Dear Friends,
 

It has now been 466 days since Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, killed 1,200 men, women, children and elderly, and took 251 people hostage into Gaza. As of this writing, we have seen the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that, if all goes as planned, will provide for the gradual release of the remaining 98 hostages held in Gaza - at least one-third of whom are no longer alive. These hostages will be exchanged in return for over 1,000 very much alive prisoners held in Israeli jails - including convicted murderers of Israelis serving life sentences - and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. 

The IDF has already begun preparations for the return of the hostages and has named the mission "Operation Wings of Freedom." Israeli hospitals are preparing for all possibilities in anticipation of receiving the hostages because the mental and physical health of those returning is unknown.

The first phase of the ceasefire is scheduled to begin this Sunday, January 18th with the release of three hostages. This phase is scheduled to last for 42 days, during which a total of 33 hostages, including all women, children and men over 50, will be released 3 or 4 at a time. It is not known for sure how many are alive, but some reports suggest 23 of the 33 may be living. It is not even clear at this point if the first three to be released this Sunday will be alive or dead. 

Many Americans reading this may not know that of the 98 hostages still held in Gaza, 7 are American citizens. As of this writing, U.S. State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller has announced that only three of those are believed to still be alive, while four are confirmed dead.

On day 16 of this first phase of the ceasefire, negotiations will begin for the second phase of the agreement, which will focus on the release of the remaining 65 Israeli hostages - assuming the release of the first 33 goes as planned. 

Obviously, when dealing with the likes of terrorists who took innocent men, women, children and elderly hostage in the first place, the realization of the release of all remaining hostages - the living and the dead - is fraught with uncertainties. All of us who care about Israel will be watching, along with all Israelis, as each step of this ceasefire plays out. 
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New Resources now available!
Check Out the Partnership's FactSheets!

CAMERA's Partnership of Christians and Jews introduces researched and sourced FactSheets that counter fiction with fact concerning specific libels about Israel promoted by legacy media, various governments, educational institutes, and even some in the church.

These timely FactSheets will equip you to counter efforts to delegitimize and demonize Israel in your sphere of influence.

Four of these free downloadable resources are now available on CAMERA's Partnership website!

The first three address false allegations in the context of Israel's war with Hamas:
Genocide
Civilian deaths
Humanitarian crisis

The fourth FactSheet reveals the history behind the use of the terms "Palestinian" and "Palestine."

Go here and make use of these valuable sources of information!

Stay tuned because additional topics are coming soon!

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All of us at CAMERA are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Olga Meshoe Washington on January 6, 2025.

She was an extraordinary woman—her words and smile left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Olga was a leader and a beacon of courage, conviction, and unwavering support for Israel.

As a fearless advocate, Olga inspired countless individuals through her steadfast commitment to truth and justice. Her voice, eloquent and resolute, resonated across continents.

Olga’s bravery in confronting challenges head-on was a testament to her character and to her belief that standing for what is right is not optional but essential.

We will forever be grateful for her unwavering, eloquent, and tireless defense of Israel. Her passion and unwavering dedication to truth has left a legacy that will continue to inspire us.

To Olga’s husband Joshua, her sons Ezra and Judah, her in-laws Dumisani and Valerie Washington, and all her loved ones in America and South Africa, we extend our deepest condolences.

Her memory will surely be for a blessing to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her!

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