AJC Stands with Israel - American Jewish Committee

September 9, ‍20‍2‍4

Information cut-off: As of 3:0‍0 p.m. ET

Here are American Jewish Committee’s top stories and resources of the day to help you stay informed, share the facts, and rally your networks to take action in support of Israel and against the terrorists that continue to jeopardize its safety and security. You can expect to receive the next Israel Update on Monday, September 16.

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Day 339 Hostages Update: Six Hostages Held in Deplorable Conditions by Hamas Before Execution; Hamas Releases Propaganda Video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin
The six hostages murdered by Hamas, whose bodies were recovered from a Rafah tunnel on September 1, were subjected to starvation, lack of air, and inhumane conditions before their execution, according to an IDF probe reported by Israeli Channel 12 News. IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed that the captives were confined in a narrow tunnel with no air vents, sunlight, showers, or toilets, and were unable to stand upright. The IDF also reported that several of the hostages attempted to fight off Hamas captors. Hamas also released a propaganda video showing the last recording of Hersh Goldberg-Polin on Thursday evening. In response to the video, the Goldberg-Polin family said the footage “must serve as an immediate wakeup call to the world to act today to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages before it is too late.” According to news reports, Hamas has increased the amount of terrorists it wants released from Israeli jails during the opening phase of a hostages and ceasefire deal.
- AJC CEO Ted Deutch’s Call to Action: After Hamas brutally murdered six hostages, Ted issued a call to action to five groups—including every American and officials in the U.S. and Israel. Read it here.
- Increase Pressure on Hamas: There can be no more delays. Urge your elected officials at all levels of government to ramp up public pressure on Hamas by speaking out and using every tool at their disposal to help secure the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in captivity by Hamas. Take action now.
- Send Messages of Condolences: Share your support, prayers, and deepest condolences with the families of the six hostages executed by Hamas on September 1, and all the families of hostages killed in Gaza. Send your sympathies now.
War Update: Hezbollah Fires Over 65 Rockets, Drones at Northern Israel; Three Israelis Killed in Terror Shooting at West Bank Checkpoint; IDF Eliminates Two PIJ Terror Commanders
Hezbollah continued its near-daily terror onslaught on northern Israel on Sunday and Monday, launching rockets and drones from Lebanon that damaged homes but caused no injuries. Meanwhile, on Monday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) again threatened Israel following the July 31 assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, with IRGC commander Hossein Salami warning of a “painful” and “unexpected” response. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the assassination. On Sunday, three Israeli civilians—Yohanan Shchor, 61; Yuri Birnbaum, 65; and Adrian Marcelo Podsmeser, 57—were murdered in a terror shooting at the Allenby Bridge crossing by a 39-year-old Jordanian man, who was killed by security forces. That same day, the IDF announced the killing of Hamas commander Raef Omar Salman Abu Shab in Gaza, who was responsible for rocket fire operations from southern Gaza. Additionally, the IDF killed Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commanders Abdallah Khatib and Hatem Abu Aljidian in a Saturday airstrike, accusing Khatib of involvement in the October 7 massacre.
Campus Update: UWM Ends Temporary Suspension of Anti-Israel Student Groups; Anti-Israel Protesters Chant “Globalize the Intifada” at Harvard
The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (UWM) lifted the temporary suspensions of five anti-Israel student groups associated with an Instagram post in July that threatened the campus Jewish community. Part of the social media post read: “We will no longer normalize genocidal extremists walking on our campus” and that “any organization or entity that supports Israel is not welcome at UWM.” After an investigation, a letter from the Office of the Chancellor at UWM stated that the “social media posts did not meet the very high bar under the First Amendment to constitute the legal definition of a true threat, which is a recognized exception to First Amendment protection." At Harvard University on Friday, more than 80 anti-Israel protesters affiliated with the student group Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine marched through campus, demanding the school sever ties with the Jewish state. The Harvard Crimson reported the protesters chanted “Long Live the Intifada” and “Globalize the Intifada,” phrases used by anti-Israel activists that call for aggressive resistance against Israel and those who support Israel. The Crimson also reported that more than 430 Harvard faculty joined Harvard Faculty for Israel, a new group that aims to support Israeli students on campus and advocate for closer collaboration between Harvard and Israeli universities.
- Go Deeper: Hollywood actress Ginnifer Goodwin explains the violent history behind the phrase “Globalize the Intifada” and how it has been popularized for widespread violence against Jews in Israel and across the globe. Share Goodwin’s video on your Instagram Story.
AJC, Jewish on Campus Announce New Partnership to Bolster Support for Students Before, During, and After College
Today, AJC and Jewish on Campus announced a new partnership to better support young Jews better before, during, and after their time as college students. This unique approach ensures continuity of support and community as they grow in their advocacy. Read more about the partnership.
- What AJC CEO Ted Deutch is Saying: “Jewish students in high school and college and Jewish young professionals are increasingly on the frontlines in the fight against antisemitism. They need to know that not only are they supported by the larger Jewish community but also their peers across the country. This new partnership will allow AJC and Jewish on Campus to provide the sustained support they need and deserve as they continue to lead their communities and grow in their advocacy.”
Pakistani Terrorist Plotted Attack Against Jews Around 10/7 Anniversary
The Justice Department announced Friday a Pakistani citizen has been arrested and charged with planning a terror attack against Jews in New York City near the one-year anniversary of October 7. Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, a Pakistani national living in Canada, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with “attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS)," federal prosecutors said. Khan told undercover law enforcement officers he was planning to attack a Jewish center in Brooklyn because "New York is perfect to target Jews because it has the largest Jewish population In America,” according to the criminal complaint.
- What AJC New York is Saying: In an interview with Canada’s Globe and Mail, AJC New York Regional Director Josh Kramer thanked Canadian and American law-enforcement agencies for their work “to avert a horrific terror attack on New York’s Jewish community” and said, “In the face of rising antisemitism, it is imperative that all threats against the Jewish community are taken seriously.”

The Forgotten Exodus: Yemen, Part 1

Adiel Cohen: Jewish activist, social media influencer, and Israel Defense Forces reservist, has a passion for storytelling—especially that of his beloved grandmother, Savta Sarah. She fled Yemen under harrowing circumstances to come to Israel in the mid-20th century. At just 12 years old, she left the only home she’d ever known, braving dangerous terrain and gangs to reach safety in Israel. Recorded live at AJC Global Forum 2024 in Washington, D.C., this conversation explores the vibrant life of Yemenite Jews and the scarred history of Jewish persecution in the country. In a candid conversation, Adiel reflects on his advocacy, both online and off, and emphasizes the importance of sharing diverse Jewish stories. Listen now.

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Through our network of 75+ offices, institutes, and partnerships worldwide, AJC—the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people—is working non-stop to support Israel, counter surging antisemitism, and protect Jewish communities everywhere in the wake of Hamas’ brutal O‍ct‍ob‍er ‍7 attack. With your help, we can do even more to shape a new future for the Jewish state and the Jewish people. Join us with a gift to AJC today.

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