American Jewish Committee (AJC)

On October 7, Omri, his wife, Lishay, and their young girls, Roni and Alma, were held at gunpoint for hours by Hamas terrorists before Omri was kidnapped and taken to Gaza. His family has not seen him since, but they fight for his release every day. Omri is known for his gentle smile, strong spirit, and sense of humor. He loves dancing with his girls—something he hasn’t done in 523 days. We must bring him and all the hostages?home?now. AJC.org/BringThemHome

Disturbed's lead singer David Draiman was deeply moved when he learned that former hostage Yarden Bibas had planned to play Hold on to Memories, a song by the band, at the funeral of his wife and two little boys, who were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists. The next morning, Draiman called Yarden to offer his condolences, friendship, and VIP access to any show. He later said it was the first time Yarden had smiled since his release.

Let's not forget that there are still 5 American hostages in Gaza. For 522 days, Edan, Itay, Omer, Gadi, and Judi have been held hostage by Hamas terrorists. We must bring?them?home?now.

Former hostage Amit Soussana has credited Liri Albag's remarkable courage with saving her life in Gaza by convincing Hamas terrorists that she was not a soldier. Amit was bound, beaten with a stick, and threatened with a sharp metal object as the terrorists demanded she admit to being in the military. Liri spoke to the guards and persuaded them that Amit was not a soldier—an act that likely saved her life. Liri is a true?hero?of?Israel!

“I can’t believe I’m alive." Rachel Edry's story is a rare light in the darkness left by Hamas' October 7 massacre. Her quick wit saved her and her husband David’s lives when Hamas terrorists invaded their home in Ofakim. For 15 hours, the terrorists stayed in their home as Rachel served them cookies and drinks, joked with them in Arabic, and even sang with them—until help finally?arrived.

?? No student should be harassed or targeted for simply being Jewish. Universities have an obligation to protect them. 35% of American Jewish college students report personally experiencing antisemitism during their time on campus, according to our newly released State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report. 1 in 5 report that it happened more than once. https://lnkd.in/e3b_mRan

Fredy Hirsch, who died on this day in 1944, saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust. In Theresienstadt, Hirsch cared for the children of the ghetto. In Auschwitz, he ensured that those in the camp survived as long as possible. We will never forget his bravery.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Eugene Dubow, who dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to advancing AJC's mission. Gene served as the founding director of AJC Berlin’s Lawrence and Lee Ramer Institute for German-Jewish Relations, heralding a new era in the transatlantic relationship. He shepherded AJC’s pioneering exchange program with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, fostering dialogue between Germans and Jews after the Holocaust. His leadership helped establish AJC as the first American Jewish organization with a permanent presence in Berlin—a testament to his unwavering commitment to building bridges and confronting the past. Throughout his retirement, Gene continued to publish “Dubow’s Digest,” keeping his large international network of friends and contacts informed and connected. Earlier in his career, Gene led AJC's Westchester and Chicago offices, where he fearlessly countered hate—including organizing a powerful demonstration against a planned American Nazi Party march in Skokie, Illinois. He went on to direct the Community Services Department, overseeing AJC’s regional offices across the country. A passionate advocate for civil rights, he and his wife marched in Montgomery alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., embodying the fight for justice and equality. Gene passed away yesterday at the age of 92. His legacy of courage, compassion, and moral clarity will continue to inspire us all. May his memory be a blessing.

Rape. Torture. Starvation. Israeli women endured unthinkable horrors at the hands of Hamas. With unimaginable strength, they speak out—sharing their stories, demanding justice, and fighting for the hostages still trapped in Gaza. Tomorrow, on International Women’s Day—and every day—we celebrate their courage, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.

Emily Damari bears physical and emotional scars, inflicted by Hamas terrorists, that most of us cannot begin to fathom. Yet she continues to fight with incredible strength and resilience. For her—and for people around the world—those scars have become symbols of courage and an unbreakable will to overcome?darkness. #InternationalWomensDay