Dear A.,

Tonight marks the 12th Shabbat since the October 7 massacre that forever changed Israel. 129 Israeli hostages —107 presumed alive and 22 dead — remain captive in Gaza as Hamas extends this nightmare.

Yesterday, The New York Times released an investigative report into the horrific sexual attacks and brutalization perpetrated against women by Hamas on October 7. It is a graphic and shocking account that left me sick for the victims and their families and furious about the inhumanity of Hamas. These monsters must be destroyed.

Upon reading the piece, Senator Joni Ernst again called out the hypocrisy and silence of UN Women. The organization took weeks to even acknowledge the atrocities in Israel and has failed to comment on this report. Notably, not a single member of Congress who has called for "ceasefire now," which would leave Hamas armed and in power, has said a word about this New York Times piece. Rep. Josh Gottheimer issued a statement in connection to the piece, reinforcing, "We will never, ever forget anyone who has refused, even to this day, to unequivocally condemn Hamas and their extensive war crimes."

As the IDF continues to press into Hamas strongholds, it has seized 65 million computer files and half a million physical documents belonging to the terror group, exposing a wealth of knowledge about its operations and operatives.

Israeli troops are now operating in the north, central and southern regions of the Gaza Strip as they work to divide and destroy Hamas battalions in each area. The IDF launched "Operation Oz and Nir," with combat teams now operating in the areas of Gaza from which Hamas launched their attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. They’ve uncovered dozens of tunnel shafts and have eliminated terrorists. Watch a short video here.

In a harrowing recount of their experience on October 7 and as hostages in Gaza, siblings Maya, 21-years-old, and Itay, 18-years-old, shared the painful memories — including when Maya was operated on in Gaza after she was shot in the foot.

More stories are emerging of the heroism and bravery of the Israeli people on October 7. We learned today of the actions of Daniel and Neria Sharabi, two brothers who fended off terrorists and helped save dozens of people.

During the attack, Daniel called his former commander, Yoni Skariszewski, whose father was killed on that day. Yoni stayed on the phone with the brothers for hours to give them tactical advice of what to do and how to use weapons from a nearby tank to shield and protect some 30 Israelis as he drove down from Tel Aviv to join the fight.

"The medics who were killed, those who heroically fought and died, those who were kidnapped [are the heroes]," Daniel said.

Shabbat Shalom,

Cory Meyer
Digital Engagement Director