Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2024-12-24 at 23:02
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HEADLINESHanukkah Joy Marred by Hostage Crisis in IsraelIsrael Faces Missile Threat Amid Holiday CelebrationsNetanyahu Urges Resilience as War Shadows FestivitiesThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As we mark the beginning of Hanukkah tonight, a significant moment coinciding with Christmas for the first time in nearly twenty years, the atmosphere in Israel is laden with both celebration and deep sorrow. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Israel's Christian allies, acknowledging the multiple fronts on which Israel is currently engaged. He emphasized the vital need for resilience as the nation prepares to light the hanukkiah, a symbol of hope and perseverance.However, this year’s festivities are overshadowed by the grim reality faced by approximately one hundred hostages still held in Gaza, who have endured nearly 450 days of captivity. The joy of Hanukkah is muted by disbelief and anguish, particularly for families who have suffered unimaginable losses since the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. Among these tragedies is the recent death of Hannah Katzir, a former hostage whose story epitomizes the collective grief affecting countless Israeli families.As Rabbi Stewart Weiss poignantly pointed out, Hanukkah represents a celebration of miracles, but this year it also serves as a reminder of the darkness that many are experiencing. Here in Israel, communities are urged to reflect on both the light of their heritage and the plight of those suffering from persecution and antisemitism. The lighting of the first Hanukkah candle tonight is a call to remember those who are imprisoned and enduring hardship, hoping for a miraculous return to their families.In addition to internal strife, Israel faces external threats, notably from Yemen, where the Houthis recently launched a missile towards the nation, marking the fifth such incident this week. Air raid sirens echoed across central Israel, prompting concerns and leading to the successful interception of the missile before it could enter Israeli territory. These events underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, further complicating the holiday spirit.As we light the candles, may the glow of the hanukkiah extend beyond our homes and reach those in despair, illuminating paths toward freedom and healing. As the respected poet Leonard Cohen once wrote, "There is a crack, a crack in everything… That's how the light gets in." This Hanukkah, may we find those cracks and allow the light to seep through, providing hope and solace where it is most needed.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-834786)https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-834786)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1158881)https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-834785)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hj9bplkryl)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkavbxyhjl)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkhgyxthjg)https://t.me/Newss0nline/40777)https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/5362)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1158876)https://t.me/Newss0nline/40776)https://t.me/newssil/129020)https://t.me/newssil/129019)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1c5ayyskg)https://t.me/newssil/129018)https://t.me/newssil/129016)https://t.me/newssil/129017)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1158875)https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/5361)