WASHINGTON — The Biden administration released a call from the leaders of 18 countries with citizens held hostage in Gaza calling for their immediate release in exchange for “an immediate and prolonged ceasefire” that would lead to the “end of hostilities.” Israelis protest calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv Feb. 21, 2024. (Miriam Alster/Flash90) Israel, which has the most citizens among the more than 130 hostages still held in Gaza, is not among the participants in the joint call. While the statement hews to conditions I ..read more

By Pesach Benson JERUSALEM — Drug and alcohol use is surging among Israeli teens forced by war to evacuate their homes, according to a report released on April 18. Israeli rescue workers recover the body of Zaher Bishara, who was killed in a Hezbollah rocket attack on Kiryat Shmona on March 27, 2024. (Erez Ben Simon/TPS) “Among the teenagers and young people from the evacuees of the northern settlements, the deterioration is evident both in their emotional state and especially in their risky behaviors,” said the report, issued by the Elam Assn, an organization that works with at risk teens ..read more

By Laura Hodes via the Forward The theme of the 6th Jerusalem Biennale — delayed until now due to the Oct. 7 attack and the war in Gaza — is tzon barzel, or, “iron flock,” which refers to a Talmudic concept that property a woman brings to her marriage remains hers, regardless of the fate of the marriage. In modern Hebrew, this phrase refers to someone who is a cultural asset to the Jewish people. Laser cut names of impactful women that Andy Arnovitz made into a wedding dress displaying at the Jerusalem Biennale. Curated by Emily Bilski, “Threading,” one of 30 exhibitions at the Biennale, use ..read more

By Asaf Elia-Shalev JERUSALEM — When Aaron Moshe Shalman was recalled for another round of reserve duty in Israel’s army last month, he took to Facebook, seeking help for his 35-member paratrooper unit. Part of a delivery of tactical helmets to the Israeli army’s Golani Brigade, which were donated in memory of Tomer Grinberg, a soldier killed in combat in December, 2023. (Courtesy) “We are in dire need of equipment: tactical helmets, tactical uniforms, tactical boots (in all sizes), tactical eyeglasses, knee pads, leathermans, good gun straps, and decent tactical gloves,” Shalman wrote in Se ..read more

“In light of Oct. 7 and the abduction of Israeli civilians who are still held hostage, what does the rallying cry, ‘Let My People Go!’ mean for you this Passover?” Twelve Coloradans share their reflections. This article is premium content. Subscribe now or log in if you’re a subscriber. One day access also available for $1.80 ..read more

PASSOVER EDITION 5784 SECTION C PAGE 6 By Rachel Ringler Joan Nathan had just settled in for a conversation about her most recent book, My Life in Recipes, when the food writer became distracted. Joan Nathan is the author of My Life in Recipes A media personality was coming for lunch the next day, she said, but she realized she was missing two of the ingredients for the matzah balls she planned on serving. She paused to search for what she needed while also musing about what substitutes she might use. A few days later, Nathan reported success: The luncheon was “lots of fun” and the matzah ..read more

Sara and Zack Golditch, 28 and 29 years old respectively, are still in the early stages of their lives, marriage and careers, but they have already woven empathy into the essential fabric of their lives. This article is premium content. Subscribe now or log in if you’re a subscriber. One day access also available for $1.80 ..read more

PASSOVER EDITION 5784 SECTION B PAGE 12 By Yulia Karra Meet Natalie Zaks. The 25-year-old owns Natalie’s Pretzel Boutique, a small business that has been struggling to keep afloat since Zaks was called up for reserve army duty on Oct. 7. Serving reserve duty is keeping Natalie Zaks away from her pretzel business. “We opened two months prior to events of Oct. 7,” the Government, Diplomacy and Strategy student at Reichman University says. Because her business is practically brand new, Zaks is not entitled to any compensation from the state over potential loss of revenue. Zaks is one of 360,0 ..read more

WASHINGTON — Unqualified public expressions of support for Israel from President Joe Biden. The US and other nations scrambling to protect Israel from rockets. Congress accelerating defense assistance to Israel. President Joe Biden meets with his top Cabinet and National Security officials to discuss Iran’s attacks on Israel, at the White House, April 13, 2024. (White House) When Iran attacked Israel on Saturday, it pulled Israel out of the isolation it was sinking into due to its war with Hamas. But if Israel chooses to strike Iran, it could renew tensions: According to multiple sources, Bi ..read more

This is a developing story. JERUSALEM — Iran launched missiles and more than 200 drones at Israel late Saturday, in an attack that marks the first time that Israel’s most powerful enemy has directed weapons directly toward Israeli territory. Iron dome anti-missile system fires interception missiles as rockets fired from Lebanon, as it seen over the Hula Valley, April 12, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90) Israelis in the north, the center and south were told to head to bomb shelters, and sirens and explosions were heard in much of the country, including in Jerusalem, as Israel and its allies work ..read more