It's Happening In Miami

Released Friday, March 14 in AMC Theaters Only | Through Thursday, March 20

Directed by Wendy Sachs and starring Debra Messing, Michael Rapoport and Noa Tishby, October 8 exposes the emergence of antisemitism on college campuses, in social media and on the streets since October 7, 2023, when Hamas unleashed its brutal assault on Israel. The film provides an understanding of the shift in the current narrative as it pertains to Israel and how the real story is being silenced. After knocking on door after door to find a distributor in Hollywood and being turned down, AMC miraculously agreed to air October 8 for this week only.

Check your local movie listings for locations and times

LISTEN TO DIRECTOR WENDY SACHS TALK WITH DAN SENOR ABOUT OCTOBER 8

ADL Never Is Now; Sheryl Sandberg; Harvard Antisemitism

Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box 1684, DirecTV 388, Hotwire 269 and streamed on Roku under “educational”, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, ZipWaveTV 29, and www.jbstv.org

For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org

Now with Closed Captioning! Turn on Closed Captioning on your television settings to enable

All Times are ET and are Subject to Change

Sunday March 16

ADL Never is Now 2025: Opening Session

Kick off the world’s largest summit on antisemitism and hate with influencers Hen Mazzig and Montana Tucker, Jonathan Greenblatt, the next U.S. Ambassador to the UN Elise Stefanik, the parents of murdered IDF soldier Omer Neutra, insights on ADL’s legal case against state-sponsored terror and the global rise in antisemitism and more. Sunday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm

Monday March 17

FIDF Briefing: Yuval Baron

Yuval Baron, fiancé of Shir Siegel, whose parents Aviva and Keith Siegel were held hostage by Hamas – Keith for nearly 500 days – joins FIDF CEO Steve Weil to share the remarkable story of the Siegel family. Monday - 7:00pm

In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin: Ruth Franklin

Abby is joined by author Ruth Franklin to discuss The Many Lives of Anne Frank, her book exploring how Anne’s life and work have been interpreted, adapted, and politicized, and what her legacy means in today’s world. Monday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm

Tuesday March 18

Fighting Antisemitism - The ISGAP Hour: Shabbos Kestenbaum on Institutional Discrimination

Shabbos Kestenbaum, a writer and commentator on Jewish affairs, discusses his experiences with antisemitism at Harvard Divinity School and his legal challenge addressing the institution’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination. Tuesday - 7:00pm

Jewish Insights with Justin Pines: Bet Elazraki Children’s Home

Justin is joined by Yehuda Kohn, longtime director of Bet Elazraki Children’s Home in Netanya, and Mishel Marchasin, a former resident & Presidential Medal of Excellence recipient, about the home’s transformative impact on at-risk children in Israel. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm

Wednesday March 19

Defending Israel with David Harris: Mithal al-Alusi

David Harris speaks with Mithal al-Alusi, Iraqi politician and advocate for peace with Israel, democracy, and human rights in the Arab world, who has paid a very high price for his principled and courageous advocacy. Wednesday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch: Thinking About the Red Carpet

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch examines the Torah’s detailed description of the priests' magnificent clothing, exploring its significance in honoring tradition, elevating sacred institutions, and celebrating the beauty of life. Wednesday - 7:30pm

Global Connecitons with Robert Siegel: October 7 Survivor Stories & Trauma

For firsthand accounts and expert insights on the trauma and aftermath of 10/7, Robert is joined by authors Lee Yaron (10/7: 100 Human Stories) and Ruby Namdar (The Ruined House), along with Dr. Michael Bahar of Israel’s Rabin Medical Center. Wednesday - 8:00pm

Thursday March 20

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Sheryl Sandberg

Jonah Platt is joined by Sheryl Sandberg, the legendary Silicon Valley leader, philanthropist, and proud Zionist, to explore her Jewish identity, leadership philosophy, and how she’s using her platform to support Israel and combat hate in a post October 7th world. Thursday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Thinking Out Loud with Micah Halpern

Micah expresses frustration over the defense of pro-Hamas visa-holding students on U.S. campuses, arguing that those targeted for deportation openly support a terrorist group responsible for kidnapping and killing Americans and Israelis. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm

ILTV News and Daily News Updates

ILTV reports from Israel followed by JBS Daily News with Teisha Bader Monday (ILTV), Tuesday - Thursday at 6:00pm, Friday & Sunday (ILTV) at 5:00pm

Good Week Israel

Positive stories from Israel of heroism, unity and support Mondays at 6:30pm

Insider

ILTV reports and interviews Tuesdays at 6:30pm

On L’Chayim: Classic Conversations with Mark S. Golub z”l

Esther Wachsman z"l

Mother of kidnapped Israeli soldier Nachshon Wachsman, Esther Wachsman z"l talks about the failed rescue attempt to save her son's life and the ethical issues Israel faces. Monday - 9:00pm

Ryan Hyman

Ryan Hyman explains the life-saving work being done by Israel’s Ezer Mizion, which has the world’s largest Jewish Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Tuesday - 9:00pm

Mordechai Kedar, part 1

Mordechai Kedar, a leading scholar on Arab culture (Bar Ilan University), addresses the profound misconceptions Americans have about the structure and mentality of the Palestinian world and offers an alternative peace plan. Wednesday - 9:00pm

Mordechai Kedar, part 2

Professor of Arabic Literature at Bar-Ilan University Mordechai Kedar discusses the growing divide between liberal American Jews and the State of Israel. Thursday - 9:00pm

JEWISH STUDIES

Dimensions of the Daf: Talmud Study with Rabbi Mordechai Becher

Temple Treasures

Learn about the Holy Ark and early Israelite history in a Talmud lesson entitled What Happened to the Treasures of the Temple? Sunday - 9:00am

Genetic Screening

Rabbi Becher explains the Jewish obligation to use the benefits of modern medicine. Sunday - 9:30am

Jewish 101: Jewish Tradition and midrash with Rabbi Mark S. Golub z"l

Preparing for Sinai

A dramatic telling of what it was like for the Children of Israel to stand at "Sinai" to hear the voice of God, and how the rabbis explain that each person "heard" God in his own way that day. Monday - 9:00am

FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 7:30pm & 10:30pm

SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 9:30am & 1:00pm

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 11:00am & 2:30pm

Vlada Barash Special Projects Manager 201-334-2510 JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org

Join us for a fun day on the course to support Alper JCC Miami's mission of community and generosity on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Miami Beach Golf Club

Our golf tournament revenue helps fund scholarships provided by Alper JCC Miami. We offer more than $350,000 in need-based financial assistance to over 275 families.

REGISTER HERE

Celebrating Purim; Stephens and Greenblatt; Dalia Ziada; Marc Platt

Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box 1684, DirecTV 388, Hotwire 269 and streamed on Roku under “educational”, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, ZipWaveTV 29, and www.jbstv.org
For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org

Now with Closed Captioning! Turn on Closed Captioning on your television settings to enable

All Times are ET and are Subject to Change

Sunday March 9

The Jew-Hunt Pogrom: Bret Stephens and Jonathan Greenblatt

NYT columnist Bret Stephens and ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt sit for a Streicker Center discussion on the impact of 10/7 on antisemitism, the media’s downplaying of Jew hating, and the ways forward. Sunday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm Monday - 10:00am & 4:30pm Wednesday - 7:30pm Saturday - 11:00pm

Monday March 10

FIDF Briefing:Olga Deutsch - NGO Monitor

FIDF CEO Steve Weil is joined by Olga Deutsch, Vice President of NGO Monitor, who shares her expert insights on the funding behind hate, discussing how hundreds of millions in humanitarian aid are misused and how financial networks fuel antisemitism and extremism. Monday - 7:00pm Tuesday - 4:00am & 2:00pm Wednesday - 5:00pm

In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin: Adam Mansbach

Author Adam Mansbach discusses The Golem of Brooklyn, a romp through Jewish history and the American present that wrestles with questions of humanity — the conflicts between faith and skepticism, tribalism and interdependence, vengeance and healing. Encore Monday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Tuesday - 2:00am, 7:00am & 11:00am Wednesday - 5:00am; Thursday - 2:00pm Saturday - 7:00pm

Tuesday March 11

Fighting Antisemitism - The ISGAP Hour: Dalia Ziada

Acclaimed Egyptian author and human rights activist Dalia Ziada joins Charles Asher Small and David Harris in conversation on The ISGAP Hour. Tuesday - 7:00PM Wednesday - 4:00am & 10:00am Thursday - 2:00am & 4:00pm Saturday - 9:00pm

Jewish Insights with Justin Pines: Rabbi David Fohrman - The Hidden Story of Purim

Rabbi David Fohrman, Founder and Lead Scholar at Aleph Beta, one of the most innovative interpreters of Tanach (the Jewish biblical canon), and author of The Queen You Thought You Knew: Unmasking Esther’s Hidden Story, joins Justin to reveal a new understanding of the Purim story and how it sheds light on the Torah more broadly. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Wednesday - 2:00am, 7:00am & 11:00am Thursday - 5:00am & 1:00pm Friday - 9:00am & 9:30pm Saturday - 8:30am & 4:00pm

Wednesday March 12

Defending Israel with David Harris: David Collier

David Harris is joined by David Collier, a prominent UK-based investigative journalist dedicated to exposing extremism, antisemitism, and efforts to demonize Israel, most notably in the BBC. Wednesday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm Thursday - 4:00am, 7:00am,11:30am, 5:00pm Friday - 5:00am & 4:30pm Saturday - 7:30pm

Thursday March 13

Megillah Reading from The Hampton Synagogue

Rabbi Marc Schneier speaks on the meaning and customs of Purim, followed by a full Megillah reading by Rabbi Avraham Bronstein. Pre-recorded from The Hampton Synagogue with on-screen Hebrew transcription and English translation. Thursday - 7:30pm & 10:00pm Friday - 11:00am & 4:00pm

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Marc Platt

Jonah is joined by award-winning producer of film, television, and theater, his father, Marc Platt. Thursday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Friday - 2:00am,10:00am & 2:00pm Saturday - 5:00am & 10:00pm

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Thinking Out Loud with Micah Halpern

Micah discusses the report of Israel's official October 7 investigation and its frightening findings. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 8:30am & 12:30pm Friday - 5:30am Saturday - 5:30pm

ILTV News and Daily News Updates

ILTV reports from Israel followed by JBS Daily News with Teisha Bader Mondays - Thursdays at 6:00pm, Friday & Sunday (ILTV) at 5:00pm

Good Week Israel

Positive stories from Israel of heroism, unity and support Mondays at 6:30pm

Insider

ILTV reports and interviews Tuesdays at 6:30pm

On L’Chayim: Classic Conversations with Mark S. Golub z”l

H. Alan Scott

Comedian and writer H. Alan Scott discusses the journey that led him from his rigid Mormon upbringing to being a proudly gay Jewish convert, and he explains why he always felt he was Jewish. Monday - 9:00pm Tuesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Uri Regev

President and CEO of HIDDUSH - For Religious Freedom and Equality, Uri Regev discusses issues of Jewish pluralism in Israel. Tuesday - 9:00pm Wednesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Shalom Habibi

The Muslim-Jewish comedy duo of Yeganeh Mafaher and Eitan Levine discuss their respective personal journeys and their decision to team up to create the Shalom Habibi Comedy Tour. Wednesday - 9:00pm Thursday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm; Saturday - 6:00pm

Jackie Mason z'l

One of America's iconic comedians, Jackie Mason z"l, talks seriously about his decision to break with his family's tradition of serving as a rabbi, how his comedy grows out of his understanding of human nature, how he feels about Israeli and American Jewry and more. Thursday - 9:00pm
Friday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

JEWISH STUDIES

Dimensions of the Daf: Talmud Study with Rabbi Mordechai Becher

Purim

Rabbi Mordechai Becher shares photos of ancient artifacts, excavations and other images to explore the historical background of the holiday of Purim. Sunday - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm

Was Abraham Observant?

Rabbi Becher discusses how the Talmud deals with Abraham’s following Jewish Law before the Torah was given at Mt. Sinai. Sunday - 9:30am Monday - 4:30am Tuesday - 9:30am & 5:30pm

Jewish 101: Jewish Tradition and midrash with Rabbi Mark S. Golub z"l

Purim Pet Peeves

Rabbi Mark S. Golub z"l shares five of his pet peeves relating to modern Jewish thought in this irreverent episode for Purim. Monday - 9:00am Tuesday - 2:30am Thursday - 9:00am & 5:30pm Friday - 12:30pm Saturday - 1:00am

FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 7:30pm & 10:30pm

SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 9:30am & 1:00pm

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 11:00am & 2:30pm

Vlada Barash Special Projects Manager 201-334-2510 JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org

This will be an incredible event with some of the most beautiful Klezmer, Yiddish and Purim music, together with a festive holiday meal.

Senior Discount $18 Everyone else $36 (Front tables are reserved for sponsors)

Gold Sponsor $180 Silver Sponsor $100

Please reserve by calling (305) 770-4540 or email [email protected]

A SHOW YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Happy & Freilichen Purim

Shabbat Zachor with Rachel Fish; Benjamin Chavis; Rocket Science; Rabbi Hirsch

Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box 1684, DirecTV 388, Hotwire 269 and streamed on Roku under “educational”, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, ZipWaveTV 29, and www.jbstv.org
For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org

Now with Closed Captioning! Turn on Closed Captioning on your television settings to enable

All Times are ET and are Subject to Change

Monday March 3

FIDF Briefing: Rocket Scientist Ari Sacher

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined in conversation by the lead scientist behind the development of the groundbreaking Iron Dome missile defense system, RAFAEL Rocket Scientist Ari Sacher. Monday - 7:00pm Tuesday - 4:30am & 1:00pm Wednesday - 5:00pm Thursday - 1:00pm

In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin: Rocket Scientist Ari Sacher

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined in conversation by the lead scientist behind the development of the groundbreaking Iron Dome missile defense system, RAFAEL Rocket Scientist Ari Sacher. Monday - 7:00pm Tuesday - 4:30am & 1:00pm Wednesday - 5:00pm Thursday - 1:00pm

Tuesday March 4

Fighting Antisemitism - The ISGAP Hour: Benjamin Chavis

Activist, author, journalist, and President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Benjamin Franklin Chavis Jr., joins ISGAP leaders Charles Asher Small and David Harris for discussion. Tuesday - 7:00PM Wednesday - 4:00am & 10:00am Thursday - 4:00pm Friday - 7:00am

Jewish Insights with Justin Pines: Rachel Fish - Amalek and Jew Hatred Today (Purim 3)

On the occasion of Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of remembering the evil Amalek and the Jewish obligation to eradicate Amalek, Justin is joined by scholar warrior Dr. Rachel Fish, co-founder and president of Boundless, a think-action tank partnering with community leaders across North America to revitalize Israel education and take bold collective action to combat Jew-hatred, to discuss the rise of Jew hatred on college campuses and strategies to eradicate it. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Wednesday - 2:00am, 7:00am & 11:00am Thursday - 5:00am Friday - 4:00am, 9:00am & 8:30pm Saturday - 8:30am & 4:00pm

Wednesday March 5

Defending Israel with David Harris: Loay Alshareef

David Harris is once again joined in conversation by Arab peace activist and supporter of Israel, Loay Alshareef, from the UAE. Encore Wednesday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm Thursday - 1:004:00am, 7:00am, 11:30am, 5:00pm & 10:00pm Friday - 5:00am, 1:00pm & 4:30pm Saturday - 7:30pm

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch: Agony and Ecstasy

Speaking to his congregation, Rabbi Hirsch mournfully reflects on the Bibas family tragedy, seeing it as a harrowing symbol of innocence confronted by pure evil, and a turning point in his hope for Israeli-Palestinian coexistence. Wednesday - 5:30am & 7:30pm Thursday - 1:00am, 4:30am, 7:30am & 2:30pm Friday - 11:00am

Thursday March 6

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Erin Molan

Jonah is joined by Australian TV presenter and outspoken advocate for Israel Erin Molan. Thursday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Friday - 2:00am & 10:00am Saturday - 5:00am & 10:00pm

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Thinking Out Loud with Micah Halpern

Micah addresses the brutal murder of the Bibas children, examining how Hamas and its supporters dehumanize Jews and the baffling response of those who celebrate these atrocities. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 8:30am & 12:30pm Friday - 5:30am; Saturday - 5:30pm

ILTV News and Daily News Updates

ILTV reports from Israel followed by JBS Daily News with Teisha Bader Mondays - Thursdays at 6:00pm, Friday & Sunday (ILTV) at 5:00pm

Good Week Israel

Positive stories from Israel of heroism, unity and support Mondays at 6:30pm

Insider

ILTV reports and interviews Tuesdays at 6:30pm

On L’Chayim: Classic Conversations with Mark S. Golub z”l

Nancy Spielberg

Nancy Spielberg describes growing up Jewish in Phoenix with her brother Steven, and discusses "Who Will Write Our History," her documentary about the Oyneg Shabes, a clandestine group of Warsaw Ghetto Jews who documented Nazi atrocities. Monday - 9:00pm Tuesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm; Saturday - 6:00pm

Elie Wiesel

Author Elie Wiesel, recipient of the 1968 Nobel Peace Prize, explains why the Holocaust was a unique event, why he has not forgiven Germany, why he chose to have a child and why he does not fear for the Jewish future. Tuesday - 9:00pm Wednesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Rabbi Aryeh Katzin - Becoming Jewish in FSU

Rabbi Aryeh Katzin, CEO of the Russian American Jewish Experience (RAJE), shares how he became one of the early leaders of the Jewish Refusenik Movement in Moscow and his experiences with Yosef Begun and Yuli Edelstein. Wednesday - 9:00pm Thursday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Rabbi Aryeh Katzin - Hidden Jews in FSU

Rabbi Katzin describes how the history of the Shoah was hidden from the Jews of the Soviet Union and how he escaped. Thursday - 9:00pm
Friday - 12:00am & 3:00am & 3:00pm

JEWISH STUDIES

Dimensions of the Daf: Talmud Study with Rabbi Mordechai Becher

Disciple of Aaron

The Talmudic emphasis on being a "Disciple of Aaron," loving and pursuing peace while still being realistic in how one relates to an enemy. Sunday - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm

Morality in the Shoah

Rabbi Mordechai Becher reviews Talmudic examples of how one maintains moral integrity and Jewish identity in extreme circumstances. Sunday - 9:30am Monday - 4:30am Tuesday - 9:30am & 5:30pm

Jewish 101: Jewish Tradition and midrash with Rabbi Mark S. Golub z"l

Is It God's Fault

When something like the earthquake in Haiti occurs, does the Jewish Tradition hold God responsible in any way? Does human suffering challenge the existence of God? Monday - 9:00am Thursday - 9:00am Saturday - 1:00am

FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 7:30pm & 10:30pm

SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 9:30am & 1:00pm

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 11:00am & 2:30pm

Vlada Barash Special Projects Manager 201-334-2510 JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org

At Miccosukee Golf & Country Club | Shotgun Start: 1:00 PM

This tournament is open to the entire community—bring your friends, family, and colleagues for an unforgettable day on the fairway!

REGISTER OR SPONSOR HERE

Your registration includes: Swag Bag & Golf Shirt, Delicious Kosher BBQ Lunch, Refreshments on the Course, Exciting Raffle Prizes & More!

March 6, 8 & 9

An original play linking Holocaust stories of the past to stories of the present.

Alper JCC Miami, Robert Russell Theater, Building 4, 11155 SW 112 Avenue, Miami

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Jewish Federations React to Hamas' Psychological Warfare on Bibas Family | February 20

Jewish Federations are appalled, outraged and disgusted by Hamas’ cruel and deceitful psychological warfare against the Bibas family, the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Not only did these terrorists kidnap Kfir and Ariel Bibas, two young children — aged just nine months and four years — but forensic evidence shows that they brutally murdered them roughly a month into their captivity. Further, they lied about returning the body of their mother, Shiri, adding to the immense pain of the family. In case it was not yet clear to anyone, Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in power. Jewish Federations send our deepest condolences and love to the Bibas family and our brothers and sisters in Israel during this horrific period.

Jewish Federation Statement About the Hostages Released February 22

Following a week that has delivered great tragedy to our community, Jewish Federations are thankful for the release of the six hostages who were freed from the darkness of captivity today: Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed – both of whom spent a decade in Hamas’s hands – as well as Tal Shoham, Omer Shem-Tov, Omer Wenkert and Eliya Cohen, who were taken hostage on October 7th.

Federations are also full of gratitude that Shiri Bibas has finally been brought home, where a proper burial can take place and she can be reunited with her boys, Ariel and Kfir. We are also praying for Yarden Bibas, husband to Shiri and father to the boys, as he mourns this terrible loss

The six hostages freed on Saturday:

Avera Mengistu, an Ethiopian Israeli, was released after spending 3,825 days in Hamas captivity. His family has fought fiercely for his release over the past decade, going as far as Geneva to meet with human rights organizations in hopes of assistance. They returned to Israel with the promise of help, yet none came. Avera, who suffers from mental illness, was abducted by Hamas after trying to climb a fence in Gaza. The contents in the bag he carried included slippers, a towel, the Bible, and books, including one with his name.

Hisham al-Sayed, a Bedouin Arab Israeli, was released after 3,599 days in Hamas captivity after he was captured while wandering on the Gaza strip. Hisham, who recently turned 27, suffers from several health issues, including hearing loss, schizophrenia, tinnitus and vertigo. There was no communication about Hisham’s condition until June 2022 when terrorists released a video clip of him lying in a hospital bed with an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose.

The four other hostages released were all abducted during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. Three of them were taken while at the Nova festival.

Tal Shoham, an Austrian-Israeli citizen, was celebrating the holiday with his wife and two children at a family gathering in Kibbutz Be’eri when terrorists took them, as well as other extended family members, captive. His wife and young children were released in November 2023. His father-in-law was slain during the attacks.

Omer Shem-Tov was attending the Nova music festival when terrorists put Omer and two others in Omer’s car and drove them into Gaza. A released hostage said that Omer tried to honor Shabbat while in captivity by reciting the Kiddush with a small bottle of grape juice and a piece of bread. Omer had two birthdays while being held hostage.

Omer Wenkert was also abducted at the festival and taken to the Gaza strip. His family knew he was alive when they saw video circulated by Hamas that showed him on his stomach with his hands handcuffed behind his back. Omer, who worked at a restaurant, had just enrolled in college courses to become a restaurant manager.

Eliya Cohen was at the festival with his girlfriend when the attacks broke out, forcing them to hide in a roadside rocket shelter where many were murdered. Cohen, who works in marketing and real estate, was shot in the leg before being taken captive by Hamas. His girlfriend managed to escape the shelter after six hours. His mother, Sigi Cohen, told The Times of Israel that released hostages have said that her son is being held in a tunnel, has been chained for the entire length of his captivity, and gets little food or daylight.

We are thankful they are all home, finally reunited with their families, and that they have the support and medical care they need to begin the road to recovery from this horrific tragedy. Finally, we pray for the families of the 61 innocent hostages whose fate is unknown and remain hopeful that they will return home soon into their waiting arms.

Monday, March 3 | 4:15 PM

David Harris, a lifelong Jewish activist, served as the leader of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) from 1990 to 2022. The New York Times has referred to the AJC as the "Dean of American Jewish Organizations." The late Israeli President Shimon Peres once described Harris as the "Foreign Minister of the Jewish People."

Harris has received honors from foreign governments more than 20 times for his international work, making him the most decorated leader of American Jewish organizations in US history. He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and the London School of Economics and has served as a visiting scholar at both Johns Hopkins University and Oxford University.

5202 University Drive, Coral Gables, Merrick Building, Room 119 (Ted Arison Hall)

Refreshments will be served.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER