“Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sets captives free.” This Jewish blessing, recited in morning prayers, has carried even more profound meaning since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. This simple prayer for freedom and peace resonates as 100 hostages continue to endure unimaginable horror. A shifting dynamic in the region has opened the possibility of a hostage release that brings hope to Jews in Israel and around the world, as the festive holiday of Chanukah approaches.
Continuing hell for the hostages
For more than a year, the hostages who continue to be held in Hamas captivity endure physical abuse, unrelenting psychological torture and even death. The Israeli Defense Forces recently recovered the body of Itay Svirsky, 38, murdered by Hamas terrorists in February. He was last seen in a Hamas propaganda film released in January.
Another hostage in the film was Noa Argamani—one of the most well-known faces of the Hamas massacre. Noa was rescued by the Israel Defense Forces in June. Noa: “I was injured in captivity: bleeding, with my entire head open, and no one came to help me. Not the Red Cross, not doctors, no one. Israeli doctors said it was a medical miracle that I lived. We don’t know the condition of the 100 hostages still there, and their fate might be worse than mine.”
Hamas continues to hold 13 women hostage, including the body of Israeli-American Judy Weinstein Haggai. Judy was a teacher of children with special needs and meditation. Her children: “There is nothing more monstrous than abducting a body and not letting us—their children, their grandchildren, our grandmother—find closure. We are stuck. We cannot move on with our lives until her body is returned.”
Deafening silence: ‘Bring the hostages home now!’
The sister of hostage Romi Gonen is a nurse shocked by the silence of international medical and women’s rights organizations. “I feel betrayed from the medical world and from the women’s world in ways that I never imagined that I would feel,” said her sister, Yarden. “The infections, the diseases, the immune system, my sister’s gunshot wound; why aren’t they speaking on behalf of innocent people? Hamas is mentally, physically and sexually abusing everyone. Girls can get pregnant because terrorists rape them. We currently have 100 hostages, but maybe we have 101, 102 or more.”
The mother of Israeli-American hostage, Keith Siegel, recently passed away before reuniting with her son. Keith’s daughter, Elan: “My dad won’t be able to say goodbye to the woman who raised him and loved him his whole life.” Israeli-American Omer Neutra, who was recently announced as having been killed on Oct. 7, was remembered as a “hero of Israel” at a recent New York memorial service. Each funeral serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
Hamas kidnapped 80-year-old peace activist Gadi Moses, who founded an agricultural kibbutz and pioneered farming and wastewater methods that improved lives around the world. Gadi’s son, Oded: “My father always believed in peace and coexistence and educated us to love all people, no matter their religion or nationality. What was done to us on Oct. 7 is a nightmare. Americans: Raise your voices and speak out in the name of the hostages. Push your government representatives at every level to bring my father home!”
Shifting the balance of power: Hamas on the defensive
Israel’s military successes against Hamas and Hezbollah, and working now to neutralize Syria’s threat, have opened the door to more realistic negotiations with Hamas and diminished Iran’s ability to supply weapons to its proxies in the Middle East.
The negotiating position of Hamas has been weakened because its fighters and infrastructure have been decimated by Israel. However, the battle against Hamas has come at great cost to Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. Hamas builds its militant capabilities into civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools and mosques. The Israeli goals throughout this war have been the release of all hostages and disarming of Hamas, all while trying to minimize civilian casualties.
International mediators, including America and Hamas-ally Qatar, have expressed cautious optimism on the hostage negotiations, pointing to “encouraging signs.” Hamas has agreed to a temporary Israeli military presence in Gaza during a ceasefire, which it previously opposed, but the Iranian-backed terror group continues with stalling tactics. Its manipulation tactics highlight the cruel and calculated strategy to extend the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Israelis are more eager than ever to negotiate from their position of strength. One poll revealed that a majority of Israelis support ending the war if all the hostages are released. However, the current offer calls for 30 hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and Israel releasing imprisoned terrorists.
Shifting the balance of power: Israel helps reshape the region
Decisive campaigns have dealt crippling blows to Iran’s crumbling axis of power. Nowhere is this more evident than in Syria, once Iran’s main weapons pipeline to its multiple proxies. It has now been completely incapacitated by rebels that overthrew the Assad government. The IDF led a pre-emptive campaign that destroyed more than 80% of Syria’s military. Israeli strikes have eliminated air defenses, weapons depots and supply routes that once funneled advanced arms to Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies. It has secured immediate military objectives by preventing these arsenals from falling into hostile hands and pre-empted long-term threats to its existence and security. At the same time, dozens of American airstrikes have eliminated ISIS camps in Syria.
The ripple effects of these operations are already visible, showing growing cracks in Iran’s influence and power. Assad’s regime in Syria, which was a longtime lynchpin of Iranian regional influence, has been defeated by rebel forces after a long, bloody civil war. Civilians are celebrating and expressing relief at the downfall of an oppressive regime, but many remain cautious, especially Christians. Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon face increasing isolation and logistical challenges.
An Iranian opposition leader asserted that the fall of Assad’s regime paved the way to topple the Iranian regime. Israel’s prime minister stated in a video appeal to Iranian citizens: “One day, Iran will be free.” U.S. leaders are crediting Israel’s operations against Hezbollah for accelerating Assad’s downfall.
Iranian threats to Israel and regional stability remain. The Houthis in Yemen—terrorists devoted to killing Americans and Jews—continue to regularly fire missiles and drones into the State of Israel. Many have been intercepted, but one recently struck an apartment building near Tel Aviv. The Houthis also are attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The U.S. Air Force continues to target sites used by Iranian-backed rebels.
A Chanukah of Resilience
For American Jews, the holiday arrives amid rising anti-Jewish violence and growing fears about openly expressing Jewish identity. This year, the Chanukah candles represent more than a celebration of ancient miracles. They are a symbol of strength, resolve and an unwavering commitment to securing freedom, dignity and peace for Jews everywhere.
Points to consider:
- Bring the hostages home now!
Mothers, fathers, siblings and friends are unrelenting in their pleas to the world: “Bring them home now!” These words are a collective moral demand that transcends politics and borders. The 100 hostages still held by Hamas are enduring unimaginable torment—abuse, deprivation and terror. Every delay is a moral failure, prolonging their suffering. Hamas exploits these innocent lives as bargaining chips, yet the world cannot allow this cruelty to stand. Each hostage represents a family torn apart, waiting in agony for their loved one’s return. The time to act is now. Failure is not an option.
- Judaism values the dignity of each person.
The Torah teaches that everyone is created in G-d’s image—a central Jewish belief later adopted by Christianity— that every human being possesses inherent worth. This value demands a commitment to compassion, especially for those held captive. Protecting the innocent and advocating for their freedom reflects the highest moral principles. This applies to everyone, including Syrians brutally oppressed by the Assad regime who have finally returned home after years in torture chambers. To honor human dignity means refusing to abandon those who are suffering, no matter the circumstances.
- Israeli victories are weakening Iran’s axis of terror and reshaping the Middle East.
The battles fought in Gaza and Syria are not isolated conflicts. Iran’s proxies also include Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen. Support for the recently deposed Syrian dictator was part of Iran’s war against its neighbors and much of the world. Israel is systematically defeating Iran’s coalition of evil and regional influence after severely damaging Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria’s military capabilities. Israel’s success is more than a military achievement. It is a direct blow to those who perpetuate violence throughout the Middle East. These victories mark a turning point, proving that terrorism can be defeated and redefining the region’s future: freedom from Iran.
- A weakened Iran clears a path to freedom in the Middle East.
Dwindling Iranian influence is creating new opportunities for freedom and stability across the Middle East. In Syria, a new future free from oppression is possible. Gazans could soon have the opportunity to rebuild. Syrians and Palestinians would benefit from investments from Israel’s Abraham Accord ally—the United Arab Emirates—and possible future peace partner Saudi Arabia. The accords provide a foundation for expanding alliances, building trust and strengthening bonds between Israel and its neighbors. They grow stronger as Iran’s influence declines. A new Middle East can be defined by cooperation, opportunity and enduring freedom.
- From darkness to light: Chanukah symbolizes Jewish pride.
Chanukah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness—a story of resilience that speaks to the Jewish experience throughout history. And now, as Jews face intensifying attacks worldwide and Israel fights to get its hostages back, the holiday’s message of courage and defiance is more relevant than ever. The Maccabee victory reminds us to stand tall and embrace Jewish identity, even in difficult times. Just as the menorah shines brightly, Jews around the world can celebrate their heritage openly and proudly. Chanukah is more than just a historical story. It is a modern call to reject fear, uphold Jewish pride and let light prevail.