Hard-won Progress

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By the Numbers

Dear Friends,

Eleven days into the Israel-Hamas War of 2023, we still have no ground invasion, but there’s certainly a lot of movement on other fronts.

After U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visits, President Joe Biden is coming too, on Wednesday. The Commander of CENTCOM, Michael Kurilla just landed this morning.

Military situation

Pictured: Hamas Internal Organization. Source: IDF on X

The death toll in Israel rose to 1400.

Hamas claims Israel bombed a hospital in Gaza City with 500 resulting casualties, although proof is not forthcoming. The IDF spokesperson said they’re investigating the cause of the blast.

Bibi and Biden are negotiating on safe areas and safe passage through the Rafah Crossing for Gazan refugees to allow in humanitarian aid. For now, they remain far apart.

IDF killed Osama Mazini, head of the General Shura Council of Hamas in Gaza, who was responsible for Hamas prisoners and directed terrorist activities against Israel. Ayman Nofal, head of Central Gaza area Hamas brigade, was also eliminated. Lastly, the son of Ismail Haniyeh was eliminated, together with his entire extended family. An airstrike demolished the bank used to fund Hamas terrorist activity in Gaza.

It appears Hamas likewise planned a cyberwar for more than a year before the attack on October 7th.

Also, IDF lookouts on the Gaza Border say their warnings about unusual Hamas activity in the weeks before the attack were ignored.

Hostage situation

The number of kidnapped Israelis confirmed by the IDF now stands at 199. Hamas claims it holds between 200-250 Israelis as hostages between itself and other factions.

Yesterday, Hamas released a 60-second video showing one of the hostages, 21-year-old Israeli-French citizen Mia Schem. It depicted Mia in a bed, being treated for injuries and speaking to the camera. Some of the footage was filmed at least 6 days ago, New York Times analysis concluded. “I see that she is very terrified, in a lot of pain, and I can see that she is saying what they are telling her to say,” says her mother Keren Schem.

French president Emmanuel Macron said in a press conference on Tuesday that intense talks were “progressing” toward securing the release of at least some of the hostages. Joe Biden looks to negotiate the release of American hostages separately from Bibi’s efforts for the Israelis.

The Hostages and Missing Forum, a group representing the families of those captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, demands the immediate establishment of a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of essential medical care to the hostages as many of them suffer from serious health conditions.

Gaza residents are being offered $250,000 for information about Israeli hostages.

Civilian support

In addition to untold army equipment, food and supply deliveries happening in the South and North, more than 30 universities and colleges united tonight in a wonderful display of unity, lighting up their campuses in blue and white in honor of Israel and its soldiers.

The Economy

Israel’s economy is no doubt taking a hit during wartime after an already softening economy. The Bank of Israel is looking to steady the markets.

Hatred knows no bounds

A Cornell Professor of history spoke at a pro-Hamas rally a few days ago, saying he found Hamas’s attacks on Israel “exciting” and “exhilarating.” A Columbia professor, not to be outdone, called the attack a “stunning victory,” with the university so far refusing to condemn him. A pizzeria in Huwara that mocked a Holocaust survivor kidnapped by Hamas was razed by the IDF.

World Support

In addition to all the visits by cabinet-level Americans and President Joe Biden, Israel welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today, who promptly said, “it is Germany's historical responsibility to actively, unwaveringly defend Israel and not only with words.” French President Emmanuel Macron will soon visit Israel in a show of solidarity. A request by Volodymyr Zelensky for a solidarity visit was denied due to “bad timing”.

On the Bright Side

Israeli high-tech entrepreneurs have raised $100M for Israeli orphans.

How You Can Help

LOOKING FOR EQUIPMENT… campaign to purchase equipment for the emergency squads in the settlements.

Beit Lechem Yehuda organization has repurposed its logistic center in order to supply essential products and food products for the families who fled from the Kibutzim in the south and our heroic soldiers who are fighting in the south and in the north. Visit link or email bly (at) bly(dot)org(dot)il .

How Jewish parents can help their children with a flood of pain on social media.

Go Deeper

Why has the ground invasion of gaza been delayed?

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Have a great rest of the week,

Yuri

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