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- Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office
"Citizens of Israel, this is a difficult evening. Each time we hear the words 'cleared for publication', our hearts shudder with renewed pain and grief. Behind the name of every fallen soldier in the fighting in Gaza, there is an Israeli hero. A member of a family. A parents’ son. A partner. A father. A brother. A grandson. A loved one. “Who knows every pain. Who heals the brokenhearted.” (Chana Ben-Ari). The fallen and wounded are the best of the best. The beautiful and cherished. “They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.” (Samuel 2 1:23)
Our sons and daughters fight with supreme bravery. They risk their lives in the alleys, tunnels and shafts. In enemy territory, with a complex, dangerous challenge, they bring results and achievements. They fight with heroism, responsibility, with determination, morally, to achieve two interrelated goals: to eradicate a bitter and cruel enemy, and bring home the hostages, and rescue them from the abyss. They protect our collective home in a war we did not choose, against a brutal terrorists so that we will not see a return of these bloody rounds, again and again and again. They fight so that we – the Jewish nation – will have a better future, so that the entire region, and even humanity as a whole will have a better future.
And so that our brothers and sisters held hostage will be swiftly returned home.
The situation faced by our sisters and brothers, the hostages held captive by Hamas murderers - is unprecedented, cruel, and inhumane.
The obligation to return them in any way possible is an indelible commandment burned deep in our consciousness. We will not rest until they come home.
Do not forget, we are in the middle of a campaign against those who rose up to murder Jews, to rape, torture and kidnap Jews – and alongside the many Israelis also foreign citizens, and those of other beliefs and religions. It is a difficult, onerous, prolonged, and painful campaign. There is no “blink and we’re done”. But especially at this stage of the campaign, as painful and difficult stage as it may be, we must not break. We must raise our heads. The enemy is just waiting to see the cracks within us, for us to start fighting one another. They also see the conflicts, the arguments, the struggles between egos, the political conflicts – both in the days before, and in the days after. They celebrate when they see the cracks between us. And precisely because of this, I would like to convey the fitting request of the hundreds of grieving and bereaved families, and with them, the voices of our soldiers on the frontlines and the multitudes Israelis back standing behind them that I have met in the last months – and call on everyone, especially the elected officials: End the internal struggles and division. Yes, arguments and debates are part of our DNA. It is perfectly allowed – even necessary – to dispute and criticize, even in wartime, but there is a way to argue. We must not return to the discourse of October 6. We must not return to the poison online. We must not return to the discourse of “us and them”. In particular, I want to caution that anyone who seeks to bring us back to the discourse of October 6, is harming the war effort and the security the citizens of the country.
I appeal directly to the leaders of the people, to the senior leadership, and in general everyone who works in the political system and in the public sphere – and I say “stop”. Show responsibility. If not for your own sakes, at least for our children on the frontlines, for whom we care, and pray for their wellbeing and success. Hold off just a little more with the campaigns and with the political messages. It won’t do any damage. But at this time there is one imperative: and that is for unity, determination and mutual responsibility. We are in a war – not a war of choice, but a justified, correct and moral war. The justness of our path prevails over everything. Everything.
This moment is a test: We will not break, nor blink, nor fall apart, and we certainly will not tear ourselves apart from the inside. We shed a tear - and we shoulder on together.
From here I wish to offer strength and support to the IDF, to its fighters and commanders, who are risking their lives to return the hostages and restore the security of the State of Israel, to General Staff headed by Major General Herzi Halevi – for their responsible leadership, for their professional dedication.
I also offer strength to the operatives of the Shin Bet and Mossad, the security forces and their commanders. And to the Prison Officers, and all the search and rescue and emergency responders. “May God protect and save them all from all harm”.
And in the same spirit, I pray for the success of the War Cabinet led by the Prime Minister. In a historic emergency like no other, the need for unity and responsibility is above all else.
My sisters and brothers. Precisely in these difficult moments, I want to tell you that I wholeheartedly believe that victory will come. The amazing Israeli spirit, the spirit of mutual responsibility, of mobilization above and beyond the call of duty, is the civil and true victory that will help the military achieve victory over the enemy on the battlefield.
I want to tell you personally - even amidst all the pain – we must remember that the road to victory is lined with small victories, small hopes, and even small joys.
To the mother getting her children to kindergarten and school while her partner has been on reserve duty for more than 70 days, I want to say – you are the victory.
For the displaced family from the north or the south that is succeeding - even in a small hotel room – to maintain a routine and keep going with daily life. To every business owner who despite everything, has not given up for a moment - you are the victory.
The State of Israel must not forget you, and she is obliged to take care of you.
Every bereaved family that managed to raise a smile, or to imagine for a moment a way forward in the grief or hurt. Every wounded person who has perseveres during a round of physical therapy or psychological treatment. Every family of hostages working all over the world. I send you a warm embrace. You are our strength on the way to victory.
Every volunteer from all corners of Israeli society. Everyone who works for a shared existence in Israel - Arabs alongside Jews - even in this complex time, in responsibility, in solidarity, in absolute opposition to terrorism, and in firm support of a shared and prosperous life in our Jewish and democratic country – you are the victory. You are the victory.
Everyone who returned to sow wheat in the western Negev. All saying psalms in prayer for the recovery of the wounded, or helping harvest the fields in the South, or supporting the businesses of the reservists serving on the front. These are all victories, and these are all hopes. And these victories add to each other, and strengthen those on the front. They build us up step by step, in the victory against a cruel enemy. Because the enemy simply just didn't expect this. They didn't expect us to raise up, to unite. We will prove the Israeli way of life is second to none.
This is the time to offer strength to the home front and the frontline, with small victories compounding goodness and mutual responsibility. This is the time to restore normality in every way as much as possible. This is the time for more light, and hope, and unity. It is in our hands. And in our hands alone. Because even if the road is long, - as already said - to walk in it, is to live."
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- Written by Jewish News / Jerusalem Post,
"Jews worldwide haven't been this fearful in living memory"
Jewish media outlets worldwide call for combating the surge in antisemitism
Two decades ago, the former British Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, astutely likened antisemitism to a constantly evolving virus. One that, in the modern era, specifically targets the Jewish nation-state.
He aptly described this prejudice as a deeply ingrained malignancy, perpetually lingering beneath the surface of society. For many of us in the global Jewish community, the great man’s words were not merely a statement of truth but also a stark reminder. Until recent days, the extent and intensity of this virulent strain of hatred were tragically underestimated.
While the need for stringent security measures at schools and synagogues has long been a familiar reality, the realization that such profound levels of hatred and indifference to the threat exist on a global scale has been a devastating shock.
We dared to hope such malevolence had been relegated to the annals of history.
Today, in an unprecedented moment in Jewish history, we unite as Jewish news outlets spanning borders, continents, and religious affiliations to issue this open letter – something we never envisioned as necessary or even conceivable.
The events of recent weeks have surpassed even the somber portrayal offered by Rabbi Sacks all those years ago. Some of those who propagate hatred, concealing their prejudice under the veneer of being 'anti-Israel,' no longer find it necessary to obscure their malice.
We’ve witnessed raw hatred against Jews in cities across the globe.
In Dagestan, a mob ran towards planes on a runway to check passengers’ passports, hunting for disembarking Jews.
In Sydney, when authorities lit the famous Opera House in Israel’s colors, a crowd sang ‘Gas the Jews’.
In Lyon France, a woman was stabbed at her home, and a Swastika was spraypainted on her front door.
In London, red paint was daubed on Jewish school doors and the Wiener Holocaust Library.
In Berlin, Magen Davids have been spray painted on homes, a haunting echo of scenes in that German city 90 years ago.
On an American campus, students have openly chanted for Jewish genocide and celebrated the ‘martyrs’ who butchered Jewish children in their beds on 7 October.
This is not a call for two states living side by side in peace. This is not legitimate opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
How could we have been so blind to this malignancy in our midst?
And yet, all that we have seen so far isn’t even our worst fear. Our gravest concerns lie in what the future may hold.
Meanwhile, some world leaders act as cheerleaders, sometimes inadvertently but at other times, not. Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro said: “If I had lived in Germany of 1933, I would have fought on the side of the Jewish people, and if I had lived in Palestine in 1948, I would have fought on the Palestinian side”.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “Hamas is not a terrorist organization”.
The head of the UN Antonio Guterres said 7/10 “didn’t happen in a vacuum”.
No, it didn’t, Mr Guterres. It required decades of indoctrination, years of holding up terrorists as heroes to be lionized, a sure way to fame and, often, fortune, and the presence of a terrorist organization whose central aim is to wipe Israel – and every one of our a Jewish family and friends – off the face of the earth.
Have no doubt, that Hamas is cheering those ‘from the river to the sea’ chants because a Palestine between the river to the sea leaves not a single inch for Israel.
Why do so many still seek to deny what’s in Hamas’ own charter?
And why are so many good people still silent when cheerleaders for terrorists decide the worst massacre of our co-religionists since the Holocaust is a good moment to open up a second, global front targeting Jews on campus, at work, on the streets, and at home?
Clearly not everyone marching under the Palestinian flag fantasizes about our deaths or the destruction of the world's only Jewish state.
But please, try to understand that whether it’s one person, 100 people, or 10,000, the chilling impact of seeing so many people echo and excuse hateful chants is profound.
It's not easy to speak on behalf of Jews in one country, never mind the world, nor do we purport to. As journalists, we report, opine, and comment. But the level of fear among our readers is like nothing in memory. It feels like those two equilateral triangles that combine to form our beloved Star of David represent a six-pointed target.
This is heightened by the fact there will be those who dismiss every word in this piece as having been written in bad faith, part no doubt of our supposed control of power and the media that has manipulated their warped minds. There will also be Jews who tell you this article doesn't speak for them. Before those in the media feel the urge to put them on the airwaves in an attempt at 'balance', please first ask for an ounce of proof that they represent more than a tiny band of misfits. Some are more likely to stand alongside the Iranian regime that is so despised by much of the Muslim world than they would with most Jews.
Please don't, however, mistake this growing fear for a lack of determination to fight our corner as citizens deserving of support and protection in our home nations, or doubt our solidarity as a people numbering just 16 million. In fact, we've never been so determined, so energized, so united and so proud, as highlighted by the huge uptick in sales of Stars of David. The incredible response in holding rallies, supporting charities, and fighting running battles on social media is something that will remain a source of pride for as long as those horrific images from Kibbutz Beeri and the peace rave.
This unity has been a light in the darkness. Another has been the support, publicly and sometimes not, of our real friends in all communities. Again, we will never ever forget this.
Our collective Jewish heart bleeds for the families of those who lost relatives in the Hamas atrocities and those facing agonizing waits for news of the kidnapped men, women, and children. Whether directly or not directly, many of our readers will be connected to these innocents. But our hearts bleed too for the innocents killed in Gaza as a result of this entirely unnecessary war launched by Hamas.
Over the unbearably painful days ahead, we - as providers of news for secular or religious Jews, those who frequently critique Israeli policy and those who don't, those who see Israel are central to their identity, and those who are drawn nearer by crises such as this - call on the world to listen and treat us as you would want to be treated.
It shouldn't be too much to ask.
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- Written by MFA
PM Netanyahu: “This is a turning point, a turning point for leaders and nations. It is time for all of us to decide if we are willing to fight for a future of hope and promise; or surrender to tyranny and terror.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Monday, 30 October 202
"Until recently, many believed that the promise of progress of the 21st century would enable us to move beyond the barbaric horrors of the past towards a better and brilliant future. Many believed that we could go about our comfortable lives and that evil will simply pass us by.
It will not.
The horrors that Hamas perpetrated on October 7th remind us that we will not realize the promise of a better future unless we, the civilized world, are willing to fight the barbarians. Because the barbarians are willing to fight us. And their goal is clear: Shatter that promising future, destroy all that we cherish and usher in a world of fear and darkness.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a turning point, a turning point for leaders and nations. It is time for all of us to decide if we are willing to fight for a future of hope and promise; or surrender to tyranny and terror.
Now rest assured, Israel will fight. Since October 7th, Israel has been at war. Israel did not start this war. Israel did not want this war. But Israel will win this
war.
Hamas launched this war by perpetrating the worst savagery our people have seen since the Holocaust. Hamas murdered children in front of their parents. Murdered parents in front of their children. They burnt people alive. They raped women. They beheaded men. They tortured Holocaust survivors. They kidnapped babies. They committed the most horrific crimes imaginable.
And they’re a part of the axis of evil Iran has formed, an axis of terror that works by arming, training and financing Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and other terror proxies throughout the Middle East and beyond the Middle East.
In fighting Hamas and the Iranian axis of terror, Israel is fighting the enemies of civilization itself. Victory over these enemies begins with moral clarity. It begins with knowing the difference between good and evil, between right and wrong. It means making a moral distinction between the deliberate murder of the innocent and the unintentional casualties that accompany every legitimate war, even the most just war. It means holding Hamas responsible for the double war crime it commits every day by deliberately targeting Israeli civilians while using Palestinians civilians as human shields. It means making clear that the use of human shields is not only an immoral tactic of terror but also an ineffective one.
Because as long as Hamas's use of Palestinian human shields results in the international community blaming Israel, Hamas will continue to use it as a tool of terror, and so will others.
Hamas will continue to use the basements in Gaza’s hospitals as the command posts of its vast terror tunnel network. It will continue to use mosques as fortified military positions and weapons depots. It will continue to steal fuel and humanitarian assistance from UN facilities.
While Israel is doing everything to get Palestinian civilians out of harm’s way, Hamas is doing everything to keep Palestinian civilians in harm’s way.
Israel urges Palestinian civilians to leave the areas of armed conflict, while Hamas prevents those civilians from leaving those areas at gunpoint.
Hamas is also preventing foreign nationals from leaving Gaza altogether. And most despicably, Hamas is holding over 200 Israelis hostage, including 33 children. Holding them, terrorizing them, keeping them as hostages.
Every civilized nation should stand with Israel in demanding that these hostages be freed immediately and freed unconditionally.
I want to make clear Israel’s position regarding a cease-fire. Just as the United States would not agree to a ceasefire after the bombing of Pearl Harbor or after the terrorist attack of 9/11, Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the horrific attacks of October 7th.
Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism, to surrender to barbarism. That will not happen
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Bible says that there is a time for peace and a time for war. This is a time for war – a war for our common future.
Today, we draw a line is between the forces of civilization and the forces of barbarism. It is a time for everyone to decide where they stand. Israel will stand against the forces of barbarism until victory.
I hope and pray that civilized nations everywhere will back this fight, because Israel's fight is your fight. Because if Hamas and Iran’s axis of evil win – you will be their next target.
That’s why Israel's victory will be your victory. But make no mistake. Regardless of who stands with Israel, Israel will fight until this battle is won. And Israel will prevail. May God Bless Israel and May God Bless all those who stand with Israel."
View PM Netanyahu's statement on YouTube
https://youtu.be/3Sqnxx81NCA?si=bqEtPvzRcPUPak8H
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- Written by Media and Foreign Affairs Advisor to Defense Minister Gallant
[Translated from Hebrew]
“We are in the midst of war, fierce battles are being fought in urban areas in Gaza city. IDF troops are fighting bravely - focused, determined and successful in fulfilling their missions. The IDF is progressing in its mission to eliminate Hamas.”
“This war has a heavy toll on us - I share in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the difficult battles in Gaza city- they are our children. Anyone who has lost a friend in battle, knows how difficult it is, and also understands the desire to storm in, to fight, to win, to beat the enemy in honor of those who lost their lives, for those who are living, for the people of Israel and for the State of Israel.”
“We are advancing according to plans, Hamas is suffering heavy blows – over 10,000 munitions have been employed in the attacks on Gaza city, thousands of targets have been struck, thousands of terrorists have been eliminated, from the lowest to the highest ranks. The war is advancing in accordance with our objectives.”
“Everywhere they go, soldiers are describing what they see - terrorists who come out of tunnel shafts, underground tunnels under buildings, under hospitals, under schools, they see it all. This is terror and evil.”
“One of the Hamas systems that has been hit the hardest is the anti-tank array. We have hit a substantial part of it, and most of its commanders. Yesterday, we eliminated the head of this array, as you can see here now [points at image]. We will not stop until we reach them all - all terrorists of all ranks - we are determined to win. The enemy has only two options – either be killed [by the IDF] or surrender with no conditions, there is no third option.”
“The arena of this war is broader - we are on the offensive in the Gaza strip, but we are defending in the North, and we are prepared and ready in other arenas: in Judea and Samaria, the Syrian front, and farther arenas. We are not interested in additional wars, but we are prepared [to defend] the north - IDF troops, are ready and have a strong defense. The IAF is ready for any mission.”
“I have a close relationship with Defense Ministers from all over the world, they call me and speak to me. I speak with my friend, the Secretary of Defense of the United States, General Austin, on a daily basis. What I hear from him as well as from others, is what you and I know – we are on the frontline of the free world - facing a world of darkness and evil, and we must win.”
“I want to address the families of the thousands of brave soldiers who are in Gaza City: I know you are worried, I know this is a difficult time, and I know that you experience a lot of stress. I’ve experienced it personally, and I'm extending my support.
“I want to say clearly to the families of those who were kidnapped:we have not forgotten them; we are determined to bring them back home.”
“I meet the forces on the ground, I pay visits to our bases, and I sense the emotions and strength of the IDF soldiers and the ISA teams. I see their determination and how they operate, fight, and achieve our goals. I trust them completely.”
“I want to send a loud and clear message about the deep sense of confidence and appreciation I have for the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, who carries out his work with endless dedication, professionalism, determination, and a great deal of courage and common sense.Thank you”.
In response to media queries:
In regards to the transfer of tax funds to the Palestinian Authority:
“The State of Israel is interested in maintaining stability in Judea and Samaria, always and especially during these times. The funds should be transferred immediately so that these may be used by the operational mechanism of the Palestinian Authority and by the sectors of the Palestinian Authority that are dealing with the prevention of terrorism. I think it is only appropriate to uphold the decision of the cabinet as decided several days ago.”
In regards to threats in the northern arena:
“We are prepared with strong defenses in the north. The IAF is prepared for any mission. We have no interest in a war but we will know to operate with force if we are required to do so.”
In regards to Hamas’ use of children as human shields:
“Hamas is a murderous [terrorist] organization that will make use of anything it has; I don’t need to describe to the Israeli public what happened to children, women, and the elderly in the hands of Hamas. Therefore, nothing is beyond our imagination and there is nothing that can’t happen - it is the Hamas organization, it is the ISIS of Gaza. When I spoke about this with Secretary of Defense Austin, he told me they [Hamas] are much worse than ISIS. [He said] I fought ISIS for six years; it is not like what Hamas did”.
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- Written by Silvia G Golan
"Any kingdom that does not have advisers, its kingdom is not a kingdom; When there are no plots, a nation falls, and salvation is in the multitude of counselors"
MIND Israel (NGO) was launched in a closed and intimate event with senior officials from the government, security and economic sectors. The organization will advise and accompany security-political bodies and decision-makers.
Last night, in Herzliya Pituach at Pninit and Pini Cohen residence, chairman and partner of America-Israel, MIND Israel was launched; MIND Israel was founded by Mr. Cohen together with Major General (ret.) Amos Yadlin and Orly Hayardeny. With the aim of contributing to the strengthening of the State of Israel, MIND Israel will conduct research and accompany security-political bodies and decision-makers, and advise them on issues related to national security in Israel.
About 80 people, leaders in the fields of state and security, were invited to the closed and intimate event. Arrived: US Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Thomas Nides; retired Major General, Tal Russo; Major General Aharon Haliva, Military Intelligence Chief; Aviv Kochavi, retired Chief of Staff, and his wife Yael; Eyal Waldman, Chairman of Waldo Holdings; attorney Amy Palmore, former CEO of the Ministry of Justice and a board member at MIND Israel; Giora Island, retired Major General; Karin Mayer Rubinstein, CEO and President of the Israel Advanced Technology Industries, and her spouse Golan Rubinstein; Ido Nehushtan, former Air Force Commander and CEO of Boeing Israel; Gad Somech, KPMG senior partner; architect Moshe Tzur and his wife and partner Arena; Jonathan Locker, former chairman of ICL and currently chairman of Klalit Health Services; Shimshon Harel, chairman of the Weizmann Institute and partner in America-Israel; Eli Glickman, CEO of Zim and former CEO of Israel Electricity Company; Ohad Shaked, ThinkUp founder and former partner in 888; Shay Weil, owner of Minrav Group and more.
The event opened with a reception and dinner and continued with a lively discussion on the security fields of the State of Israel in the past, present and future. The following spoke: the President, Mr. Yitzhak Herzog, opened the event (recorded video), followed by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Thomas Nides, the head of the National Army, Major General Aharon Haliva and Yadlin, who reviewed the political-national security situation and conducted a discussion with the participation of the audience.
According to Yadlin: "Establishing a strategic, professional, experienced and skilled, action-oriented consulting team, which assists the decision-making processes in Israel on national security issues - is a must in current times, and we intend to contribute to the strength of the State of Israel and look forward to the future.”
Mr. Cohen said that "the strategic consulting team knows how to look beyond tomorrow's crisis to the long-term horizon, thanks to its proven analytical skills and reputation. The team will operate as a non-profit that supports the need to accompany complex processes in the field of Israel’s national security, and to influence the decision-making in the best way so that entanglements, which are considered critical to Israel's strength, will be dealt with in the present and in the future."
According to Mr. Cohen, "All the issues that MIND Israel will deal with are not political but national, which every government in Israel must deal with. These include the Iranian nuclear program and the threats on the northern front from Hezbollah. We would all be happy if the Saudis joined the Abraham Accords and if we can promote the technological cooperation with the US, and handle other challenges related to AI and its effects, the consequences of global warming and other challenges that have been faced by our nation.”
Mr. Cohen added: "We do not have another passport and another country, and we will make every effort to unite the people and to create a constitutional base and a new social contract, which will ensure the stability of our country for years. Today, when there is a negative turn in the perception of Israel's deterrence and its international standing, MIND Israel's creative ideas, based on decades of experience and knowing the various players in Jerusalem, Washington and other capitals, together with deep academic understanding and extensive international impact network, will help reverse the trend and strengthen Israel's resilience, economy and standing among nations."
The US Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Thomas Nides, replied to Cohen, "The US needs advisory bodies like MIND Israel."
Major General Aharon Haliva, Military Intelligence Chief, reviewed the global trends and the significant arenas that Israel is facing, including the Russia-Ukraine war and drew conclusions from all these developments.
According to Gen. Haliva: "The world realized that war is not a good idea and left it to the Russians and Ukrainians; as evidence of that, the last war, that spread over several arenas at once, ended 50 years ago! However, we must be prepared on all fronts and ready by all means."
MIND Israel was founded by Major Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin, who serves as its president, Mr. Pini Cohen, who serves as its chairman, and Ms. Orly Hayardeni, who serves as its CEO. MIND Israel's board of directors includes Mr. Natan Hetz, Major General (ret.) Amikam Norkin, Ms. Emi Palmore, Mr. Gil Rave and Mr. Ahiad Salton.
Photo credit Kfir Ziv
