Israel Active

Ben Gurion University are holding several US-location events to describe how BGU faculty and students are leading the way forward for the Negev and Israel after October 7th. Hear them in Miami FL (Feb 25), Boca Raton FL (Feb 26) or Houston TX (Feb 27).

On Oct 7 2023, Bedouin Israeli Yunis Alkarnawi hid 8 Israelis and 24 Thai workers on the farm he manages and then convinced Hamas terrorists not to enter the farm. Yunis has three members of his family currently serving in the IDF.

Despite still suffering from broken ribs and a bullet wound in his hand, released hostage Keith Siegel refused a wheelchair, wrapped himself in an Israeli flag, and walked from the IDF helicopter to the hospital. His youngest daughter Shir, who got engaged before Oct 7, can now set the date for her wedding.

80-year-old released hostage Gadi Mozes was held for 483 days in isolation. He walked 7km a day up and down his tiny room. He solved mathematics problems in his head. He persuaded his captors to give him books in English, and he kept a daily diary which Hamas confiscated before his release.

Another article featuring released hostage Agam Berger. It features Agam at the IDF graduation ceremony for her younger sister Bar where Agam presented Bar with her graduation award ribbon.

The four female IDF soldiers released on Jan 25 had their hair braided by Agam Berger, who was released a week later. She had also braided the hair of some of the children released in Nov 2023. Many Israeli women, including El Al staff, have braided their hair as a sign of solidarity.

The five Thai hostages released on Jan 30 have been granted Israeli residency status. Thaenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Saethao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak can stay in Israel if they wish, after their recovery. See them reunited with their families.

Fans of UK soccer team Tottenham Hotspur celebrated the release of hostage and Spurs fan Emily Damari. One fan said, “I don’t know her, I’ve never met her, but there was something very personal about her not just being a British hostage but being a Spurs fan.”  (Ed - Something to think about!)

Hanan Ben Ari, one of Israel's favorite singers, gave a private performance for Liri, Karina, Daniela and Naama and their families in hospital. The unique 2-hour “welcome home” concert included his latest release, “Today I woke up happy.”

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is offering full scholarships for a three-year academic degree (both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs) to all released hostages. It will also establish a fund to pay the fees, when they reach adulthood, of children held hostage by Hamas.