Israel News for 12-12-2025
News Update
The U.S. is reportedly demanding that Israel take physical and financial responsibility for removing the debris caused by the war in Gaza, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions of shekels. Israel has agreed in principle. The first area to be cleared will most likely be the Rafah area, where rebuilding would then begin.
Believe it or not, Amnesty International published a report this week saying that Hamas committed crimes against humanity during its attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 and against hostages it took to Gaza. Its investigation found that the crimes against humanity included murder, extermination, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual abuse and inhumane acts. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the report did not cover the full extent of what it called “Hamas’ horrific atrocities”. Of course Hamas denied all the allegations. In this world of anti-Israel hatred and pro-Palestinian euphoria, we’ll take this report by the premier international “human rights” watchdog as a victory. Truth still does exist in this world, although it’s getting harder and harder to come by.
A video of 6 hostages lighting the Hanukkah candles during their captivity in Rafah was released. The video, captured by IDF forces during the war, was filmed by Hamas as part of their psychological warfare campaign. The 6 hostages – Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Carmel Gat – were all murdered by Hamas in the tunnel, after being tortured and starved for months. To watch the video, click here.
The holiday of Hanukkah begins on Sunday night. The holiday represents the willingness of the Jewish People, and all good people regardless of their religion, to fight for the freedom to live according to their beliefs. It is also a time of miracles, the kind that we can all recognize and the kind that we pass off as coincidence or luck. The video of the hostages lighting the candles in the darkest place imaginable reflects both the struggle for freedom and the belief in miraculous salvation. The last 2 years of wars against our enemies does the same. After it all, we can light our Hanukkah lights in freedom, strengthened in our faith that truth and justice will continue to triumph over lies and terror.
Happy Hanukkah!
