This week’s headlines carried both grief and resolve for Israel and her supporters. From heartfelt words about Charlie Kirk’s legacy, to Israel’s decisive strikes against terror leaders, to the testimony of a former hostage who sang Hatikvah in captivity — the stories remind us why Modern-Day Esthers must stay watchful, prayerful, and bold in speaking truth.
Remembering Charlie Kirk
On Fox News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused to reflect on the life of Charlie Kirk, calling him a “once-in-a-generation” friend of Israel. Netanyahu praised Charlie’s unwavering defense of democracy and the Jewish state, using the moment to decry political violence and underscore the unshakable bond between Israel and Christian conservatives in America.
Israel on the World Stage
The Toronto International Film Festival became the latest flashpoint when anti-Israel activists disrupted the premiere of a documentary about October 7. The film follows retired IDF general Noam Tibon’s daring rescue of his family. After initially cancelling the documentary over Hamas body-cam footage, the festival reversed its decision under pressure, and its CEO apologized to the Jewish community. Outside, demonstrators waved anti-Israel banners while pro-Israel supporters countered with Canadian and Israeli flags (New York Post).
Israel’s Fight Against Terror
Newsmax published an op-ed reminding the world that Israel is not just fighting for survival but for civilization itself. The writer urged President Trump to lead a global coalition against Islamist terror and floated the idea of transforming Gaza into a peaceful “Gaza Riviera” — if Hamas ever disarms (Newsmax).
Meanwhile, Netanyahu sent a blunt warning to Qatar after Israel struck Hamas leaders in Doha: “Bring terrorists to justice, or we will.” He compared Israel’s resolve to America’s response after 9/11, insisting that Hamas leaders will no longer enjoy safe havens. The White House agreed that eliminating Hamas leadership is a “worthy goal” (Newsmax, New York Sun).
Back home, Netanyahu ordered the IDF to eliminate “terror nests” in Samaria following a Jerusalem bus-stop massacre. Operation Iron Wall demolished terrorist homes and revoked permits for their families — a show of strength meant to deter future attacks.
Exposing Terror’s Enablers
The New York Sun ran both an editorial and a news report urging Washington to get real about Hamas and Qatar. Qatar, the paper noted, has served as Hamas’s “foreign ministry,” sheltering its leaders while hosting talks. Israel’s Doha strike may mark a turning point, with Netanyahu declaring, “The days that terrorist leaders enjoy impunity anywhere on earth are over”.
A Hostage’s Song of Hope
Perhaps the most moving story came from 81-year-old Gadi Moses, who endured 482 days of captivity in Gaza. He told The Jewish Chronicle that he sang Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah (“Our hope is not lost”), to keep his spirit alive. Upon release, Moses vowed to rebuild his kibbutz and declared that he harbors no hatred — only determination to support hostage families and bring others home (The Jewish Chronicle).
Confronting Antisemitism Abroad
In Britain, President Isaac Herzog announced he would warn Prime Minister Keir Starmer against “echoing Hamas propaganda” or rewarding terror by recognizing a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, The Jewish Chronicle’s editorial board compared today’s slanders against Israel to medieval “blood libels.” They warned that NGOs, academics, and even UN officials are spreading a modern “Holocaust inversion” — accusing Israel of Nazi-like crimes — rhetoric that fuels Jew-hatred and must be confronted head-on (The Jewish Chronicle).
What ties these stories together?
Israel is standing firm against terror, while friends of Israel — both Christian and Jewish — continue to speak out. From Charlie Kirk’s legacy of solidarity, to Gadi Moses’s song of hope in captivity, to leaders warning against propaganda and lies, the message is clear: truth must be defended, and hope must not be lost.
As Modern-Day Esthers, let us not grow weary. Let us continue to pray, to speak truth, and to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in her fight for survival and her hope for peace.
