Israel experienced a rare sense of elation with the release of all the living hostages. There is a ray of hope for an end to the war and the return of the remaining captives. Now we must redouble our efforts to heal the internal tensions among us. About two-thirds of Israelis believe that domestic social strife endangers us more than war with our enemies.

A particularly turbulent Jewish year has come to a close. Its dramatic developments – in Israel and throughout the Jewish world – are examined in JPPI’s flagship publication, the Annual Assessment of the Jewish People, attached here. Next week, it will be presented to Israel’s President and released to the media.

The government has chosen to expand the war and seize control of Gaza City, contrary to the professional judgment of the IDF and the wishes of much of the public. Tens of thousands of call-up orders have been sent out – including to my two sons and my son-in-law. They will go to battle, as they have in previous stints totaling hundreds of days.

The objectives of the war – the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas – appear to be at odds. Most of the public prioritizes the hostages, and so does the army, but the government has chosen an intensified campaign to rout Hamas. This decision is legitimate, and the IDF must implement it.

In this special edition of JPPI’s newsletter, we bring you information and analysis on the unfolding war with Iran – the work of the Institute's fellows since the start of the campaign.

Consider the following: the failures of October 7 and the resulting loss and national humiliation; the quagmire of the longest war in Israeli history; the tragedy of the hostages; the judicial reform/revolution; the diplomatic tsunami; the widespread public distrust in the prime minister – none of these has shaken the current government’s survival. Now, however, it may be undone by the dispute over ultra-Orthodox (non-)conscription into the IDF. What does this say about us, the Israelis?

Two young Israeli Embassy aides were gunned down in Washington – the victims of the ugly antisemitic incitement that is, sadly, on the rise. May their memory be a blessing. Israel has returned to all-out war in Gaza, which has unleashed an unprecedented tsunami of condemnation from traditionally friendly nations.

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?