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This Week in Jewish History: Gaza’s Future, Rising Antisemitism, and a Scholar’s Legacy

As world leaders debate Gaza’s next chapter and Jewish communities confront mounting threats, history offers both lessons and warnings. Meanwhile, the legacy of Penei Yehoshua reminds us of the enduring depth of Jewish scholarship.

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Jewish Original
February 12, 2025

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 14 Sh’vat, 5785

As Tu B’Shevat approaches, the festival of trees and the fruits of the Land of Israel reminds us that roots run deep, and renewal follows even the harshest winters. The Jewish people have endured centuries of upheaval, yet our history is one of resilience and regeneration. This week’s headlines reflect that ongoing struggle—from diplomatic battles over Gaza’s fate to disturbing rises in antisemitism in Australia, the UK, and beyond.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has drawn a firm line, warning that the war will resume if hostages are not returned, while Egypt proposes a sweeping reconstruction plan for Gaza amid international pressure. Meanwhile, Jewish communities across the globe face alarming incidents, from Odessa’s Jewish University suffering a missile attack to shocking antisemitic rhetoric in Australia.

Yet history also speaks of perseverance. This week marks the yahrzeit of Rabbi Yaakov Yehoshua Falk Katz, the great Talmudist and author of Penei Yehoshua, whose works continue to illuminate Jewish thought. We also remember figures like Alfred Adler, a pioneering psychologist whose theories reshaped modern understanding of human behavior.

The echoes of the past continue to shape our present. Here’s what’s happening this week:

Daily Torah Study

Wednesday, 14 Sh’vat 5785 / February 12, 2025

Our hostages still held in Gaza remain in our prayers.

Chumash – Parshat Yitro, 4th Portion (Shemot / Exodus 19:1-19:6)
Psalms / Tehillim – Chapters 72–76
Tanya – Likutei Amarim, beginning of Chapter 24
Rambam Study – 3 Chapters, 1 Chapter, Sefer Hamitzvot
Hayom Yom – Today’s Hayom Yom

Top Stories

Three Hostages Released as Images of Their Poor Health Shock Israel

Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy were released on Saturday after 491 days in Hamas captivity, appearing frail and emaciated during a staged handover in Gaza. Sharabi returned home only to learn that his wife and daughters had been murdered on October 7. Levy’s wife was also killed in the attack, while Ben-Ami’s wife was freed in an earlier hostage release. The haunting images of their condition have renewed calls for urgent international action to free the remaining hostages, with Israeli officials vowing to continue operations to ensure their safe return.

Netanyahu: War Will Resume if Hostages Not Returned by Saturday

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will end the ceasefire and resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not release the hostages by Saturday at noon. Following a high-level security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that the IDF is prepared for intensified action, with additional troops deployed to the Southern Command. The announcement follows Hamas’s suspension of hostage releases, citing Israeli violations of the agreement. The situation remains tense as Israel aligns its position with U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for all hostages to be freed in the first phase of negotiations.

Egypt Proposes Gaza Reconstruction, Rejects Refugee Resettlement

Egypt has announced a "comprehensive proposal" to rebuild Gaza while ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land, rejecting any plans to relocate Gaza residents to Egyptian territory. The statement follows continued pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has proposed resettling Gazans in Egypt and Jordan while the U.S. takes administrative control of Gaza. Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdullah has pushed back against relocation efforts, though he agreed to accept 2,000 sick children from Gaza for medical treatment. Hamas has strongly condemned Trump’s proposal, calling for an emergency summit with Arab nations to oppose what they refer to as a "displacement project."

Jordan to Take in 2,000 Sick Gazan Children as Trump Pushes Relocation Plan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II announced that his country will accept 2,000 sick children from Gaza for medical treatment, a move welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump as “music to his ears.” The statement came during a White House meeting where Trump continued to push for his controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. Both countries have rejected the proposal, viewing it as a security threat. Meanwhile, Trump insisted that Palestinians "want to leave" Gaza and dismissed concerns over forced relocation, saying "it's a very small number of people."

Poll: Majority of Israelis Support Trump’s Gaza Plan

A new Jerusalem Post poll reveals that 65% of Israelis support U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza, viewing it as the best solution to end the war. The poll, conducted by Panel4All, surveyed 500 Israeli Jews and Arabs, with 88% of right-leaning voters backing the plan, compared to 51% of opposition voters. Meanwhile, 35% of respondents favor a Jewish state "from the river to the sea", while 29% support a two-state solution. Regarding a "day after" plan for Gaza, Trump’s relocation proposal remains the most popular, though 19% prefer transferring control to neighboring Arab states. The findings come amid ongoing debates over Gaza’s future and Israel’s next steps.

IDF Confirms Hostage Shlomo Mantzur Was Killed on October 7, Body Held in Gaza

Israeli authorities confirmed that 85-year-old hostage Shlomo Mantzur was murdered during the October 7 Hamas attack, with his body taken captive to Gaza. Mantzur, a beloved member of Kibbutz Kissufim, was initially believed to be among the hostages awaiting release, but intelligence gathered in recent months revealed he was killed on the day of the attack. His wife, Mazal, last saw him handcuffed and taken by Hamas terrorists after they stormed their home. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to bring his body back for burial and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to securing the return of all hostages. Meanwhile, the families of kidnapped twins Gali and Ziv Berman have received a sign of life, though fears remain for their safety.

State Comptroller: 3 Million Israelis Suffering Trauma Since October 7

A new report from State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman reveals that 3 million Israelis have experienced anxiety, depression, or PTSD in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack and ongoing war. The report criticizes Israel’s collapsed mental health system, stating that only 0.6% of affected individuals have received treatment despite widespread psychological distress. Engelman faults the Health Ministry for failing to prepare for wartime mental health needs, while Health Minister Uriel Buso has pledged to double the scope of mental health services. Experts warn that delayed care could lead to chronic illness, with long wait times preventing many from seeking help.

Two Australian Nurses Suspended for Threatening to Kill Jewish Patients

Two nurses at a Sydney hospital have been suspended after a viral TikTok video showed them threatening to kill Jewish patients and refusing to treat them. The video, posted by TikTok user Max Veifer, captured a man and woman in medical scrubs making antisemitic remarks, with one claiming to have already sent Israeli patients to "Jahannam" (Islamic hell). Australian authorities have launched a police investigation, with New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park vowing the nurses will never work for the health system again. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video, calling it "driven by hate, vile, and shameful." The incident comes amid a rise in antisemitic attacks across Australia since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

Ye’s Website Selling Swastika Shirts After Super Bowl Ad

Rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) is facing backlash after directing viewers to his website during a Super Bowl ad, where the only item for sale was a T-shirt featuring a swastika. The white shirts, labeled "HH-01" (a code associated with "Heil Hitler"), were listed for $20 on yeezy.com. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the sale, calling it further proof of Ye’s embrace of antisemitism. His X (formerly Twitter) account has since been deactivated, following a string of antisemitic posts over the weekend. Ye’s spokesperson, Milo Yiannopoulos, defended the artist but did not address the controversy over the shirts.

Report: Antisemitism in the UK Remains High in 2024

A new report from the Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 3,528 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2024, making it the second-worst year on record, following the spike in antisemitism after October 7, 2023. The figures include 201 assaults, 250 threats, and over 1,200 online incidents, with synagogues, schools, and Jewish community members frequently targeted. A survey found that half of British Jews have considered leaving the UK, with many hiding their Jewish identity due to rising hate. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the findings, vowing to redouble efforts to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish communities.

Odessa’s Jewish University Struck by Missile Attack

Chabad Odessa’s Jewish University, a vital institution for Ukraine’s Jewish community, was hit by a missile attack on Friday night, causing significant structural damage. Thankfully, no students or staff were harmed, but the university has temporarily suspended classes while assessing the damage and seeking an alternative facility. Rabbi Abraham Wolf, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine, reassured families that the university remains committed to rebuilding, emphasizing the resilience of the Jewish community. The university, home to over 100 students, many from the Mishpacha Orphanage and Or Avner schools, serves as both an academic and cultural hub. As repairs begin, community support is crucial to restoring this essential institution.

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "Kol HaOlam Kulo" – Taali

This week’s Parshat Yitro describes the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, a moment that required faith and courage. "Kol HaOlam Kulo" is a song based on Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s teaching:

"The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid."

Originally composed by Rabbi Baruch Chait, this timeless message has been reinterpreted by many artists. This week, we highlight Taali’s soulful rendition, bringing new depth to this classic. Her version, released in 2020, blends traditional roots with a contemporary sound, making it a powerful anthem of strength and faith.

Meme Break

On This Day in Jewish History
Instagram Highlights

Honoring Shlomo Mansour HY”D

Shlomo Mansour, a Farhud pogrom survivor and founding member of Kibbutz Kissufim, dedicated his life to family, community, and kindness. On October 7, 2023, he was murdered by Hamas, and his body remains held in Gaza. His legacy of resilience and generosity lives on, reminding us that "Never again is literally now."

"Never Again" Is a Call to Action

To choose life is to build in the face of destruction, to bring light where there is darkness. As hostages return, their survival reflects the eternal resilience of the Jewish people, even as Hamas continues its cruelty. Eli Sharabi, freed after 491 days, asked for Tefillin—his faith unbroken. May we see the release of all hostages and the end of Hamas, in person and ideology.

‘Healing Trails’: A Journey of Renewal for IDF Veterans

Six IDF veterans, carrying the invisible wounds of war, embark on a transformative journey through Montana’s wilderness in the documentary ‘Healing Trails’. Through nature, brotherhood, and resilience, they find moments of peace and renewal. Watch the full 16-minute film via the link in @nofigenet’s bio, stories, or pinned comment.

On This Day in Jewish History
Blog

Alfred Adler: Pioneer of Individual Psychology

Born February 7, 1870, in Vienna, Austria, Alfred Adler was a Jewish psychiatrist whose groundbreaking work reshaped modern psychology. A former member of Freud’s psychoanalytic group, he later founded Individual Psychology, emphasizing birth order, social interest, and overcoming feelings of inferiority. His holistic approach influenced figures like Maslow and Carl Rogers, and his Child Guidance Clinics in Vienna revolutionized mental health in education. Forced to flee Austria due to antisemitism, he continued teaching in the U.S. until his death in 1937.

The Disputation of Tortosa: A Forced Debate Against Judaism

On February 7, 1413, the Disputation of Tortosa began, forcing Jews in Catalonia into a rigged debate against Christian scholars. Led by Geronimo de Santa Fe and backed by Antipope Benedict XIII, the event was designed to pressure Jews into conversion. Rabbinic scholars, including Profiat Duran and Yosef Albo, were denied fair representation, and their arguments were often ignored or distorted. After nearly two years, the disputation ended with increased persecution, leading to Talmud censorship and forced conversions, foreshadowing the Spanish Inquisition just decades later.

מזון לנשמה

Mazon LaNeshama
Feed the Soul

Recipe of the Week: Gizzada – Jamaican Coconut and Ginger Tarts

A beloved Jamaican treat, Gizzada—also known as “pinch-me-rounds”—features a flaky pastry crust filled with a spiced, caramelized coconut filling. This version blends honey, dates, ginger, and warm spices for a chewy, fragrant, and irresistible dessert.

Ingredients (Makes 10 Tarts)

For the filling:

  • 4 oz. pitted dried Medjool dates, finely chopped

  • ½ cup honey

  • 4 ½ oz. dried, unsweetened coconut

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger

  • ¼ tsp ground allspice

  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp finely grated nutmeg

  • 2 tsp coconut oil

For the pastry:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 stick unsalted vegan butter, frozen for 15 minutes

  • 1 tsp fine sea salt

  • ½ cup ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Make the Filling:

  • In a pan, bring 5 tbsp of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add dates and honey. Cook for 10 minutes, mashing the dates until soft.

  • Stir in coconut, vanilla, and spices, cooking for another 15 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.

  • Mix in coconut oil and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Make the Dough:

  • Sift flour and salt together. Grate the frozen butter into the flour, rubbing with fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  • Add ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap and chill for 1 hour.

3. Assemble & Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to ⅛” thick and cut out 10 circles (4” diameter).

  • Crimp the edges of each circle to form tart shells, then place on the tray. Prick the bases with a fork and bake for 10-15 minutes, until light golden.

  • Fill each shell with 3 tbsp of filling, spreading to the edges. Bake for 20-30 minutes, covering with foil if the filling browns too quickly.

  • Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

As we continue to cover the latest events, we remain committed to sharing the news and history that impact Jewish communities around the world. From the challenges in Israel and Gaza to rising antisemitism in Australia and the UK, these stories shape the realities we face today.

Thank you for being part of Jewish Original Media, for staying informed, engaged, and connected.

Shavua Tov,

B’ahava u’b’emunah (With love and faith),
Jewish Original Media