MERCAZ – THE MOVEMENT TO REAFFIRM CONSERVATIVE ZIONISM INC (“MERCAZ USA”)

Remembering Heroes, Fighting for Hostages

Echoes of Loss, Voices of Hope: Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days

BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – STORIES MAKING NEWS

Hostages Want Freedom from Hamas Captors: ‘Omri is a survivor in captivity’

Sirens blare nationwide every year on Israel’s Memorial Day – heralding a moment of silence to honor the Israelis who lost their lives from acts of terror and in wars past and present. Israelis pause what they are doing wherever they are, and even stop their cars on highways. In unique contrast, Israelis transition immediately from Memorial Day into celebrating Israel’s 77th anniversary the next day. This year’s transition, however, is unbearable for the dozens of hostages still being held by Hamas – and their families who endure an agonizing wait for their loved ones to be freed from Hamas captivity.

Iran-backed Hamas terrorists recently released another propaganda clip of hostage Omri Miran, 48: “This is the second birthday that I’m going through here – I can’t say ‘celebrating’ – in Hamas captivity. I haven’t been happy for a year and a half. I miss my daughters, my wife, and all my family and friends.” His wife, Lishay: “Omri is a survivor in captivity, he’s a survivor in life. He has two daughters, Roni and Alma, who he has to stay strong for. I promise you that you will hear the word ‘Dad’ again.” Hamas kidnapped 251 hostages on Oct. 7. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 24 are presumed to be alive.

Holocaust and Hamas Survivors Unite: ‘We are standing firm against evil’

Holocaust survivors Irene Shashar and Gita Kaufman recently embraced former hostages Agam Berger and Ori Megidish at the gates of Auschwitz – the notorious Nazi death camp. Irene asserted: “We beat the enemy, right girls? We experienced horror, but despite everything, we are here, standing firm in the face of evil.” Ten former hostages joined Holocaust survivors at this year’s March of the Living memorial event in Poland. The March coincides with Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. Holocaust survivors, Oct. 7 survivors and freed hostages sang Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah (Hope), together at Auschwitz.

Renowned Holocaust teacher Alex Dancyg, 75, was murdered by Hamas in captivity. The son of Holocaust survivors in Warsaw, Poland, he dedicated his life to educating younger generations about the 6 million Jews brutally slaughtered by the Nazis. Alex taught Jewish history to other Israelis held hostage with him in Gaza.

Memorial Day: Remembering Civilians and Soldiers

Memorial Day is a painful reminder of the trauma suffered by those living in Gaza border communities, partying at the Nova Music festival and serving in the Israeli Defense Forces on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas terrorists led a massacre that killed more than 1,200 Israelis – including, more than 800 civilians. The IDF is still holding 350 bags of unidentified human remains. Since last year’s Memorial Day, 316 soldiers and 79 civilians have been killed – including two who recently died fighting in Gaza city

Hamas terrorists targeted the IDF’s Home Front Command training base near Gaza. Courageous junior IDF officers and commanders – including many brave women – fiercely battled the attackers, prioritizing the lives of more than 100 vulnerable new recruits. These fighters, despite their limited combat experience, demonstrated exceptional heroism and quick thinking. Six of them, ranging in age from 19 to 23, tragically sacrificed their own lives to defend their base and ensure the safety of their trainees. Their valiant stand prevented Hamas from capturing the base and saved countless young soldiers from the deadly terrorist rampage.

Oct. 7 Bravery: ‘The army is my mission’

Awakened at home by sirens on Oct. 7, IDF 2nd Lt. Avichail Reuven, immediately took decisive action. Hearing of the terrorist infiltration, he resolved to help defend his nation. Unable to find transportation, he donned his drying uniform and ran eight strenuous miles to the Gaza border area: “It was difficult, running in a wet uniform, with sirens all the time and rockets falling in the area.” He hitched rides until arriving at the besieged training base: “There was complete chaos. Half the base was burned. A lot of shouting and you could see terrorists running all around the area.”

Avichail fought terrorists, secured bomb shelters holding young female soldiers, tended to the wounded and directed the trainees to defend their position. For hours, he bravely moved across the base, confronting the enemy and aiding his fellow soldiers, embodying unwavering courage in the face of terror. All this from a young soldier in officer training – the son of Ethiopian immigrants who was considered an at-risk youth who struggled to complete high school. He was honored by Israel’s prime minister at the U.S. Capitol last July and completed his officer training with distinction. He remains committed to serving in the army long-term: “I want to continue in the army. It’s my mission, it’s what I believe in.”

Civilians also stepped up to counter Hamas terrorists. The 13-member civil defense security team at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak fought against dozens of terrorists – helping to prevent a significant number of casualties. Six of these brave fighters lost their lives.

Israel’s Independence Day: A Celebration of Hope and Resilience

This year Israel selected citizens to light torches to celebrate the modern Jewish state’s 77th anniversary. Released hostage Emily Damari, 28, lost fingers on Oct. 7 and was held in Hamas captivity for 471 painful days without proper treatment. The IDF chief of staff selected Lt.-Col. Faiz Fares, a Druze commander who saved lives on Oct. 7, and Lt.-Col. (res.) Hagit Alon-Elharar, who served in the reserves even after losing her son to a Hezbollah drone strike.

The hostage families are advocating for the public to keep their loved ones at the center of Independence Day events. Lishay Miran: “Instead of independence celebrations, hold solidarity rallies. Make sure the yellow flags are raised everywhere. Read the names of the 59 hostages at every opportunity. We must not continue to celebrate as if we have complete independence.”

Hamas recently proposed a five-year ceasefire agreement in exchange for releasing the remaining hostages. The deal would allow Hamas to keep its weapons – in effect, a return to Oct. 6. Israel rejected this offer. Israeli journalist Khaled Abu Toameh: “Hamas wants to keep its weapons so that it could kill all Jews and continue to oppress Palestinians who dare to speak out against the terrorist group.” Iran continues to provide support to Hamas and the Iranian threat to the Jewish state’s very existence and the agony of the continuing war weigh heavily on Israeli hearts.

  1. Never again is now: The horrific events of Oct. 7 served as a brutal reminder that the hatred of Jews – antisemitism – remains a potent and deadly force. The savage attacks by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists on Israelis and the abduction of hostages echo the historical persecution faced by the Jewish people. The courageous actions of Zionist activists around the world after the shocking attacks highlight the urgent need to confront and overcome this hatred in all its forms. The security of Israel is a vital defense against this enduring threat.
  2. U.S. music festival glorified hate while ignoring terrorism: The recent anti-Israel display at Coachella presented a painful irony. Young adults were massacred by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 for simply attending a music event to celebrate life and music – the very essence of what Coachella represents for many. An Irish band projected a vicious message onstage that demonized Israel while ignoring, if not condoning the attack that took so many lives – demonstrated a dangerous moral blindness. This message contributes to spreading harmful narratives that decrease the chances of peaceful co-existence – and could lead to more attacks against Jews in America.
  3. Israelis are resilient and maintain hope for a better future: The spirit of the Israeli people remains strong despite enduring relentless threats and profound losses. Their resilience is evident in their immediate response to the Oct. 7 atrocities, unwavering support for the hostages and continued pursuit of daily life amid ongoing challenges. The inspiring stories of bravery and solidarity – and the hope expressed during national commemorations – demonstrate a deep commitment to building a more secure and peaceful future. Even in the face of hatred, the desire for a better tomorrow perseveres.
  4. Israel is the world’s only Jewish country: Israel stands as the sole independent nation for the Jewish people, offering sanctuary and self-determination in a world marked by persistent hatred of Jews. After millennia of displacement and violence, the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland represented the realization of a profound historical aspiration for a secure future. It serves as a vibrant center for Jewish life, culture and innovation, while also being home to diverse communities. The deep and unbroken connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel underscores the fundamental importance of Israel’s existence.

Advocate for the freedom of the hostages and remember those who have fallen

  • Hold a solidarity rally: Wife of a current hostage, Lishay Miran: “Instead of independence celebrations, hold solidarity rallies. Make sure the yellow flags are raised everywhere. Read the names of the 59 hostages at every opportunity. We must not continue to celebrate as if we have complete independence.”
  • Minute of silence: Encourage local organizations, schools or community groups to observe a brief minute of silence on to remember the victims and hostages.
  • Social media: Encourage followers to share photos of themselves holding a sign with the name of a hostage or a message of hope for peace, using a unifying hashtag. Or share personal stories of hostages to humanize their suffering.
  • Host a film screening: Show documentaries – like The Children of October 7 on Paramount+ – to friends and family.
  • Represent a hostage at a race: Inspired by some London Marathon runners, dedicate your participation – even in a 5K – to the hostages, wearing yellow or displaying their names
  • Support coexistence initiatives: Find and promote organizations that foster dialogue and understanding between different communities.
  • Host a cultural event: Organize an event showcasing Israeli culture – music, food, film – and discuss current events in Israel.
  • Musician dedication: Enlist local musicians to dedicate a performance or song to the memory of the fallen or the hope for the release of the hostages.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

May is Jewish American Heritage Month which celebrates Jewish contributions to America. This week’s focus is Jews in American culture.

From Barbra Streisand to Steven Spielberg and from Carole King to Philip Roth, American Jews have made a timeless mark on the nation’s culture. Their legacy has impacted millions – filling movie theaters and breaking box office records, publishing best-selling novels, moving listeners to tears with their words and inspiring iconic dance moves with their music.

A few of many Jewish American greats:

Bob Dylan
Saul Bellow
Barbra Streisand
Nora Efron
Paul Simon
Steven Spielberg
Leonard Bernstein
Steven Sondhein
George Gershwin
Al Jolson

How do you JAHM? Whether it’s reading a book by your favorite Jewish American author, watching a classing Mel Brooks comedy, or cooking Molly Yeh’s latest recipe, we want to know how you JAHM! When you post, use the hashtags #MyJAHM and #OurSharedHeritage to connect to the national celebration.

Click here to access the JAHM toolkit full of resources, posters, social media graphics and more!

VOTE IN THE WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS ELECTION

Stories Impacting American Jews

  • Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law files two federal lawsuits for campus harassment:
    • Two Columbia Univ. janitors held hostage by anti-Israel activists sue their alleged captors for battery, assault and conspiracy to violate their civil rights; Captors called them “Jew-lovers” and “Zionists”
    • Two students, a professor and a rabbi at UCLA sue anti-Israel activists and organizations for “a coordinated campaign of egregious acts of racial exclusion, intimidation and assault to intimidate Jewish students, faculty and staff”
  • Tensions boil in Brooklyn after clashes outside synagogue, threats to Jewish community
  • Ohio Applebee’s defaced with anti-Jewish graffiti: “F*ck Jews” and “Jews work here”
  • U.S. federal prosecutor threatens Wikipedia’s non-profit status for “allowing foreign actors to manipulate information and spread propaganda to the American public”
  • U.S. Dept. of Justice strips UN agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) of immunity, clearing way for Oct. 7 attack lawsuit

Stories Impacting the U.S. and Israel

Stories From Around the World

This content is developed by The Focus Project in partnership with MERCAZ USA. The Focus Project distributes weekly news and talking points on timely issues concerning Israel and the Jewish people, including antisemitism, anti-Zionism and the delegitimization of Israel. It represents a consensus view across a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations. MERCAZ USA recognizes and respects the diversity of views on these issues among its readers and the community at large.

The Focus Project develops and distributes news, background, history and weekly talking points on timely issues to inform individuals and organizations about issues affecting the American Jewish community and Israel, and help readers speak with more consistency and clarity. The editions also provide potential responses for addressing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. With input from a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations, we focus on that which unites us, rising above political and individual agendas.
Recognizing that hatred of Jews comes in many forms and directions, we strive to address all sources as they arise, and educate our growing audience on topics ranging from inter-religious relations to relevant international developments. From week to week, we may focus on issues arising from the political left, university campuses, from the political right and from institutions, government, and corporations. We don’t try to address all issues in each edition. We hope you will find this information useful in your writing and/or speaking. We are always open to your feedback: info@focus-project.org.

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