On the eve of Passover – a festival of liberation – we do not forget the hostages who are not free. The holiday is incomplete without them. Its joy is also marred by the tempestuous, increasingly radical discourse within Israeli society. And yet, let us gather together around the Seder table – all parts of the nation – and remind ourselves of our shared covenant of fate, which is the source of our strength.

Since last Memorial Day, 316 IDF soldiers – our finest sons and daughters – have paid with their lives in defense of Israeli sovereignty. “With their death, they commanded us to live” (H.N. Bialik). It is our sacred responsibility to give their lives a national meaning that justifies the private loss. Will we know how to do this even in an era of fierce division?

A civil struggle is unfolding in Israel as the government, which does not enjoy the public's trust, seeks to oust two of its most important gatekeepers – the attorney general and the head of the Shin Bet. At the very same time, Israel is resuming its fight in Gaza and a large-scale mobilization may be required. This is an especially dangerous combination of circumstances. Will the government know how to restore calm on the domestic front in order to unite forces against the external threat?

Yesterday, Israel buried Shiri Bibas and her two young sons –  a galvanizing symbol of the tragedy of 10/7. Our grief and anger are immeasurable, but it should not legitimize a discourse of revenge. While forced transfer of Gazans must be rejected, we should join forces with the U.S. in forging a new geopolitical balance in the region, which will secure our future.

President Trump entered the White House with tornado force. In addition to his help in returning the hostages, he has put proposals on the table that could fundamentally change the Middle Eastern reality. A JPPI survey shows that a vast majority of Israelis support his proposals, and about half believe they should be promoted. Indeed, the opportunities are many – and so are the risks.

Israel faces two major decisions. On the geopolitical front, a hostage deal is being finalized. A recent JPPI survey shows public support for the deal, but an unwillingness to end the war as long as Hamas controls Gaza. On the domestic front, the Minister of Justice has backed away from the original contours of the judicial reform package and is putting forward new ideas.

Opening: Israel is defeating its enemies on seven fronts, but 100 hostages remain in captivity. On Friday, JPPI published a diverse collection of positions taken by Israeli religious thinkers on a possible deal for their release.

Opening: The pace of events is dizzying: in Washington, the nascent Trump administration is revving up its engines; in The Hague, Israeli leaders are accused of war crimes; in Amsterdam, Israelis are beaten in the streets; in Jerusalem, the judicial reform is reemerging. And at the same time, the war continues on seven fronts. Our newsletter describes and analyzes some of these dramatic events, which are shaping the Israeli and Jewish future.

Opening: Israel’s attack on Iran made it clear that we are ready for an all-out offensive on the octopus itself, after cutting off its arms in Gaza and Lebanon. We are paying a heavy price in blood, and the abductees are  not yet home, but the strategic situation has improved dramatically and a decisive victory is within reach on all fronts. The decisive moment in the battle for the US presidency is also approaching. Its results will affect not only the US and the Middle East, but the future of the entire world.