.
Qatar is lnot just a mediator and not just a power broker of the first order, but the actual de-facto leader of Hamas itself. Opinion.
This thirst is not intellectual curiosity but existential longing-a hunger that only communion with G-d can satisfy. Opinion.
The families of Segev Kalfon and Yosef-Haim Ohana, abducted from the Nova music festival, shared emotional footage preparing their homes and belongings ahead of the hostages’ expected return.
A prisoner who was due to be released under the hostage deal attacked a prison guard at Ketziot and was removed from the list of those to be set free.
Hostage Coordinator Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch said Israel is ready for the release to begin Monday morning, with Red Cross convoys and hospitals on standby to receive returnees.
MK Succot ascended the Temple Mount and declared that the real 'Al-Aqsa Flood' - the name Hamas used for the October 7th massacre - was only beginning.
British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson claimed today that the UK government has been involved in diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
One day before the real president touches down in Israel, the actor who plays him arrived to shoot at Hostages Square.
Saudi media reported that the legendary spy's remains, which are buried in Syria, may soon be returned to Israel.
President Herzog visited Hostages' Square and expressed hope for the return of all hostages, but warned that there would be costs to pay.
The IDF reported that troops continue operating in the area to remove any immediate threat to the soldiers.
Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef calls US President Donald Trump a 'Righteous Among the Nations' for role in hostages’ release, urges synagogues to sing prayers of thanks, while mourning those who will return in death.
NY mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani escapes protesters in downtown Manhattan, who loudly accused him of being an 'antisemite.'
As we conclude Sukkot 5786, we daven that the hostages all return safely, and we enter Shemini Atzeret hoping to reinforce and strengthen our achdut
