News Digest — 9/23/25
Netanyahu’s Rosh Hashanah Message: ‘Israel Will Always Be Your Home’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (22nd) sent a message to Jews worldwide, ahead of the Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) holiday, which began Monday night (22nd).
“Dear Jewish brothers and sisters, dear supporters of Israel around the world,” he began. “On behalf of my wife, myself and the Government of Israel, I wish each of you a Happy New Year.”
“As the Jewish New Year begins, we see a rising tide of anti-Semitism in many countries. I say to every Jew, wherever you may be, you are not alone. Israel will always be your home. On your behalf, I say to our brave soldiers, you are the shield of our nation.”
He added, “The people of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere stand behind you, cherish your service and embrace you and your families. Together in the coming year, we’ll continue to strengthen Israel’s security, grow our economy, nurture our society and preserve the eternal values of our people.”
“May we bring home our hostages soon – this year. And may it be a year in which we further strengthen the indomitable Jewish spirit and expand the circle of peace. From Jerusalem, the undivided eternal capital of the Jewish people, I send every Jewish home in the world the blessings of a Happy New Year. Shanah Tova!”
Israel President Highlights Rising Anti-Semitism In New Year Address
Israeli President Isaac Herzog used his annual Rosh Hashanah message on Sunday (21st) to address Jewish communities worldwide, acknowledging rising anti-Semitism and stressing Israel’s role in defending democratic values and bringing home its hostages from Gaza.
“I know it has not been an easy time to be a Jew anywhere around the world,” Herzog said, noting that hostility toward Jews and supporters of Israel has intensified.
“Israel’s fight is a just fight. It is a fight in defense of its people, and it is a light in defense of the entire free world,” he said, urging solidarity with Israel against extremist ideologies.
Herzog praised diaspora Jewish communities for their resilience, citing advocacy for the release of hostages held in Gaza, opposition to anti-Semitism, and public expressions of Jewish identity.
He said disagreements within the Jewish world had not weakened unity but rather reflected a long tradition of debate alongside shared commitment.
The president also pointed to his “Kol Ha’am- Voice of the People” initiative, launched earlier this year, which brings together Jews in Israel and abroad for dialogue on issues facing the global community.
Addressing Israel’s domestic situation, Herzog noted that Israelis will head to the polls in national elections next year.
He expressed confidence in the country’s democratic system, describing open debate as a hallmark of his political life. “I have full faith in our democracy and optimism about the future,” he said.
Herzog also reiterated his call for the safe return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. “As we welcome the promise of a new year, we pray that our hostages come home, every single one of them, as soon as possible. We must all fight for it, “ he said.
The president concluded with a broader reflection on Jewish resilience, saying that throughout history the Jewish people had overcome tragedy by relying on shared purpose and responsibility.
These qualities, he argued, would continue to sustain Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
The High Holidays start with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which began at sundown on Monday (22nd). The High Holidays also include Yom Kippur and the week-long festival of Sukkot.
The October 7th attack took place during the festive holiday of Simchat Torah, which concludes the High Holidays.
Approximately 1,200 people were killed and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’ attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7, 2023. Of the 48 remaining hostages, about 20 are believed to be alive.
IDF KIlls Deputy Hamas Naval Police Commander As Gaza Battles Rage On Multiple Fronts
The IDF said Monday (22nd) it killed the deputy commander of Hamas’ naval police, Iyad Abu Yusuf, in a precision strike in central Gaza, as heavy fighting continued across the Strip under Operation Gideon’s Chariots II.
According to the IDF, the 162nd Division struck the Gaza City building from which terrorists launched two rockets at Ashdod on Sunday (21st). The attack, carried out by the 215th Fire Brigade, also eliminated about 15 terrorists near Israeli troops and destroyed military infrastructure.
The 98th Division forces are also operating in Gaza City, conducting raids and eliminating terrorists. The IDF said an airstrike guided by division fire control units hit a weapons production facility, while another strike killed a terror cell that posed an immediate threat to troops.
In southern Gaza, the 143rd Division troops identified terrorists inside a Hamas military compound in Khan Younis and Rafah Air Force aircraft struck the site, killing those inside.
The IDF said the targeted killing of Abu Yusuf was carried out with intelligence support from the navy and the military Intelligence Directorate. Abu Yusuf, it said, took part in the October 7 Hamas assault, planned ambushes against IDF forces and oversaw the protection of Hamas assets in Gaza.
“His elimination is a significant blow to Hamas’ naval police, which gathers intelligence on our forces and administers maritime control on behalf of Hamas’ military wing,” the IDF spokesperson said.
Since the launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, the Israeli navy has focused on dismantling Hamas’ naval police infrastructure and personnel working in close coordination with maneuvering ground forces and the air force. “The navy’s 916th Flotilla are a key component in the ground maneuver in Gaza,” the IDF said. “They provide fire support from the sea and help close operational circles quickly with assets from sea, land and air.”
IDF Braces For Potential West Bank Escalation Following Abbas’ Upcoming UN Address
Dozens of IDF battalions have been placed on high alert ahead of the High Holidays and Palestinian Authority Head Mahmoud Abbas’ upcoming speech at the General Assembly on Thursday (25th), in preparation for a possible surge in terror attacks throughout the week.
Following a multi-front situation assessment, combat forces have been reinforced on land, at sea, in the air, and across all units throughout the country.
IDF Central Command Chief MG. Avi Bluth has ordered extra troops to secure shopping centers, roads, junctions, bus stops, hitchhiking posts, and communities.
“The many challenges before us, the fighting in Gaza City, defense in the north, and the constant battle against terrorism in Judea and Samaria, have recently converged with political statements, the holidays and the olive harvest, foreign incitement, and lone-wolf aspiration. All these are not reasons for optimism, but I am full of hope,” Bluth said at a ceremony marking 35 years of the West Bank Yamam.
In Gaza the IDF continues air and ground strikes, including with armored engineering vehicles. Despite Hamas’ attempts to stop residents from leaving Gaza City, thousands more have moved south to the humanitarian zone.
The IDF Southern Command has estimated that more than 560,000 Palestinians have already fled the city, creating a critical mass unlikely to return. This has heightened pressure on Hamas, which defense officials say has begun executing Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel.
According to officials, Hamas is trying to protect control and deter cooperation with Israel, while also preventing civilians from moving south. In recent days, reports revealed that Hamas forced doctors and senior officials, who attempted to flee the area, back into Gaza.
50,000 New Immigrants Have Arrived In Israel Since October 7, 2023
Since the Oct. 7 terror attacks, more than 50,000 new olim (immigrants to Israel) have arrived in Israel with the support of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency for Israel, according to figures distributed by the Jewish Agency on Monday (22nd) in advance of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year).
About one-third of the new immigrants are young adults ages 18-35.
In addition, through Masa Israel Journey, a Jewish Agency program in partnership with the Government of Israel, approximately 20,000 young people from Jewish communities abroad have come to Israel to volunteer and strengthen the country.
Tens of thousands of Jews have taken part in aliyah fairs held around the world since Oct. 7, and more than 60,000 people have opened Aliyah files. The Jewish Agency’s Global Aliyah Centers, which assist and guide new olim from the moment they open their aliyah files until they move into their first homes in Israel, won first place in the service completion of HAMIL – The Israeli management Center. The award recognizes the Jewish Agency’s innovation in this area, combining advanced digital platforms with personalized support tailored to each immigrant’s needs.
While Israel faces terror and war, there has been a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic incidents worldwide. The Jewish Agency is working to strengthen the resilience of Jewish communities through the Fund for Community Security, which has helped safeguard hundreds of Jewish institutions around the world: the JReady Initiative, which has trained professionals in communities to respond to emergencies, and a record number of emissaries were sent world wide by The Jewish Agency this year to forge connections with global Jewry and be stationed on college campuses to support Jewish students in the face of anti-Semitism.
Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, said: “On this Rosh Hashanah Eve, as we gather at the holiday table, we do not forget our deep commitment to all who have been harmed. The hostage families, victims of terror and war, and all who need our help. Thanks to our deep partnership with global Jewry, we were able to help many people who were affected during the difficult two years we have gone through, support business owners, and strengthen Aliyah even in the shadow of the war. We pray for the speedy return of the hostages and are determined to continue building a stable and strong State, a united Israeli society that will be an inspiration to all Jews around the world, and an exemplary society that strives for excellence and leaves no one behind.”
Yehuda Setton, CEO and Director General of the Jewish Agency, added: “Rosh Hashanah is a time for self-reflection and gratitude. I look back with pride at all the olim who chose Israel, at the families who received assistance, at the young people from communities around the world who came to stand by us, at the small business owners, and of the men and women of the security forces who pay the price of war everyday. Our role is not only to restore what was damaged, but also to build our shared future – a future of resilience, of belonging and of strong communities. Our prayers are with the hostage families and we are committed to never leave them alone. Together with our partners, we will continue to connect the people of Israel and world Jewry in hope and in action and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Three Consecutive Anti-Semitic Incidents Hit US Chabad Centers
Three Chabad-Lubavitch centers were hit by separate incidents on Friday (19th), sparking concern and shock throughout local communities.
An arson attack targeted the Chabad center in Charlotte County, Florida, a bomb threat prompted the evacuation of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) center, and an argument escalated into a stabbing at the UCLA Chabad center in Los Angeles.
Shortly after the Friday evening (19th) service concluded, an unidentified individual threw an incendiary device into a classroom at the Chabad of Charlotte County center, led by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.
The fire quickly spread, but firefighters, who arrived quickly, were able to contain the damage to a single room.
The building was also vandalized with the letter “J” spray-painted onto it several times. Police have opened an arson investigation.
Around 5 PM Friday afternoon (19th), the Santa Monica Sheriff’s department was alerted to a suspicious package near the university’s Chabad center.
The building was evacuated and the bomb squad was deployed. After nearly three hours of investigation, the item was found to be harmless, and operations were resumed.
The Chabad center posted a reassuring message on social media, announcing the postponement of Shabbat dinner and thanked the police for their responsiveness.
In Los Angeles, a dispute between roommates broke out at the UCLA Chabad center on Gayley Avenue, leading to a stabbing.
The victim was treated at the scene and released, and a suspect was arrested. According to campus police the stabbing was not treated as a hate crime but a dispute that got out of hand.
While authorities emphasize the isolated nature of each case, the succession of these events in a single day at places of worship and Jewish centers of life has caused great concern within the Chabad community in the United States.
