Podcasts about kibbutz nir oz

Israel's ongoing war against Hamas and recent warnings of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, have led to a ratcheting up of pressure on Israel, not just from its critics, but from its international allies. Emotions run deep amongst Israelis themselves, and opinions differ about their country's military response. Simon King, a survivor of the 7 October attack on Kibbutz Be'eri remembers the horror of the day clearly and says the event has completely changed his perspective. Sharone Lifschitz's elderly parents were seized by militants from their home on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her mother was released alive 17 days later, but her father died in captivity. In contrast to Simon, her view is that there are innocent children caught up in this conflict, and for their sake, and that of the remaining hostages, the offensive needs to end. We also hear from Hen Mazzig, an author and academic, and Oshy Ellman, an international relations consultant and commentator. They too disagree strongly on whether Israel should end the war now.

Early on, it was clear the Beinin-Atzili family was not a typical hostage family, filmmaker Brandon Kramer, director of the new award-winning documentary “Holding Liat” said on the Haaretz Podcast. After learning that his relatives, Liat and Aviv Atzili, had been kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 and held hostage by Hamas, and that Liat’s father and son were traveling to Washington, D.C. several weeks later with other Israeli-American hostage families to lobby on behalf of their loved ones, Kramer knew he had to document the visit. As he began to film what would become “Holding Liat” – which won Best Documentary upon its debut at the Berlinale Film Festival and is about to make its U.S. premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival – Kramer noticed that their family’s experience “didn't fit neatly into any box.” Yehuda Beinin, Liat’s father, was openly calling for peace and reconciliation, and opposing the forceful military response the Israeli government was planning - from the start. At the same time, Kramer explains, “His grandson Netta – who had barely survived the attacks and was traumatized and very angry – and his other daughter, Tal, didn’t want to speak about politics at all. So within this one family, we saw a microcosm of the debates and fractures, and we felt we had a responsibility to try to make sense of this moment through this one family's lens.” Also speaking on the podcast, one of the film’s producers, Libby Lenkinski, noted that the authenticity of “Holding Liat” held it apart from the slew of October 7 documentaries designed with a political agenda that comprise “hour-and-a-half long visual op-eds” focused on making either a pro-Israel or pro-Palestinian case. At the same time, Yehuda, the film’s focus, “is a really great example of something that we see often on the left – a person warning about what might be coming and initially being thought of as alarmist or paranoid, and it turning out to be true.” When Yehuda was filmed in the first months of the war, warning that Netanyahu would pursue a brutal and endless war to serve a far-right political agenda, “I don’t think any of us could have imagined the kind of devastation that we would be seeing in Gaza, the endless killing and destruction. I think so many Israelis wanted to believe that this was necessary to bring back the hostages, and now it's just so clear that that was never the point. …Yehuda called out Bibi's bluff early on, and it turned out to be truer than we ever would have wanted to believe.” Subscribe to Haaretz.com for up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Israel in English. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Released hostage Edan Alexander is back in his family's embrace in Israel and is recovering from his 584 days in Hamas captivity. We hear what we know so far about Alexander's health and the conditions in which he was kept. A few hours after the final living US-Israeli hostage was released by his Hamas captors, the IDF says that its forces carried out a “targeted attack” on “key” Hamas fighters who were operating a command center in the Nasser Hospital compound in Khan Younis. Among those reported killed is Palestinian journalist Hassan Eslaiah, who on October 7 was freelancing for the Associated Press and invaded Israel with the terrorists and photographed them entering Kibbutz Nir Oz, where dozens of civilians were massacred. Was he the target of the airstrike? Nour Bitawi, a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative who Israeli authorities say was planning imminent terror attacks, was killed by troops Friday in the West Bank city of Nablus. Fabian explains who Bitawi was and how significant this mission could be. The Mossad spy agency and the Israel Defense Forces recovered the remains of Sgt. First Class Zvi Feldman, who went missing in the First Lebanon War’s battle of Sultan Yacoub in 1982. The battle, nearly 43 years ago, claimed the lives of 21 Israeli servicemen, and more than 30 were injured during it. Feldman, a tank soldier, went missing during the battle along with Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz and Sgt. First Class Zachary Baumel. Baumel’s remains were recovered and returned to Israel in 2019.Fabian describes how the body of Feldman was recently recovered from “the heart of Syria” in a special operation. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander freed from Hamas captivity, reunites with family IDF says it razed major tunnel in Rafah after Hamas operatives provided location IDF says terrorists near defeat in Rafah, fighting now limited to one neighborhood IDF says ‘most wanted West Bank terror operative’ killed in Nablus operation Body of soldier Zvi Feldman, missing for 43 years, recovered from Syria by Mossad, IDF Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Released hostage soldier Staff Sgt. Edan Alexander, center, arrives at an IDF base near Re'im, May 12, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement Saturday night detailing his refusal to negotiate a deal that ends the war to free the hostages, Horovitz discusses the anguish of the hostage families and their growing concern over the government's plans. He explores the prime minister's stance on the war with Hamas as well as Netanyahu's detailed reasoning amid the growing skepticism and dismay about Netanyahu's motivations regarding the war. As the US and Iran head into more nuclear talks on Wednesday, following another round in Italy on Saturday, Horovitz considers the implications of the talks, and the role of special envoy Steve Witkoff in the negotiations, and the concerns about Israel's security. Finally, Horovitz takes a brief look at the latest spat in Qatargate, as lawyers for the one of the main suspects goes up against a spokesperson for the prime minister, and how the entire scandal connects back to the forced resignation of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates. For further reading: Netanyahu: Won’t surrender to Hamas by ending war to get back hostages; can’t trick Hamas either Israeli soldier killed in Hamas attack, in first since collapse of Gaza ceasefire After Rome talks, Tehran says Iran and US ‘to start designing framework’ for nuclear deal In public spat, lawyers for Qatargate suspect accuse Netanyahu spokesman of ‘hysteria’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Sylvia Cunio, mother of hostages and brothers David and Ariel Cunio, at the Gaza border near Kibbutz Nir Oz calling for her sons and the other hostages to be freed in one phase. (Credit Tanya Zion-Waldoks/Israeli Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Good Friday! Shh, we have a serious guest, everyone behave please in the comment section. Today we welcome Jacob Mchangama. Jacob is the author of the breezy beach read “Free Speech – A History from Socrates to Social Media”, research professor at Vanderbilt University where he is also the founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech institute, and a Senior Fellow at The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression theFIREorg.JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON SUBSTACK! ASKAJEW.SUBSTACK.COMHere's what we cover:* Anne Frank is from Denmark, right?* Free Speech in the ancient world* When is speech actual violence?* The optimistics and pessimistic case for free speech* Back when the ACLU was cool* Immigration and speech* Can't we just make antisemitism illegal* The vibe shift* Mahmoud Khlalil* The future of free speechHere's your feel-good story for the week: An IDF reservist found this sweet pup in Gaza, who apparently ran over when he heard the soldiers speaking Hebrew. The soldier quickly discovered that this is no other than Billy, a dog that was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. He belonged to Rachel Dancyg, the ex-wife of hostage Alex Dancyg who was murdered in Gaza. Rachel's brother, Itzik Elgarat, was also abducted from the kibbutz and murdered in Gaza. Some sweetness in the midst of it all. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today's we're bringing you an episode of What Matters Now, our weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This installment is hosted by arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, who is speaking with Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen. Dekel-Chen, a dual Israeli-American citizen, was a vocal and visible hostage parent throughout the months of his son’s captivity. Sagui Dekel-Chen was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, while his pregnant wife and two young daughters hid in their safe room. Dekel-Chen discusses the relief he and the family experienced upon seeing his son released home to Israel, the challenges that Sagui, the family and the Nir Oz community still face, and the sense of rebirth that Sagui feels post-captivity. For 496 days, Sagui didn’t know the fate of his nuclear family, as well as what happened to extended members of his family and friends. Dekel-Chen also reflects on the sense of abandonment felt by many hostage families from the Israeli government throughout the months of the war, and particularly now, since the army returned to fighting in Gaza, leaving 59 hostages still in captivity. He speaks about the tremendous support he and other hostage families received from the US government, both from the Biden and Trump administrations, and his surprise to learn that American Jewish organizations didn’t band together to support the hostage families. So this week, we ask history professor Jonathan Dekel-Chen, what matters now? Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Freed hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen with his father Jonathan aboard an IDF helicopter en route to the hospital soon after his release from 498 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza, February 15, 2025 (IDF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg hosting and speaking with Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen. Dekel-Chen, a dual Israeli-American citizen, was a vocal and visible hostage parent throughout the months of his son's captivity. Sagui Dekel-Chen was taken hostage on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, while his pregnant wife and two young daughters were hiding in their safe room. He talks about the relief that he and the family felt upon seeing Sagui released home to Israel, the challenges that Sagui and the rest of the family and Nir Oz community still face, and the sense of rebirth that Sagui feels post-captivity. For 496 days, Sagui didn't know if his own family had survived, as well as extended members of his family and friends. Dekel-Chen also reflects on the sense of abandonment felt by many hostage families from the Israeli government throughout the months of the war, and particularly now, as the army has returned to fighting in Gaza, leaving 59 hostages still in captivity. He speaks about the tremendous support he and the other hostage families received from the US government, from both the Biden and Trump administrations and his surprise that American Jewish organizations didn't join together to support the hostage families. And so this week, we ask history professor Jonathan Dekel-Chen, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Freed hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen with his father Jonathan aboard an IDF helicopter en route to the hospital soon after his release from 498 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza, February 15, 2025 (IDF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. This morning, the Israeli military said it has deployed troops along the coast of the far north of the Gaza Strip, as well as in the Netzarim Corridor and in the southern Gaza Strip. We discuss the ongoing airstrikes -- and how targets are chosen -- and the potential goals of the increased ground operation so far. Yemen’s Houthi rebels issued a statement claiming responsibility for the ballistic missile fired at Israel overnight, saying the Palestine-2 projectile targeted Ben Gurion Airport. Earlier, on Tuesday evening, the Houthis also launched a ballistic missile at Israel from Yemen Tuesday evening, which marked the first attack from the Iran-backed group since the ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza Strip two months ago. What were the results of both missiles? On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces presented its probe into the battle at Kibbutz Alumim — the latest in its detailed investigations of some 40 battles that took place during Hamas’s October 7 attack, when some 5,600 terrorists stormed across the border, massacred some 1,200 people, and took 251 hostages to Gaza. In the second half of our program, we go in depth into the Alumim probe and address the IDF's devastating probe of Kibbutz Nir Oz, which was released last week. Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF ground forces operating in Gaza; Katz warns of ‘total destruction’ unless hostages returned IDF downs Houthi missile as sirens send millions in central Israel to shelters at 4 a.m. Civil defense team stopped major Hamas invasion at Alumim, but dozens were murdered outside ‘Massive failure’: First troops reached Kibbutz Nir Oz 40 minutes after last terrorists left Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: IDF troops of the 252nd Division operate in northern Gaza, in a handout photo issued by the military on March 20, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sagui Dekel-Chen was held hostage in Gaza for 498 days—or 43 million seconds. He came home on Feb. 18.An American-Israeli citizen who was living in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Sagui left behind a pregnant wife and two daughters when Hamas took him captive in Gaza. Sagui had no idea of their fate—until two days before his release.Jonathan Dekel-Chen, Sagui's father, joins us to speak about his tireless advocacy to bring Sagui home, his family's experiences over the last 500 days, and where they go from here.This interview was held on March 10.For more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_forty

One person killed, four wounded in Haifa stabbing attack. Slain hostage Itzik Elgarat laid to rest on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Six captivity survivors released in current deal travel to Washington for talks with Trump administrationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear Yair Mozes, the son of Gadi Mozes, speak about his father who was held hostage by Hamas terrorists who abducted him during the October 7, 2023 assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz, when his wife, Efrat Katz was murdered on that day in their home. Gadi was a hostage for 482 days. While as a hostage, he was left alone the entire time; he paced seven kilometers a day in his two-square-meter room, counted the tiles on the floor and solved math problems to pass the time and keep his mind sharp. His glasses were broken during the kidnapping, but after two months he managed to get new ones from his captors and was able to read two books. Once every five days or so Mozes was given a bowl of tepid water to shower with, using a cup to pour the water over his head. He insisted on shaving himself, despite it being a messy and painful affair. This is a fascinating conversation with a son who loves and is devoted to his dad, a former hostage in Gaza. And by the way, while his father was imprisoned, Yair did not shave. Upon his return from Gaza, Gadi shaved his son's beard.

Hear Yair Mozes, the son of Gadi Mozes, speak about his father who was held hostage by Hamas terrorists who abducted him during the October 7, 2023 assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz, when his wife, Efrat Katz was murdered on that day in their home. Gadi was a hostage for 482 days. As a hostage, Gadi was left alone the entire time; he paced seven kilometers a day in his two-square-meter room, counted the tiles on the floor and solved math problems to pass the time and keep his mind sharp. His glasses were broken during the kidnapping, but after two months he managed to get new ones from his captors and was able to read two books. Once every five days or so Mozes was given a bowl of tepid water to shower with, using a cup to pour the water over his head. He insisted on shaving himself, despite it being a messy and painful affair. This is a fascinating conversation with a son who loves and is devoted to his dad, a former hostage in Gaza. And by the way, while his father was imprisoned, Yair did not shave. Upon his return from Gaza, Gadi shaved his son's beard.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman, political reporter Tal Schneider and reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. Hamas and Israel reportedly reached an agreement for the release of four Israeli hostages’ bodies and 602 Palestinian security prisoners, the terror group and an Israeli official said late Tuesday, which would an end to an impasse that risked collapsing the multiphase ceasefire agreement before its first stage was even completed. Berman weighs in whether this means that talks are now on track for phase two. Speaking in Washington DC, yesterday Opposition Leader Yair Lapid presented a “day after” plan for Gaza, envisioning an extended Egyptian guardianship of the war-torn Strip. The plan would have Egypt take responsibility for managing Gaza for eight years, with the option to extend it to 15 years. Schneider describes some of the potential obstacles. The budget is meant to pass by the end of March, but this morning we’re hearing threats from the head of United Torah Judaism that he'll hold it up until haredi young men are fully exempt from military conscription. But is this a real threat? Family, friends and the president on Tuesday eulogized Oded Lifshitz, the 83-year-old peace activist who was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Nir Oz and slain in captivity, with his wife lamenting that he was killed by those he sought to help. Today, Israel accompanies Shiri Bibas and her sons Ariel and Kfir on their way to burial. We describe the mood in the country. In a heart-rending address during a rally of relocated Kibbutz Nir Oz residents held in Kiryat Gat on Saturday, the mother of Yoav Avital, a friend of murdered hostage Ariel Bibas, described his loss from the perspective of her 5-year-old son. Surkes describes his ineffable pain. An interim report issued Monday by the State Comptroller on the rehabilitation of Gaza border communities following the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion found that communities badly hit on that day but located more than 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the Gaza border — thus making them ineligible for special state support — were suffering and in need of aid. Surkes reports how these include the southern city of Ofakim, where 53 people were murdered. Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. For further reading: Hamas: Deal reached for ‘simultaneous’ release of 4 slain hostages, Palestinian prisoners Lapid presents Gaza ‘day after’ plan in DC, urges extended Egyptian takeover ‘We fought for peace, were attacked by those we helped’: Yocheved Lifshitz parts from Oded Bibas family tells Netanyahu to ‘shut up,’ as he details the murders of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir ‘He isn’t dead, he’s in his room’: Ariel Bibas’s 5-year-old friend struggles with his loss State comptroller urges PM to finish review of southern communities eligible for aid IMAGE: A makeshift memorial in front of portraits of murdered Israeli hostages Shiri (L), Ariel (CL), and Kfir (CR) Bibas, as well as Oded Lifshitz (R) at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on February 25, 2025. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Noam Weissman reflects on one of the most devastating periods since October 7, 2023-- the past week, which brought us the deaths of Oded Lifshitz and 3/4 of the Bibas family. From the abduction of Yarden, Shiri, and their young sons Ariel and Kfir at Kibbutz Nir Oz to the deceptive handling of their remains, the brutal murders have left an indelible scar on Israel. The episode draws parallels with iconic historical images like Anne Frank and Napalm Girl and honors the legacy of peace activist Oded Lifshitz, whose life work exemplified hope amid violence. Join us as we reflect on these harrowing events, expose media manipulation, and call for a future where human dignity prevails over terror. IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari's televised statement. Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram and check us out on youtube. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Wondering Jews

Kibbutz Nir Oz is holding funerals this week for Oded Lifshitz (84) and Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Kfir and Ariel, all of whom were murdered in captivity in Gaza after being seized by terrorists on October 7, 2023. Sagui Dekel-Chen, also kidnapped from Nir Oz, was released from Hamas captivity earlier this month and reunited with his wife Avital and his 3 young daughters, the youngest of whom was born while he was in Gaza. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Sagui’s father, Jonathan Dekel-Chen. (Photo: Yaniv Nadav/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some released bouquets of orange balloons. Others wore Batman costumes. Some did mitzvahs or studied Talmud. These were just some of the ways that Canada's Jewish community came together in recent days to mourn the deaths of the two young Bibas children, Ariel and Kfir, and their mother, Shiri, who were murdered while in captivity in Gaza since Oct. 7. The official handover ceremony of the coffins carrying the boys' remains on Feb. 20 triggered an outpouring of worldwide grief tinged with rage. That rage peaked the following morning, when news broke that Hamas had actually sent back a different body of a random Palestinian woman in lieu of the boys' slain mother. Also returned was the body of Oded Lifshitz, 84, whose niece lives in Vancouver. His funeral is set for Tuesday at Kibbutz Nir Oz, while the Bibas family's funeral is being held privately the next day, on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Jews around the world, including here in Canada, needed an outlet to express their deep sadness. On today's episode of The CJN Daily, host Ellin Bessner describes her own private memorial, and brings you sound from vigils that occurred coast to coast, including in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal. What we talked about: Read more reaction from Canadian Jews and others to the news about the two children of the Bibas family's murders last week, in The CJN. Read more about the Vancouver relatives of slain Nir Oz hostage Oded Lifshitz, whose body Hamas returned on Thursday, in The CJN. Meet the Canadians who are running, knitting and lighting candles for the hostages, on The CJN Daily. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Dov Beck-Levine Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. Kibbutz Nir Oz said early Saturday morning that resident Shiri Bibas was murdered while held captive in Gaza, after Hamas handed over her body overnight and it was brought to Israel for identification. Fabian updates us on what we know of her and her children's fate. Hostages Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Eliya Cohen, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed were released from captivity and returned to Israel today, as part of the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. The terror group paraded five of the six freed hostages on stages in propaganda-filled handover ceremonies in two locations in Gaza, handing them over to the Red Cross, while al-Sayed was released separately to the Red Cross later in the day, without a ceremony. We hear a little about each man's current status and how he arrived in Gaza. Israel Police and the Shin Bet security agency reportedly detained two Jewish Israelis and a Palestinian in connection with explosions on three buses in central Israel Thursday night, as the IDF bolstered operations in the West Bank following what is thought to have been a narrowly averted large-scale terror attack. There is a gag order on this case, so Fabian updates us on what we are allowed to report. Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Adina Karpuj. For further reading: Shiri Bibas’s body returned to Israel; officials assess she was ‘brutally’ murdered with sons in Gaza IDF: Captors murdered children Ariel and Kfir Bibas ‘in cold blood’ with ‘their bare hands’ These are the six living hostages set to be released Saturday These are the 4 hostages set to be released on Thursday; all are believed to be dead 2 Jewish Israelis, Palestinian said arrested in connection with botched bus bombings IMAGE: Israelis in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, watch a big screen showing the releases of hostages Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham from Hamas captivity in Gaza, February 22, 2025. (Roya Lavi / Hostages Families Forum)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning in Gaza, in a ceremony that was even more twisted than those that came before it, Hamas paraded four coffins, containing the dead bodies of four hostages who were killed in captivity, before handing them over to the Red Cross. Israel then received the remains of Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old peace activist abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz; and the bodies of the iconic young mother Shiri Bibas, and her boys, Kfir and Ariel, who were respectively 9 months old and 4 years old at the time of their abduction, also from Nir Oz, which lost a quarter of its residents on October 7, 2023. Shiri, Kfir and Ariel came to symbolize Hamas's brutality and the helplessness of the victims of October 7. Oded was also a symbol of the many men and women who had dedicated their lives to seeking peace with the Palestinians, and whose lives were brutally ended by Palestinians on that darkest of days. In a year of somber days, today is one of the more difficult ones we have experienced - here at Call Me Back, and as a nation. We are joined today to process this wrenching moment by a Call Me Back favorite: Matti Friedman, to help us understand what this day means for Israel, and how it will change us and the stories we tell ourselves about Israel and our hopes for peace. Matt Friedman is an award-winning journalist and author of four books. He is based in Jerusalem, and writes a column for The Free Press. Read his latest, “The Family That Never Came Home,” here: https://www.thefp.com/p/matti-friedman-the-bibas-shiri-kfir-ariel-yardenMatti's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matti-Friedman/author/B0073YU31CLink to Seth Mandel's article in Commentary Magazine, mentioned by Dan in this episode: https://www.commentary.org/seth-mandel/the-meaning-of-kfir-bibas/We would like to take this opportunity to thank Rebecca Strom, who has been running Ark Media's operations almost since the beginning of the war, and is now moving on to the next chapter in her career. Rebecca was our first hire, and in hindsight, having her run our operations allowed Ilan and Dan to develop a larger vision. More on that in the near future. In the meantime, on behalf of the Ark Media team, we want to share our gratitude for all the hard work, long hours, holidays and weekends that Rebecca poured into this venture.Consequently, Ark Media is now looking for a hard working, mission-aligned, highly motivated Chief Operating Officer. If you want to throw your hat into the ring,  please follow this link CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorMARTIN HUERGO - EditorSTAV SLAMA - Director of OperationsGABE SILVERSTEIN - Research Intern YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Coffins holding what are believed to be the bodies of four slain hostages were driven across the border from the Gaza Strip back into Israel this morning, 503 days after they were abducted alive by Hamas-led terrorists. The four were named by Israel and by their terrorist captors as Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz, all kidnapped from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. In today's episode, we hear about two ceremonies conducted this morning: one, a cynically staged Hamas propaganda fest in Gaza; the other held by the IDF in the Gaza Strip led by IDF Chief Rabbi Brig. Gen. Eyal Karim. We learn what the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz represent to Israeli society and how their families are reacting to the apparent return of their bodies. We also preview Saturday's planned release of six living male hostages, including how they were likely chosen, and discuss a Hamas offer to release all remaining hostages in one go in a potential phase two of the ongoing ceasefire-hostage release deal. Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. For further reading: The worst news of all Bodies believed to be of 4 slain hostages brought to Israel, 503 days after they were taken alive Bibas and Lifshitz hostage families cling to hope, say they’ll await final identification of bodies These are the six living hostages set to be released Saturday IMAGE: Palestinian terrorists carry one of the coffins said to carry the bodies of four slain Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Khan Younis in the Gaza on February 20, 2025. (Eyad BABA / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning, 8 hostages — 3 Israeli and 5 Thai — returned to Israel from Gaza where they were taken by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023. Agam Berger, 20, the final surveillance officer among seven young women taken hostage on October 7 was released from the northern Gaza Strip in a staged ceremony this morning. Fabian debriefs us on what we know about her health and describes the situation in the northern part of the Strip as the IDF allows residents to return there. Just before 1 pm, two other Israeli civilians were released from within a seething mob in Khan Younis: 29-year-old Arbel Yehoud, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and her fellow kibbutznik Gadi Moshe Mozes, who is 80. Fabian describes the utter chaos of their releases, along with five Thai nations who were freed in a separately mediated deal. We look ahead to Saturday's release of three further hostages and who may -- or may not -- be on the list, as well as future pullbacks by the IDF. And finally, we hear about what is happening along Israel's northern borders with Lebanon and Syria. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, 5 Thais, freed amid mayhem in Khan Younis; Agam Berger released IDF reveals it killed Hamas terrorist seen dragging Naama Levy to captivity on Oct. 7 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Gadi Moses, 80, center right, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as he is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Israel allows thousands of Gazans to return to the north of the Strip, as per the hostage-ceasefire deal, following confirmation that hostages Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger and a third hostage would be released this week on Thursday, while three more hostages, all men, will be released on Saturday, Schneider notes. She also reviews the latest regarding the Hezbollah ceasefire, which is being extended until February 18, during which time the Lebanese army is supposed to to deploy to the eastern part of southern Lebanon, close to Syria and the Golan Heights, and stabilize what is currently seen as a fragile ceasefire. Schneider describes a recent visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, one of the kibbutzim hardest hit by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, where only half a dozen homes were left standing. IDF forces never reached Nir Oz on that day, and neither have Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or many other ministers in the ensuing 15 months. Surkes talks about how some veteran Israeli aid workers are caught between considering the humanitarian needs of war-torn Gaza, which they haven't been able to enter since the war began, and mourning communities and individuals victimized by the brutal Hamas onslaught on October 7, 2023, which started the war. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Thousands of Gazans gather on coastal road as IDF blocks access to Strip’s north Israel: Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger, 3rd hostage to be freed Thursday; 3 more on Saturday Israel and Lebanon extend truce, with IDF troop withdrawal deadline moved to Feb. 18 22 killed in south Lebanon as IDF fires on suspects trying to break through to villages Israel fiddled while Nir Oz burned, but the kibbutz will rise again Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Displaced Palestinians make their way back to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip on January 27, 2025. (Photo by Ali Hassan/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Dekel Chen is a member of the Gaza periphery Kibbutz Nir Oz and the father Sagui, one of the 100 hostages still in captivity in Gaza. He spoke with KAN's Mark Weiss amid news reports that Israel and Hamas are close to clinching a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. (Photo:AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's the thing about the 101 Israeli hostages in Gaza: they were torn from their lives over 400 days ago. Here's the thing about the only two Jewish children who are currently hostages in Gaza: their parents are also hostages. Here's the thing about Ariel and Kfir Bibas' grandparents: they were both burnt to death in their home. One was a teacher with Parkinson's and the other was a painter.The entire family lived on a kibbutz juxtaposed with Gaza and supported equal rights, freedom, liberty, and of course, legal statehood for their Palestinian neighbors. Here's the thing that we have lost from terrorism, conflict, information wars, antisemitism, falsification, and politics: our humanity. We have forgotten that the 101 hostages have first names, passions, careers, humility, love, and dreams. Ofri Bibas Levy and Yifat Zailer took the time to remind me, and now the rest of the world, about humanity lost in our very emotional conversation.In this emotional episode, Marc welcomes Yifat Zailer and Ofri Bibas Levy to share their poignant stories and experiences over the past year. Yifat, an architect and passionate photographer, and Ofri, an occupational therapist, provide a deeply personal insight into their connections with the Bibas family and the impact of the traumatic events they endured on October 7th.They discuss their struggles, emotions, and the changes that have reshaped their lives and identities since then. The conversation reveals the heartbreaking realities of having family members, including young children, taken hostage by terrorists, and the resulting emotional and physical toll. Both guests reflect on their resilience, hope for the future, and the significant need for global humanitarian considerations.Preorder Marc's new book, "Some Future Day: How AI Is Going to Change Everything"Sign up for the Some Future Day Newsletter here: https://marcbeckman.substack.com/Episode Links:Bring Bibas Back on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bring.bibas.back/Bring Bibas Back on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554308188558To join the conversation, follow Marc Beckman here: YoutubeLinkedInTwitterInstagramTikTok

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel acknowledged during a press briefing on Tuesday that Israel implemented some — but not all — of the steps demanded by the US in an October 13 letter giving Jerusalem a month to act or risk being deemed out of compliance with US law, which bars offensive weapons from being transferred to countries that block aid from reaching civilians. We hear what Israel did accomplish and why the US may have overlooked some shortcomings. In a flurry of announcements, President-elect Donald Trump said he had chosen former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel, and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align US foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. We hear what Rettig Gur sees taking shape in terms of Trump's predicted approach to Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich paid a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the Israeli communities hit the worst in Hamas's onslaught of October 7, 2023, and met families of local hostages as well as former captives. It is Smotrich's first visit to Nir Oz, more than 13 months after Palestinian terrorists rampaged there, killing or kidnapping 117 out of its 400 residents. There are still 29 hostages from Nir Oz held captive in Gaza. Why now? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US says it won't withhold weapons to Israel, as deadline to address aid crisis passes Trump taps Fox News host who said US must ‘stand by strong ally' Israel to head Pentagon US slams Smotrich's vow to annex parts of West Bank following Trump's win In first, Smotrich visits Oct. 7-ravaged Nir Oz, says he feels ‘responsibility, guilt' Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A handout picture released by the official Jordanian news agency Petra shows an airdrop of humanitarian and relief aid to the southern Gaza Strip carried out by members of the Jordanian army on November 12, 2024. (PETRA News Agency / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ziv and Barak Morag, along with their young two children, lived happily in their small house in Kibbutz Nir Oz—until Oct. 7, 2023. The southern community saw around 100 of its members killed or kidnapped by Hamas terrorists, leaving the remaining 300 residents—including the Morags—scattered and displaced in the aftermath of the attack. On a whim, while moving between homes, they applied to a little-known grassroots initiative called Hug for Hope, which matches displaced Israeli evacuees with Canadian or American families for up to 10 days. It was only months later that they got a call: a family had agreed to host them. The Morags were skeptical, but when they hopped on a virtual call with their future hosts, they immediately felt a connection. As the Morags and their host, Danielle Kaplan, explain on today's episode of The CJN Daily, that connection is the point of this experience. The goal is to help these Israeli families relax, laugh and enjoy themselves after living through horrific trauma. As you'll hear, while in Toronto, the Morags went sightseeing, bonded with their Canadian counterparts and created a lasting emotional bond that made them feel like they were truly staying with family. Related links Learn more about Hug for Hope at hugforhope.ca Hear how Danielle Kaplan helped her husband recover from a near-fatal motorcycle crash, on The CJN Daily Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Dov Beck-Levine Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)

On Tuesday, July 16, I and a group of rabbis traveled south from Jerusalem — to the Gaza envelope. There, we visited the places that Hamas had ravaged on Oct. 7, 2023. We visited the site of the Nova music festival, where we said kaddish for the young victims. We visited Kibbutz Nir Oz. We walked through the rubble of the burnt houses, the burnt kitchen, the places where people died, and the places where people were taken hostage. One-quarter of the residents of Nir Oz were killed or taken hostage. I have experienced many moments of pain in my Jewish life, even as I have experienced many moments of joy and exaltation. But never in my life have I encountered the memories of such sheer evil as I did at Nir Oz. I had not known at that time that I was walking in the footsteps, walking the same ground, as Alex Dancyg, of blessed memory — a proud son of Warsaw. And so it was in Warsaw on Yom Kippur that I dedicated the memorial service to his memory. Adapted from my Yizkor sermon, given on Yom Kippur, Beit Warshawa, Warsaw, Poland.

Bethan McKernan visits Nir Oz in southern Israel to talk to survivors about Hamas's attack on 7 October last year, and to discuss what has happened to their kibbutz and the wider region since. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Shlomo Margalit, a founding member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, speaks to Jackie Beecham about what happened on October 7, and what life looks like since then. (Photo: Jackie Beecham)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year on from Hamas's October 7th attacks Sarah speaks to Eylon Keshet, who is the cousin of Yarden Bibas, who was abducted with his wife Shiri and their two children, Ariel, now 5 and Kfir, 20 months — they were taken captive on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Five terrorists, including local commander, killed in IDF counterterror operation in Tulkarm area. Israeli air defense intercept hostile drone approaching from Syria. Aryeh Zalmanovich, 86, of Kibbutz Nir Oz, named as the hostage who rescued hostage Farhan Al-Qadi referred to as dying next to him at one point during captivity in Gaza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sagui Dekel-Chen was 200 yards from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th when a group of Hamas terrorists stormed his home. The hours-long siege claimed the lives of 1200 people and 200 were taken hostage. Sagui was last heard from at 9:30 a.m. that Saturday morning before vanishing into Gaza. Ten months later, cease-fire talks are at an impasse and dozens of hostages are still in Hamas' custody. Jonathan Dekel-Chen and other families of the hostages are at the Democratic National Convention to say to Americans: Don't forget our loved ones.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts two families of Israeli hostages seized on October 7 who are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. First, Maya and Gili Roman describe their family's harrowing experience in Kibbutz Beeri on Black Saturday, and how their relatives Yarden Roman-Gat and Carmel Gat were taken hostage. Carmel remains a hostage in Gaza. Next, Jonathan Dekel-Chen discusses the fate of his family in Kibbutz Nir Oz during and after October 7, and talks about his son Sagui, who remains a hostage in Gaza. Support the Show.Follow us on Instagram and Twitter/X, and subscribe to our email list here.

Journalist and author Caroline Glick interviews cousin and advocate of the Bibas family Yosi Shnaider. Shnaider wrote a letter to President Trump in the hopes that the former President can influence and help in some way to free the hostages. Shnaider further expresses that the international community and the Biden administration have abandoned Israel and more specifically the hostages. The Bibas family including 9-month-old Kfir were taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7th from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Photographer Sofya Bezman visited SBS Russian at our studio in Sydney. We discussed the importance of family photos and memories, music concerts for the Russian-speaking community at Sofya's home in Sydney, and her memories from Kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel that was attacked on October 07, 2023. - SBS Russian пригласили фотографа Софию Безман в гости в студию. Мы обсудили важность семейных фотографий и памяти, квартирники музыканта R.A.SVET для русскоговорящей общины дома у Сони в Сиднее, а также воспоминания Сони из киббуца Нир Оз в Израиле.

This interview of Izhar Lifshitz took place in front of a live audience of US military cadets, in Poland. The delegates had traveled to Poland as part of the annual Israel Strategy & Policy (I-SAP) tour, 2024, a flagship initiative of The MirYam Institute. All of the delegates will serve as officers in the U.S army, navy, air-force and marine corps. Izhar Lifshitz is the son of the oldest Israeli hostage in Gaza - still presumed to be alive - Oded Lifshitz (83). On October 7th, both Izhar's parents, Oded and Yocheved (85), were kidnapped by Hamas. Yocheved was released shortly thereafter and returned to Israel, where she gave an impromptu press conference describing the conditions of her captivity, the tunnels in which she was kept and the brutality of the way in which Hamas transported her from her home in Israel into the Gaza Strip. Since October 7th, Yocheved has lived on without her husband and Izhar has lived on without his father. All that is known about Oded Lifshitz is that he was injured when kidnapped, that he suffers from high blood pressure, and that he is in poor physical condition. In this incredibly candid discussion, Izhar outlines his motivations for keeping going, his assessment of the fate of his father and - somehow - he still manages to maintain his optimism, sense of humor and resolve. To learn more about the annual I-SAP tour visit: https://www.miryaminstitute.org/isapSupport the Show.The MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Follow The MirYam Institute Twitter: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony Twitter: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

There is "an abyss" between how the U.S. and Israeli governments treat the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, says Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui, 35, was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 while trying to protect his family and other residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Sagui Dekel-Chen's wife, Avital, gave birth to the couple's third daughter in January. Speaking with Haaretz Podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer, the dual Israeli-U.S. citizen – who hasn't received new information about his son in eight months – compared the "inexplicably infuriating" behavior of members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government with their American counterparts. Dekel-Chen said he has felt "privileged" to receive the attention and sympathy offered by U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration – along with the other dual citizens caught in the hostage nightmare. He also noted that he felt similar "wall to wall" support from members of Congress, "regardless of what their views are on the conduct of Israel's war." In Israel, by contrast, "we've had no direct communication from senior ministers, nothing – it's unthinkable in a small intimate country like ours." He suggested that perhaps more sympathy and support would be forthcoming if those whose communities and lives were "destroyed" by the events of October 7 had come from the right-wing religious constituencies that make up Netanyahu's governing coalition. While Biden has put another cease-fire and hostage deal on the table, urging Netanyahu and Hamas to agree to its terms, "Israel's government has a distorted view of what victory is," according to Dekel-Chen. "This war is more like a crusade ... its goals are dictated by the fringe, radical, far right." On the podcast, Dekel-Chen also explains why, as a Hebrew University history professor, he feels that comparisons between October 7 and the Holocaust are inaccurate and dangerous. "Other than the death on that day, there are no real similarities," he says, "and it simply serves as a much too-easy-explanation for a horrific day and lets people off the hook who should be held accountable. It invokes some greater force that's so far beyond our control that it was almost inevitable. That's absolute nonsense."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been eight months since the October 7 Massacre, and still the residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a mile away from Gaza, have not had time to mourn. This tight-knit community was the hardest hit, with over a quarter of its people massacred or abducted on October 7.Professor. Jonathan Dekel-Chen and his family were residents of Kibbutz Nir-Oz. He wasn't at home that gruesome weekend. But his son Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, a US-Israeli citizen, was taken hostage as he fought to hold back the terrorist invasion. Jonathan is fighting for his son's freedom, and that of all remaining hostages. In this brutally frank and open conversation Jonathan doesn't hold back, demanding of the Israeli government: BRING THEM HOME. While demanding world governments to pressure Hamas to LET THEM GO.This conversation pulls no punches and takes a stark and uncomfortable look at where we stand today as a people. It is painful to listen to and contains graphic descriptions of the atrocities of October 7. But we can't let the world forget what happened, and we can't let it forget the hostages rotting in Hamas captivity. You should feel uncomfortable. Because none of us are free, until all of them are free.Stay up to date at:https://www.stateofanationpodcast.com/X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/state-of-a-nation

In this episode, hosts Amira and Ibrahim are joined by Alana Zeitchik, an American-Israeli advocate for the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th. Six of Alana's cousins, including three young children, were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz to Gaza. While five have returned, Alana's cousin's husband, David Cunio, remains captive. Join our hosts as they delve into the complex and painful reality facing the hostages and their families. "For most of the world, days and time have passed, but for us, it's still October 7th, and in Gaza, the war still rages on."

This episode brings on our first Israel-based guest - Margot Touitou, a content creator and host of Kiss & Tel Aviv podcast. Margarita and Margot (aka Marg Squared) get together to discuss Margot's work, moving to Israel, and her life after October 7th. This episode is full of emotion. We hear everything from Margot's dating experiences in Tel Aviv to her visiting Kibbutz Nir Oz. Margot's dynamic personality and story-telling makes this episode a particularly special one. You might need to grab some Kleenex! Follow Margo on Instagram @margotexplainsitall and listen to Kiss & Tel Aviv wherever you get your podcasts! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 02:35 Life in Israel After October 7th 05:17 Who is Margot Touitou? 05:56 Israel's first dating, sex, and relationships podcast 07:05 Crazy dating stories & the invention of "Tomer" 11:37 On sharing dating life via social media 14:52 Transitioning from corporate to full-time content creation 16:55 On visiting Kibbutz Nir Oz 19:59 The importance of Israeli content creators post Oct 7 23:05 On Israelis living through war and being a Jewish majority 26:11 Margot's Aliyah journey 31:25 Navigating Israel's unique culture and mentality 35:10 What does Margot wish more people knew about her? 39:31 On Jewish Matchmaking 42:45 Most rewarding part of being a content creator 44:10 What would Margot tell her younger self? 46:00 What's next in Margot's work? 48:28 Hopes for the future of Israel 50:58 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peoplejewwannaknow/support

Sunday will mark 100 days in captivity for those hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Newsline with Brigitte Quinn spoke with Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a professor at Hebrew University in Israel and father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, who was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Berman followed up on a Zman Yisrael report that Israel is “in talks with the Congo” to discuss the possibility of relocating thousands of Gazans to the African country and other nations. How are such statements affecting Israel's standing? On Tuesday, Turkey arrested dozens of individuals suspected of spying for Israel, according to the country's interior minister, with the development coming in the wake of Israeli threats to target Hamas members abroad. How does US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit play into this? The government is trying to incentivize several communities from the Gaza envelope to return back home. Lidor explains why this is so complicated and talks about the resettlement of Kibbutz Nir Oz to the Negev city of Kiryat Gat. Finally, we hear about the first large-scale rave or nature party since the October 7 massacre at the Supernova which saw 360 murdered. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 7, 2024 Israel denies it is talking to other countries about absorbing Gazan immigrants Turkey arrests 33 alleged Mossad agents, as Israel threatens Hamas abroad Blinken visits aid warehouse, meets Jordan's king in push to keep Gaza war contained Government aims for nearly all southern evacuees to return by September, source says Survivors of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a desert oasis, move into Kiryat Gat apartment towers THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon, January 4, 2024. (David Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Israeli American Canadian who was believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas was actually killed during the attack on Oct. 7, according to the Kibbutz Nir Oz where she was from. At the same time, Israel continues its assault on Gaza and the war of words between Israel and Hezbollah is heating up. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

An Israeli American Canadian who was believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas was actually killed during the attack on Oct. 7, according to the Kibbutz Nir Oz where she was from. At the same time, Israel continues its assault on Gaza and the war of words between Israel and Hezbollah is heating up. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Names released of 2 IDF soldiers killed in Gaza fighting; Kibbutz Nir Oz resident declared murdered in captivity. IDF hits Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in response to rocket fire on northern Israel. Border police guard lightly hurt in suspected car ramming at seam-line checkpointSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabbi Eve Posen of Conregation Neveh Shalom joins with Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss the impact of October 7 on American Jewry. Rabbi Posen speaks about her recent mission to Israel, including a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, and explores issues of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and the role of Israel in American Jewish life.

Over 100 hostages being held by Hamas were released during the temporary ceasefire last month. But Sagui Dekel-Chen, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was not among them. With Gaza under bombardment again, all his father can do is plead with the Israeli government, and wait. Guest: Jonathan Dekel-Chen, professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, who is presumed to be one of the hostages held by Hamas. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 100 hostages being held by Hamas were released during the temporary ceasefire last month. But Sagui Dekel-Chen, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was not among them. With Gaza under bombardment again, all his father can do is plead with the Israeli government, and wait. Guest: Jonathan Dekel-Chen, professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, who is presumed to be one of the hostages held by Hamas. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 100 hostages being held by Hamas were released during the temporary ceasefire last month. But Sagui Dekel-Chen, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was not among them. With Gaza under bombardment again, all his father can do is plead with the Israeli government, and wait. Guest: Jonathan Dekel-Chen, professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, who is presumed to be one of the hostages held by Hamas. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 100 hostages being held by Hamas were released during the temporary ceasefire last month. But Sagui Dekel-Chen, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was not among them. With Gaza under bombardment again, all his father can do is plead with the Israeli government, and wait. Guest: Jonathan Dekel-Chen, professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, who is presumed to be one of the hostages held by Hamas. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 48 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. 70 soldiers have fallen during the Gaza ground offensive as of this morning. Instead of an expected ceasefire that was meant to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, the hostage release deal has been pushed off until Friday, according to reports. We hear from Goren how this played out. Wrobel reported this week that the war with the Hamas terror group is costing Israel at least NIS 1 billion ($269 million) per day. How was this figure arrived at? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday agreed to extend the tenure of Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron for a second term following months of speculation. But convinced whom here? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 23, 2023 War with Hamas costs NIS 1b a day, hitting economy harder than previous conflicts Worker absence due to war poses main hurdle for manufacturers – survey Bank of Israel head agrees to 2nd term following nod from Netanyahu and Smotrich THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, as seen on November 21, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an international podcast as Joyce speaks with both Tori Moline, a 26 year old Canadian mom with  Hyperemesis Gravidarum, and Lissa Skitolsky and Yael Marcus who discuss Jewish cannabis advocacy and why the cannabis community needs to care about what's going on in Israel for both its national medical program model and the science originating in Israel. Tori Moline discovered she has a genetic pregnancy condition, called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), in 2021. The severe nausea and vomiting were not relieved by the multiple pharmaceuticals prescribed to her, but she found relief with cannabis. Tori discovered that cannabis improved her quality of life by increasing her appetite and decreasing her vomiting – but she kept this knowledge from her doctor and family out of fear and stigma. As a former history teacher, she took it upon herself to learn the history of cannabis and came to understand that the plant was not the devil but rather a miracle for medicinal use.Tori was inspired to help others, so she built her @GoldenTeacherTori platforms around educating moms about HG & Plant Medicine. Tori has founded a community of mom's working towards changing HG care and normalizing cannabis use during an HG pregnancy. She believes all HG moms should have access to cannabis and believes plant medicine is the future of HG care. Dr. Lissa Skitolsky speaks with Joyce from her home in Canada and is an internationally renowned author and the Editor-in-Chief of Cannabis Jew Magazine. Yael Marcus is an experienced brand and business development professional who four years ago relocated to Israel to fulfill her dream to be part of the global medical cannabis/wellness industry. She lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz with her partner until her community was brutally attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The discussion of her experience and why the cannabis community needs to support Israel is powerful and inspiring.Topics Discussed(1:11) Welcome(2:35) Jews in Weed(3:05) Grow My Own Update(3:22) The Harvest Cup(3:38) Favorables by Steph great canna cards!(4:20) Lamkin Guitars(5:25) Intro Tori Moline(7:10) Hyperemesis Gravidarum(12:45) Finding Relief with Cannabis(14:38) Canadian Cannabis Status(17:42) Audio Intro – The Letter(18:13) HG Community(19:28) Kelley Usborne – The Cannamommy(21:17) Guest Transition – Yael Marcus(22:00) Israel and Cannabis(23:00) Kibbutz Defined(29:35) The People Taken on October 7(30:50) October 7 as Experienced by Yael Marcus(31:10) Bring Back Green House Nursery Manager(32:44) A Mission to Save the Genetics(37:40) Lissa Skitolsky(38:20) CannabisJew.Com(39:27) Israel's National Cannabis Program(41:00) Help Kibbutz Nir Oz – Through Israel Gives(42:40) Dr. Mechoulam(45:12) Yael's Plea to Bring the Hostages Home(45:50) Back with Tori Moline – Social Media!(46:45) HG Podcast(47:30) Canna Mommy Life(52:45) Check out CBG(54:22) Connect with Tori @GoldenTeacherTori platformsThe Canna Mom Show wants to thank:Josh Lamkin and Bella Jaffe for writing and performing TCMS theme music and Fortuna Design for creating TCMS website.

Cian McCormack speaks to Daniel Lifshitz whose grandparents were kidnapped from the Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th.

As the Middle East war rages and innocents on both sides are caught in an unspeakable tragedy  I'm grateful to speak to a beautiful family who have been utterly devastated by the Oct 7 horrors. A Father's agony: it's so Heartbreaking On Saturday morning, Yoni Asher was sent a photo of his two young daughters playing in a family safe room before losing contact with his wife; He later found a video showing they had been taken to Gaza, turning his life into a nightmare; ‘We've had no new information about them since'My wife and the girls, four-and-a-half-year-old Raz and two-and-a-half-year-old Aviv, went to visit Doron's mother and her partner at Kibbutz Nir Oz for the celebration of Simchat Torah. I didn't go with them,” he said.After losing contact with her and receiving no response to his calls, Asher located his wife's phone at 11:30am, discovering she was in the Gaza Strip's Khan Yunis.He subsequently found a video on Telegram showing the terrorists loading Doron and the girls onto a cart, covering Doron's hair and taking them into Gaza. "Since then, we've had no new information about them," he says in pain. Ravid Katz, 51, was also taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, when they attacked Kibbutz Nir Oz where Katz lives with his family and other relatives.On that Saturday, Ravid made sure his wife and four-month-old baby were safe with neighbors in their sealed room and went to fight the terrorists with the kibbutz security team.Ravid's wife and baby survived the assault, after hiding for hours.His mother, Efrat Katz, 70, was killed and her partner, Gadi Moshe Mozes, is also captive in Gaza. Ravid's sister Doron Katz Asher and her two daughters were taken hostage separately.The family was unable to locate any sign of Ravid for many days, but received word that he is in Gaza. Our common humanity and the story of the hostages pervades the global consciousness — you feel the ache of it in every conversation. Shops and restaurants may be open, but there's little enjoyment to be had knowing that there's a young Israeli woman who gave birth in Hamas captivity.Colonel Elad Goren told me he hasn't had a good day in the job since the war, not while he walks past posters of the missing in the middle of Tel Aviv everyday. There are yellow these ribbons are for them. They'll fly in the wind until they're returned.Guy, is the cousin of Ravid Katz and Doron Asher KatzGuy speaks about the trauma his family has faced how they're coping more than a month later Firstly let me say hearts all over the world are aching for your family we are all with you So welcome to the WhatIveLearntPodcast a special edition shining light on this tragedy It is with our shared humanity that we shine the light and hope to help bring them home now Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBkBuzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Israel's cabinet has approved a deal that would see the release of at least 50 hostages—women and children—being held in Gaza by Hamas in exchange for a four-day truce in Israel's air and ground campaign. A source tells CNN that the deal was approved by a significant majority. Axios' Political and Foreign Policy Reporter Barak Ravid tells AC360 when he thinks hostages will actually be released. Plus, Anat Moshe Shoshany's grandmother, Adina Moshe, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. She joins AC360 to react to the news of the deal and says it gives her "so much hope". Guests: Barak Ravid, Anat Moshe Shoshany. Airdate: November 21, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploration into one key issue shaping Israel and the Jewish World — right now. No one knew what to expect on October 7 when the initial rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip began pounding Israel. But veteran, war-hardened residents of the Gaza envelope sensed immediately that something was different this time. They had no idea what was to come. Adele Raemer has lived on Kibbutz Nirim since 1975. Just 2 kilometers from the Gaza border, on the morning of October 7 she hosted several Facebook live sessions, beginning at the start of the Hamas barrage, and her social media posts document the evolution of the Israeli awareness of the horrifically brutal invasion. Five Israelis were murdered at Kibbutz Nirim on October 7 and another five are missing. Today, Raemer and the rest of Kibbutz Nirim are now in a hotel in Eilat. The former teacher is a cherished Times of Israel blogger -- and a trained medical clown who always has a red nose in her bag. She has now made it her life's mission to tell the world about what happened on October 7. This week on What Matters Now, we speak with Kibbutz Nirim member Adele Raemer about the events of October 7 and how she and her community are faring now. Blogs written by Adele Raemer on and since October 7: I hear massive shooting. I have never been this scared in my life Painful homecoming PHOTO ESSAY: My people of Kibbutz Nirim, in black and white What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on iTunes, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, PlayerFM or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the previous What Matters Now episode: https://omny.fm/shows/times-will-tell/what-matters-now-to-israel-storys-mishy-harman-war IMAGE: Kibbutz Nirim member Adele Raemer in a self-portrait taken in the Kibbutz Nir Oz pomegranate orchard, September 2023. (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PLEASE SHARE THIS VIDEO! The world needs to hear these stories! It's hard to imagine the feeling Abbey Onn had when she woke up to not just rocket fire but desperate messages from her family at siege in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Abbey shares what happened that dark morning and the latest in the fight for the Hostages. Join Dr. Erez Soref on this gripping testimony and pray with us for the hostages and take action to advocate for those held hostage to terror! Stand with Israel today! Please give now to offer vital assistance to Israelis in crisis, including: https://www.oneforisrael.org/israel-at-war/ Emergency Food: Providing nourishment to those in immediate need. Essential Supplies: Ensuring families have access to critical items. Trauma Support: Offering comfort and care to those traumatized by the events. Funding for Evacuation Accommodations: Helping families find safe shelter during this crisis.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Knesset reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Today is day 25 of the war, marked by the return of kidnapped soldier Ori Megidish who was rescued by IDF forces in an overnight raid, proof, said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, that Israel can rescue hostages as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismisses calls for a ceasefire, calling that a surrender to Hamas. Keller-Lynn discusses the sit-down Gallant held with reporters, in which he delineated phases of the war, currently, he said in its second phase, and expected to take many months in order to rid Gaza of Hamas. Wrobel describes the situation at the Ashdod and Haifa ports, as international shipping companies try to understand those locations vis a vis Gaza and the war with Hamas. Keller-Lynn talks about visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz with Hadas Calderon, who survived the October 7 massacre with two of her children, while her mother and niece were killed and her two other children and ex-husband are captives in Gaza. Steinberg mentions the opening of Empty Beds, an installation at Jerusalem's Safra Square of 230 beds, representing each person taken captive or missing since October 7. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 31, 2023 Gallant: Second stage of war may last months, ‘pockets of resistance' will remain In Jerusalem, hundreds of empty beds and cribs bring home enormity of hostage crisis New National Library opens its doors to readers, semiofficially THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks with soldiers at staging area not far from the Gaza border, October 19, 2023 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ask some relatives of the nearly 240 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, they will say “there hasn't been enough pressure” to free their loved ones. That's one of the key messages they emphasized during private meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and with other Canadian politicians and journalists, on Oct. 30. The Israeli group said they are getting little to no information on their loved ones' status from their own government, which they've accused of failing to protect their families. They called on Canada to break off diplomatic and financial ties to organizations and countries that help Hamas, and they want Canada to pressure Israel to make hostage recovery the top priority. On today's The CJN Daily, host Ellin Bessner brings you the powerful words of several relatives, including Winnipeg-born hostage Vivian Silver's son, Chen Zeigen; Aharon Brodutch, a Canadian-Israeli physicist whose sister-in-law and three young children were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza (including his niece, Ofri, 10, who attended Camp Gesher in Ontario this summer, and nephews Yuval, 8, and Uriah, 4); Harel Lapidot, a Regina-born Israeli lawyer, whose niece Tiferet Lapidot, 22, was murdered at the Supernova music festival, and Itay Raviv, with three relatives held hostage and one uncle murdered at Kibbutz Nir Oz. What we talked about Why Vivian Silver's close friend thinks she would want to be freed from Hamas peacefully, on The CJN Daily Watch the full press conference by families of the Hamas victims on CPAC's YouTube channel Read more about the hostage families' anguish in The CJN Credits The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Zachary Kauffman is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To subscribe to this podcast, please watch this video. Donate to The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt by clicking here.

Von den 400 Einwohnern im Kibbutz Nir Oz wurden 20 umgebracht und 80 als Geiseln nach Gaza verschleppt. Sharone Lifschitz versucht seit drei Wochen herauszufinden, was mit ihren über 80jährigen kranken Eltern geschehen ist. Ihre Mutter Jochéved wurde von der "Chamas" mittlerweile freigelassen.

Another two hostages have been released by Hamas, more than two weeks after they were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz, less than a mile from the Gaza border.Lyse speaks to the BBC's Anna Foster in northern Israel from her current base in the south of the country to discuss the hostage situation. We hear from the family of a hostage still being held and the anguish felt by his family.Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, even though aid is slowly starting to trickle in.REPORTERS: • Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent • Anna Foster, BBC correspondentGET IN TOUCH: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Or email theconflict@bbc.co.ukThis episode was made by Daniel Wittenberg, with Clare Williamson in London and Alex Lederman in Israel. The studio manager was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor was Neal Razzell.

At 6:30 a.m on October 7, 2023, Renana Gomeh's life changed forever when Iran-backed Hamas terrorists stormed her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz and took her two sons, ages 12 and 16, hostage. She has not heard from them since, knows nothing about the conditions they're held in, or whether they're still alive. Listen to Renana's painful account of what happened two weeks ago, how she is coping, and her mission to bring them home.  American Jewish Committee (AJC) and more than 110 Jewish organizations have urged the United Nations and all governments to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. Take action to bring her sons home now. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC.  Episode Lineup:  (0:40)  Show Notes: Listen – People of the Pod on the Israel-Hamas War: What Biden's Wartime Visit to Israel Signals to Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah Mai Gutman Was Supposed to Be at the Music Festival: IDF Lone Soldier Recounts Harrowing Week Responding to Hamas Terror: IsraAID CEO on How You Can Help Israelis Right Now Learn: What is Known About Israeli Hostages Taken by Hamas AJC.org/AttackonIsrael  Donate: AJC.org/SupportIsrael Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. ___ Transcript of Interview with Renana Gomeh: Manya Brachear Pashman:   Over 200 hostages are being held by the Iran backed terror group Hamas after its terrorist attack against Israel and the massacre of over 1400 Israelis on October 7. American Jewish Committee and more than 110 Jewish organizations from more than 40 countries have urged the United Nations and all governments to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. The condition of many of the hostages remains unknown, yet we know some are in dire need of urgent medical care. With me to discuss her efforts to bring back her 12 year old and 16 year old sons is Renana Gomeh. Renana, thank you for joining us.  Renana Gomeh:   Thank you so much for having me. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Now, your two sons were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas terrorists on October 7. You were on the phone with your sons, as Hamas terrorists were breaking into your home. I cannot imagine what you've been going through over the past 2 weeks. Could you please tell listeners what happened that morning at 6:30am? Renana Gomeh:   Yes, I was on another kibbutz that Saturday morning, with my spouse. I have a partner living on another kibbutz in another community near the Gaza border, which is 15 minutes drive away. And I'm divorced, and my ex-husband lives 400 meters away from me. He's also a member of my kibbutz, of my community. And the boys just usually sleep at my place. You know, this is how they prefer it. And since they're not very young children anymore, we let them choose. So they were alone at home.  And he was at his place with his girlfriend, with his partner, who I love to bits. And about 6:30 in the morning, we all woke up to the red alert, which is unfortunately something which became a routine and we're used to. Since I was also on our kibbutz on the Gaza border, all communities at the Gaza border had red alerts and rockets flying over, hundreds of rockets flying over on a completely surprise attack. We just didn't see it coming whatsoever. I called my boys as I was running to the safe room at the place I was in to make sure that they're in the safe room at my place. And as the safe room is the eldest son's bedroom, he was there but he made sure that his little brother was also there. So they were in the safe room. And every couple of minutes I spoke to them to see that they were okay.  At a certain point they said they're starting hearing gunshots outside the house and I could hear gunshots outside the house I was in. Again, it was a completely well-planned and well-executed attack on all communities at the same time. So no one could go outside.  And I told them it was probably the army defending them. You know, they're keeping us safe. 30 minutes later or so I can't remember. I've lost track of time to be honest, of that morning. We started getting text messages from other members of the community saying terrorists are walking outside freely, breaking into houses, trying to get people out. I was begging neighbors and people from the community to go and see, to go and see them, go and be with them. You know, try and help them. But no one could go outside. And there were probably over 100 terrorists walking around, getting into houses. So there was not a chance that anyone could help.  At a certain point I asked my elder brother, who's also a member of the community, to call my eldest [son] and tell him how to lock the door. The doors don't lock in a safe room because the safe rooms were planned against missiles and rocket attacks and against earthquakes. So they actually want you to have the door been able to open from the outside, so they can take you out. So they don't lock. But you know, there's certain technical ways to try and keep them locked. So I asked him to call my eldest and tell him how to do it. And then I later found out that he held the door like hell. And he fought for that door. But it didn't make it. And about an hour later, about two hours after the attack started, they called me and said, they hear someone breaking in. Breaking the door, breaking in, walking in the house.  And a couple of minutes later, I could hear Arabic speaking outside. The door opens. And my youngest said, Please don't take me, I'm too young. He was always good at manipulation. This time it didn't work. And they took them. That was the last I've heard from them. It's almost two weeks now. And I've nothing, I've heard nothing. I know nothing of their whereabouts. I know nothing about the conditions they're held in, whether they eat, whether they sleep, and whether they're still alive. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I'm so sorry to make you relive that. But I also know that it's important that you share your story with the wider world.  Renana Gomeh It is, it is. I know. This is all I can do at the moment, you know. And so it means a lot to me that you're actually giving me the platform. Because what I need your audience to do is to enlist to the effort to get them released now. To get my boys home alive now. They shouldn't be there. They take children hostage, 80 people out of our small community, which only is about 400 people. 80 people were taken hostage from the age of six months to the age of 86. People who need medicine, people who need medical care. It's just plain children that need a mother.  I later found out that my ex-husband and his girlfriend were also taken hostage from their house. My hope is that they've met and they're together. As 80 people were taken my hope is that someone that they know is with them, to support them and to help them. That's the story you know. As a mother to other mothers, just trying to imagine it was your child being kept there. Just for one hour, let alone 13 days. My heart goes out to every mother even in the Gaza Strip. You sometimes get in the news in Israel, you sometimes get news like a 14 year old terrorist was killed tonight at a terror attack and I always my heart goes out to them and I say you know he's 14, he's someone's child. But what kind of a mother raises such monsters? Manya Brachear Pashman:   Of course, listeners who are hearing this can go to AJC.org/BringThemHome to send a letter to the United Nations, send a letter to Congress to demand swift action to release the hostages. I know that you are pushing for swift action to release your sons and the other hostages. Who have you met with, who have you talked to about bringing your sons home and what can be done?  Renana Gomeh:   Well I've met anyone who was willing to meet me. I was mainly trying to get the media, international media to hear my voice and to get people around the world to hear us. I think the international community has a lot of tools and there's many ways you can help by just by putting pressure, as you just suggested, by putting the right pressure in the right places, in order to release them. Obviously I want all of them to be released, there's over 200 people kept in the Gaza Strip, as far as we know, I think there's more. But, you know, it's not for me to say. What we need you to do is to approach your governments. And ask them to release those civilians that are held. We don't even know, again, in what conditions and especially released those 40 or so children. Children under the age of 18, from babies to teenagers. They're not part of this game. I'm sorry. They are not bargain chips in the war game. Get them free now without any conditions whatsoever. I can't see how anyone can think otherwise. It's just plain and simple. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Renana, are you getting any explanations or theories from diplomats, people that you're speaking with, on why they're holding your sons and other children like this? Renana Gomeh:   To be honest, until two weeks ago, I saw us as neighbors. And I thought there was mutuality between us, you know, that we could have a future together. Those two people have a mutual economy, have mutual relations, even have mutual cultures. But I don't think we do. I can't even try and get into these terrorists' heads and the way they think, because what they did is not just taking soldiers hostages in order to bargain them, to trade them, for prisoners. What they did was to rape and decapitate and murder, just for the sake of fun.  They came in, had cameras, to have this horror filmed, and put on Facebook and on TikTok. So I can't even begin to try and understand but I reckon they probably want to bargain them for the prisoners, which as far as I'm concerned…I don't care. I think the actions they took cannot be justified in normal rules of war. I can't, I can't explain. It's not for bargaining. It's for fun.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Are you being told there are limits to what diplomats can do or is anyone telling you their hands are tied, or are you getting unequivocal unbridled assurance that everything is being done? Renana Gomeh:   I'm not really told anything at the moment, but I'm not an expert. I understand that not everything can be told. If there are efforts being done, which I hope there are, they can't share it with 200 families. My hopes are that anyone with the right mind understands that this situation can not go on. And the children cannot stay held by terrorists for not even one hour, let alone a day or a month. And that has to be over, no matter what. I don't care if the war still goes on after. I don't believe there's any other way to get them released, but diplomatic pressure. I think this is the way to do it. But I'm not sure there's anyone to negotiate with. So you know, the other side is so different to us. And their morales are so different from ours, apparently. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Are you traveling places to meet with government officials, and do those government officials include Israel, America, beyond that? Renana Gomeh:   I'm willing to do anything to get my kids back home. And to get everyone's kids back home. I have another daughter, my eldest, who's 21, who was also in Nir Oz at that horrible, horror day. And who's traumatized. Thank God, her boyfriend was around and held the door. And luckily, they got out alive but very, very deeply scarred. And I have to take that into consideration while making decisions about traveling far away. But I'm doing my best by Zoom. I'm trying to get my voice heard in any way I can, under those conditions. And I still have her to think of, she's all I have at the moment. So she deserves her mother to be around. Even [if] she's willing for me to do anything to get her father and her brothers back. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Where are you staying now? Renana Gomeh:   We've been evacuated to a beautiful hotel suite in Eilat. My boys love Eilat. I was here with them two months ago on summer vacation. It took me years after I got divorced to get to this point where I can take them to a summer holiday on my own. So it was very meaningful also. So I'm finding it very very hard to walk around in Eilat. But everyone from my–what's left of my community of what was Nir Oz–everyone were evacuated to this hotel and we found it very important to be together.  This community, you know, it's like a big family to us. This is why we decided to stay here with them. It's very hard because it's very far away from everywhere in Israel. I know for people in the States internal flights seem like a normal bus. But for us, it's not. But at least it feels safe-ish. I don't think anyone who's now staying here could bear even one more alarm.  People ran for their lives, people fought terrorists. People jumped out of burning houses, people fell out of windows, people were hiding in bushes, people were faking themselves dead. There's not even a… I can't even start to describe, you know, for me, the horror was the fact that my children were taken away. But other people experienced horrors themselves. So we're here with our big family, the kibbutz, trying to recover from ashes. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Much of the world's attention is on what's going on now in Gaza. What do you have to say to journalists who are covering this war? Renana Gomeh:   The last thing I want, as a human being, as a mother, as a woman–if we were to run the world, it wouldn't happen. Just saying. But the last thing I would have wanted is war. You know, we've had so many in the last few years. This is the last thing we need. This is the last thing the Gaza people need. People in Gaza are used as human shields, even their children, like I said, terrorists who are 14. Terrorists, they're children, why are they carrying guns? Why are their summer camps, teaching them how to use guns and to become terrorists? My heart goes out to every mother there. And I wish we didn't have to have a war. And I wish we could live a better life. And I think the people in Gaza had that chance. We walked out of the Gaza Strip 20 years ago, took villages, complete villages out. And it was a very difficult action to do in Israel. Which, you know, we still bleed on it nowadays, politically and socially.  And we gave them the opportunity to become an independent state. And they gave the keys to a terrorist organization, which uses all the money that the EU and whoever is giving them in order to weaponize themselves and in order to become terrorists and to educate their children to become terrorists.  I used to tell my children all the time: your life is so much better than children in Gaza. You have education, you have running water, you have electricity. And you have the morals that the Jewish world gives to their children: of equality, of mutuality, of giving away from yourself and no wish to get something in return.  The other side does the opposite. We treasure life as Jews and they treasure death. So I'm sorry, but my sympathy is gone. I want my children back home, now, alive. Afterwards, we can speak about having a war or not having a war, the conditions they're in, the humanitarian solutions. But the world should know that what happens there is not an independent state. It's a terrorist organization, holding civilians, hostages. Their own civilians. My heart goes out to every child and every mother there. It's not their fault. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Thank you so much for sharing your perspective, sharing your family's story. And I am praying and we are all doing everything we can to help you get your sons and the other hostages home. And I pray that that happens very soon. Thank you so much for joining us. Renana Gomeh:   I just want them–I just want my boys back home alive now and I want you to help us do it in any way you can. Thank you so much for having me. Manya Brachear Pashman:   If you would like to help make a difference, go to AJC.org/BringThemHome. There you can urge the United Nations and members of Congress to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.  

Iain speaks to Yaniv Yaakov, whose brother Yair and nephews were taken hostage from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel.He will also be joined for a call-in with defence and foreign affairs analyst Michael Clarke.