Live Updates on The Israel-Hamas WarFriday 13/10/2023

You can refer to this page to stay on top of the ongoing situation in Israel. We will update this as much as possible with the latest information on the ground. Please share this with your friends and family to help spread the word. You can also help JIJ continue to provide awareness by donating using the button below.

October 31 – Watch our UN in the Spotlight Webinar with Israeli Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, 

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the important webinar with the Israeli Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, H.E. Meirav Eilon Shahar, and Professor Yuval Shany, former chair of the UN Human Rights Committee. Carolina Grimberg Golijov, Human Rights, Law and Research Officer at JIJ, was the discussion’s moderator.

Some key insights shared during the webinar:

“I have to say that since October 7th we… I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I have to say that the people of Israel have been let down by the international institution.” – Ambassador Shahar expressed feeling let down by the UN’s response.

“Whether international institutions like the UN are able to impose international law on terrorist groups that are actually that have been in the last 40 years, almost 40 years since the early 90’s, in the business of basically derailing any possibility for reconciliation and peace between Israel and its neighbors and specifically with the Palestinians. And I think this is really a test for the international structures of peace and security.” – Professor Shani highlighted this crisis as a key test of the UN’s ability to deal with terrorist organizations like Hamas.

Click the following link to watch the full webinar recording – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2fTMdd27ZM

The Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, in conjunction with the Israeli embassy in Canada

The Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, in conjunction with the Israeli embassy in Canada, sent a delegation of five relatives of individuals either murdered or kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th to Ottawa. The family members spoke with Canadian politicians and urged them to join the international campaign to have the hostages returned.

One woman, Alexandra Friedman, came to speak about her missing sister-in-law, Saphir Cohen, and her family.

“Absolutely all of them were either kidnapped or murdered. They don’t have anyone else to speak up for them, and I think the world needs to hear that.”

HOSTAGE RESCUED!

IDF and Shin Bet rescue Female soldier from Hamas captivity during Gaza offensive, safely reunited with family.

October 24 – Live Situation Brief at 12pm ET / 7pm Israel Time

Several significant developments have unfolded since our live situation briefing on October 17.

• Notably, two hostages have been successfully liberated
• President Biden made a visit to Israel
• The IDF is nearing the end of preparation and is about to begin a ground operation aimed at defeating Hamas
• 500,000 Israelis have been evacuated from southern and northern borders and are now displaced due to the war

In the wake of the disastrous misinformation surrounding last week’s hospital bombing, trust has been eroded, leaving many uncertain about reliable sources. Rest assured, JIJ consistently delivers accurate, firsthand information you can wholeheartedly rely on.

Join us for our next situation call, live on Tuesday, October 24th, at 12 pm ET (9 am PT or 7 pm Israel time). You are invited to participate and can log in using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89580811760?pwd=OFE3VjU0SjRiUWk5MklQTTZrS1RBQT09 at that time. (You may be required to enter a passcode – 279494).

Don’t worry if you aren’t able to make it. We will post the recorded version later in the week.

London Unites in Solidarity for Israel

In a powerful display of support for Israel, tens of thousands gathered in London to stand in solidarity. Along with a delegation from Israel’s Ministry of the Diaspora and Antisemitism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they united in reading aloud the names of all 213 hostages who were tragically taken by Hamas on that ominous day, October 7. Together, they sang the Hatikvah, the national anthem of Israel, a song filled with hope and resilience. Click here to watch the video.

Gaza Rockets: Self-Inflicted Tragedy

Over 550 misfired rockets from Gaza have tragically harmed innocent women and children, who are sadly used as human shields. The hope for peace lies in a day when the Palestinians love their children more than they hate Israel. Click here to watch a video.

The pressure is working. Nearly two weeks ago, you signed our petition demanding that the International Red Cross secure the release of the at least 224 Israeli captives taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.

Before we pushed, the International Red Cross was paralyzed, pretending that it was powerless. They have a massive network of doctors and nurses in Gaza who could have information on the hostages’ locations. And because Israel allows them to visit terrorists in Israeli prisons, they have a vast network of Hamas contacts. They are the only non-military entity that stands a chance of accessing the hostages. That’s why we pressured them!

I’m writing today to let you know that it’s working. Two days after we sent our petition, the Red Cross began to change its tune, and more forcefully push for access to the hostages. They finally began meeting with the families of the hostages, after days of stonewalling. And this weekend, two hostages were freed after Hamas transferred them into the Red Cross’ custody.

Hamas’ Hypocrisy: Leaders Leave as Gazans Trapped

Hamas bars Gazans from leaving Gaza and accessing safe zones, yet Gazan leaders have left for their safety before the upcoming war with Israel- Raising questions about their commitment to their own people. Click here to watch the video.

Global Prayer for Israel

2,000+ students from 30 schools worldwide united virtually to pray for Israel and the IDF. Organized by UnitEd, a Partner of the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism , with support from Legacy Heritage Fund and IsraAid, the event featured messages from Israeli schoolchildren, prayers at the Kotel, and inspirational speeches. Click here to learn more.

Live Situation Brief from JIJ on October 17

Bring Them Home

The Jerusalem Insitute of Justice continues demanding the release of all hostages taken by Hamas. The recent petition that we sent to the International Red Cross along with 50 other organizations, and thousands of signatories like yourself has made a difference. The Red Cross has demanded that Hamas grant them immediate access to the hostages in Gaza. We are going to keep going until every hostage is released! You can donate to our efforts by visiting https://jij.org/hel-israel

What would you do if it was your child? Watch this video of mothers’ agonizing pleas for the return of their stolen children by ruthless Hamas.

Gazan reports that Hamas blocks evacuation for their own safety.

Desperate phone call between an IDF soldier and Gazan: Listen to the soldier pleading with Gazan to leave.

Antisemitism Continues to Rise Significantly on Social Media
The ACMS system documented a total of 157,000 posts containing antisemitic content during the period of October 7-10, 2023. This signifies a substantial surge, showing a 450% rise in comparison to the preceding four days (October 3-6) and a 360% escalation compared to the corresponding days in the previous month (September 7-10).

The IDF has dropped leaflets on northern Gaza urging all civilians to evacuate south for their own safety. Hamas is reportedly telling civilians to remain in their homes since they benefit from using civilians as human shields.

The Jerusalem Institute of Justice leads a coalition of 50 organizations urging the International Red Cross to secure the release of the Gaza captives. You can read more about this and see the full letter here. You can also join the 50 organizations by signing a petition that will also go to the International Red Cross by clicking here.

The Jerusalem Institute of Justice, together with other organizations, has organized a rally in Barcelona for peace in Israel and the hostage release of those being held captive by Hamas.

Unfortunately, people in Europe are scared of participating in this type of events because of the antisemitism that is still very present. We ensure police officers will be present in order to protect us, so we can voice our support to the victims of the atrocities being committed by Hamas and to all the people of Israel.

For security reasons, we are not allowed to reveal the location and time of the rally. If someone would like to participate, please send us a private message on Facebook (https://facebook.com/jijerusalem) and we will provide the information. #westandwithisrael #israelunderattack #dontlookaway

It is Day 5 of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Here is the latest update”

• The death toll tops 1,200 with over 3,000 wounded.
• Israel and Hezbollah are now in direct confrontation after there were rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon.
• There are 17 British citizens (including children) that are dead or missing after the attacks by Hamas.
• The European Union backtracked on its initial decision to stop financial assistance to Palestine. European Commission president Ursula von de Leyen said that the EU’s humanitarian support to the Palestinian people is not in question, but that the bloc must review its financial assistance.
• The Pope urges release of all Hamas hostages.
• JIJ continues our efforts to gain the freedom of all hostages held by Hamas. You can read our letter to the UN High Commission here and we will be releasing our letter to the International Red Cross soon.

We’ve started our live Zoom call. You can participate by visiting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89313841269?pwd=L1dXdXI3NWphcHMwcGtiTFhBMlpJQT09 (use password:642245). If you don’t have time to watch it or join late, we will record the entire session, including the question and answer portion at the end and release it on YouTube.

Watch the recording of this update here.

In the wake of Hamas’ horrific attacks on Israel, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice is hosting an urgent conference call tomorrow, Tuesday, October 10th at 12 pm ET (9 am PT or 7 pm Israel time). You are invited to participate and will receive the link to join before the call.

Tune in as our Israeli team, including experienced IDF veterans, provides on-the-ground, real-time updates about the ongoing crisis, including:

• Efforts to free the kidnapped civilians held hostage in Gaza
• Advocacy at the United Nations, US Congress, and European Union for Israel’s right to self-defense
• Ways you can take action to help the many victims and stand with our brave soldiers on the front line
• We will take questions at the end

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and JIJ is working 24/7 to defend Israel and protect human rights.

By joining this live call, you’ll get exclusive reports you’ll never hear in the mainstream media, and inside access to our emergency response initiatives. You can click the button below to contribute to JIJ so we can continue providing crucial information and continue advocating on behalf of Israel.

This morning, Hamas terrorists in Gaza launched a massive and unprovoked attack on Israel. Thousands of rockets have been fired indiscriminately at cities across Israel. As of 8:30 a.m. ET time, there are reports of over 779 wounded and at least 40 dead in the ongoing attacks.

In addition, Hamas has sent militants to infiltrate Israel from Gaza by air, land, and sea. Residents of two Israeli communities told the country’s Channel 12 television station that assailants from Gaza are trying to break into their homes.

This is a serious escalation and act of war. In a video message early Saturday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war — not in an operation, not in rounds — at war.”

As sirens continue to blare and citizens rush to safety, we mourn those lost and pray for Israel. In times like these, our spirits are tested. But we continue to hope for peace and justice. Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. Israelis should not live in constant fear of rocket and terrorist attacks.

Please stand with us for the safety of all civilians and for peace in Israel.