đ§News of the Crisisđ§ April 28, 2025
HaMakor (The Source) is a news show on Israelâs Channel 13 led by investigative journalist Raviv Drucker. Yesterday (Sunday) it aired an extraordinary piece co-created with the channelâs Washington correspondent Neria Kraus, in which both reporters interviewed nine senior Biden administration officials who aired their frustrations in dealing with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government throughout the Gaza war.
Among those interviewed was Amos Hochstein, one of Bidenâs Senior Middle East envoys. Hochstein recalled his friendship with Jon and Rachel, parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and added: âhe was murdered the same day they were negotiating his name on the release list for the first phase. I will always think about the fact that had we been able to reach a ceasefire in the summer when we were so. so close, he would have been alive. And all the hostages who died. I know that a lot of people say, âIn retrospect, maybe itâs good that there was no deal reached in the summer because look at all the [Israeli military] gains that were made in August and September and October⌠But thereâs no doubt that people forget that there was a big advantage to have reached a deal earlier, and that is that those hostages would be alive, and some of the hostages who did come home would be in better condition.
Hochstein continued: âI understood why Hamas didnât want a deal, I thought Israelâs interest should have always been to have a deal as soon as possible. You can always go to fighting at some point. History shows between Israel and Hamas, there's no lack for excuses to go to war. but to get hostages out alive you only get a short windowâ.
Yediot's weekend supplement revealed that hundreds of body bags containing unidentified remains from the October 7th massacre are still stored at the Military Rabbinate's base, over a year and a half later. The Military Rabbinate and the Chief Rabbi of the IDF advocate for comprehensive DNA testing to identify the remains, with a special budget allocated for this purpose. However, the process has been delayed due to opposition from the Ministry of Religious Services, led by Yehuda Avidan, and supported by Dr. Chen Kugel of the Forensic Medicine Institute. They argue against retesting all the remains, proposing instead to bury them in a mass grave. The DNA identification process involves comparing profiles to the military's genetic database and, when necessary, seeking matches from families of missing persons. The debate hinges on whether to re-examine the containers, with the Military Rabbinate insisting on retesting all remains, while Avidan and Dr. Kugel claim the remains fall outside military jurisdiction.
Anonymous sources suggest the ministry fears public outrage if it is revealed that victims' remains were possibly stored alongside those of the terrorists who murdered them. Families might be devastated to learn that parts of their loved ones were not laid to rest or identified due to opposition to DNA testing. A joint committee, including representatives from the Ministry of Religious Services, the Ministry of Health, the Forensic Medicine Institute, and the police, is currently deliberating the issue. If the Military Rabbinate's stance prevails, a comprehensive retesting operation will proceed. Conversely, if Avidan's position is accepted, some remains may be buried in a mass grave, leaving their identities forever unknown. The emotional toll on families and the ethical implications of either decision remain at the heart of this contentious debate.
Today (Monday), the Hostages and Missing Families Forum held a special press conference for the occasion of the 100 day mark of President Trumpâs administration. Released hostages Keith Siegal, Naama Levi, Doron Steinbrecher, Yair Horn and Omer Shem Tov, used the platform to thank Trump for his efforts and to implore the president not to stop fighting for the 59 hostages still in Gaza.
Siegal: âI was released just weeks into President Trump's term... Our freedom represented a breakthrough after more than a year of deadlock negotiations. a breakthrough that many have thought impossible. My family and I are eternally thankful to President Trump for prioritising the hostage crisis since day one of his presidency and bringing me and so many others home.
As we approach the 100th day of President Trumpâs administration, as well as Israelâs Memorial and Independence Day, I reflect on what true freedom meansâ.
Concurrently, Yarden Bibas, released hostage and bereaved father and husband, urged followers on social media not to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day until all hostages return home. His post read: âOn Israelâs 76th Independence Day, I was in a tunnel and didn't think that Israel was celebrating Independence Day while at war and with hostages in captivity.
Now, on the 77th Independence Day, the war is still ongoing, and there are still hostages in captivity â only this time, I am home.
âI returned to an empty home, and after everything Iâve been through and am still going through, I still call this country my home and choose life every single day.
This home exists thanks to my family who remained and support me and thanks to the wonderful people of Israel.
âThis year, I cannot celebrate my independence because I have brothers and sisters who are still being held hostage and my heart is still there with them.
âI will not be able to heal or rest until they return.
âPlease let the words "to be a free people in our land" come true for everyone.
âJoin me: Add the caption "I have no independence because they are still thereâ to your profile picture and share it on social mediaâ.
