Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel

- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO

As we enter a new year, our hopes for renewal are shadowed by the ongoing anguish of hostages held captive since the horrific events of Oct. 7, 2023. The recent release of a video by Hamas, showing 19-year-old Liri Albag pleading for her freedom, is a chilling reminder of the human cost of terror. This calculated act of psychological warfare is designed not only to harm the hostages and their families, but also to fracture the resolve of all who stand for justice and humanity.

What deepens this tragedy is the lack of global attention to their stories. Where is the outrage? Why aren’t these innocent lives, like Liri’s, a rallying cry for people of conscience around the world? Their suffering deserves to be front and center, yet it has been met with an unsettling silence.

Negotiations have taken place this week in Qatar, mediated by Qatari and Egyptian officials. Israel has dispatched a team of officials to participate in these talks, with reports indicating that Mossad chief David Barnea may join the discussions. Hamas has reportedly approved a list of 34 hostages for potential release as part of an initial phase of a truce. However, the Israeli Prime Minister's office has stated that this list was provided to Qatari mediators as far back as July, and Israel has not yet received confirmation from Hamas regarding the hostages' status.

Each hostage represents more than a number or a name—they are individuals with families, dreams, and futures stolen from them. Hamas’s deliberate use of hostages as pawns is a grave violation of international law and a moral affront to all who value human dignity.

As we reflect on this new year, it is imperative that we amplify the voices of the hostages and their families. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been working tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate for justice and provide critical support for those affected by these atrocities. This includes bolstering mental health services in Israel, where communities are grappling with the lasting trauma of the attacks.

Mental health is a cornerstone of resilience and recovery, particularly in the face of such relentless psychological warfare. By supporting these efforts, we provide care for those impacted and send a powerful message: humanity will stand united in the face of terror.

Let us transform our heartbreak into action. Share the stories of the hostages. Advocate for their release. These are not passive acts — they are active commitments to a more compassionate and just world.

This new year, we must renew our collective resolve to fight for justice, peace and the sanctity of human life. Together, as one community and one humanity, we can ensure the world does not turn away from those who need us most.

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