In this edition, we celebrate bold leadership, unwavering advocacy, and the strength to stand for truth. From President Trump’s heartfelt promise to bring every hostage home to Harvard’s groundbreaking settlement to combat antisemitism, these stories inspire us to act with courage. We also confront the disturbing reality of media bias equating hostages with terrorists and spotlight the transformative power of the Yellow Ribbon and Esther Pins. Wear your faith and stand strong for Israel today!

Promises Made, Promises Kept: Trump’s Bold Leadership for Hostages and Peace

In a powerful moment at his second inaugural parade, President Trump brought families of hostages onto the stage, promising to bring every captive home. His bold leadership and unwavering commitment are a testament to promises made and kept.

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Revolting Media Bias: Hostages vs. Terrorists 

The media’s portrayal of Hamas terrorists as morally equivalent to...

President Donald Trump’s second inaugural event was not only a celebration of his return to office but a powerful statement of his commitment to keeping promises. As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to pray and act with courage, and moments like this remind us of the impact of steadfast leadership grounded in truth and purpose.

During the inaugural parade, President Trump brought families of hostages and survivors of Hamas captivity onto the stage, delivering a poignant and emotional moment. Among them was Noa Argamani, a survivor recently rescued from Gaza, who stood as a living testament to the administration’s unwavering dedication to securing freedom for captives. As the crowd erupted in applause, Trump addressed the nation: “We won. We won, but now the work begins; we have to bring them home.”

A Legacy of Strength and Action

President Trump’s leadership reflects a clear vision for the Middle East, described by his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff,...

Harvard University’s settlement of two high-profile antisemitism lawsuits marks a pivotal step in addressing hate and discrimination on campus. For Modern-Day Esthers, this victory is a powerful reminder that prayer, advocacy, and persistence can bring about meaningful change, even in institutions long criticized for turning a blind eye to antisemitism.

The lawsuits, brought by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Students Against Antisemitism (SAA), accused Harvard of failing to protect Israeli-Jewish students from harassment and hate speech. As part of the settlement, Harvard has committed to adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which reads as follows:

IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or...

As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to stand boldly for truth in a world rife with distortion. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recent ceasefire coverage between Israel and Hamas. While the agreement has brought hope for the release of hostages, media outlets have shockingly drawn a false moral equivalence between innocent hostages and violent terrorists.

Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre, kidnapped hundreds of civilians—men, women, and children—ripping them from their homes and holding them in inhumane conditions. Yet, outlets like the Associated Press and Sky News have misrepresented the facts, referring to Hamas-held hostages and convicted Palestinian terrorists as if they are morally and legally equivalent.

Sky News went as far as claiming the exchange involved “the release of a number of hostages in exchange for [the] release of Palestinian prisoners as well, including women, children, sick, and elderly on both...

Today, we’re reminded of the power of prayer, the impact of compassionate action, and the urgency of standing firm in truth. From the anticipated future delayed release of hostages to Israel’s unrecognized efforts in California’s wildfires, and the troubling rise of Hamas support in the U.S., These stories call us to act as Modern-Day Esthers. Together, let’s lift our prayers, speak boldly, and bring hope to those in need.

 Hamas Delays Hostage Release  

Hamas’s recent announcement of a delay in releasing hostages highlights the ongoing challenges and fragility of peace negotiations. As we wait for their safe return, let’s unite in prayer for the hostages, their families, and wisdom for Israel’s leaders during this critical time.

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 Israel’s Unsung Heroes in California’s Wildfires

Israeli organizations IsraAID and SmartAID are quietly stepping in, providing life-saving aid and...

“Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.” – Esther 4:14

Esther’s courage came not from her earthly title, but from her unwavering faith in God’s promises. As Modern-Day Esthers, we may not live in palaces, but our prayers reach the King of Kings, whose power transcends time and place. In today’s world, as misinformation spreads and antisemitism rises, we are called to take a bold stand for Israel, armed with truth and faith.

The Yellow Ribbon Lapel Pin and Modern-Day Esther Pin are powerful reminders of this calling. These pins are not mere accessories—they are declarations of hope, solidarity, and unwavering support for Israel.

The Yellow Ribbon: A Prayer for Hope

Every Yellow Ribbon Lapel Pin represents a prayer for the hostages still held in Gaza and a commitment to Israel’s peace and security. When you wear this pin, you declare: “We will not forget. We will not stop praying.”

The funds from these pins go...

In a week filled with hope and heartbreak, Hamas announced that the next group of hostages would be released this coming Sunday, a day later than expected under the recently agreed ceasefire. The delay is a sobering reminder of the fragility of peace in the region, and a call for Modern-Day Esthers to remain vigilant in prayer and action.

As Nahed Al-Fakhouri of Hamas’s prisoner media office stated, “The actual implementation will be carried out on Sunday.” While this brings some relief, it also underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations. The ceasefire deal, which began earlier this month, aims to bring an end to the 15-month war in Gaza, releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained for involvement in terrorist activities.

Hope in Adversity
Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, 2023, marked the start of this conflict, leaving 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. Israel’s response—a...

In a moment filled with history and hope, President Donald J. Trump took the oath of office on January 20, 2025, casting himself as a “peacemaker and unifier.” During his second inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol, Trump spotlighted the Israel-Hamas hostage deal as a testament to his diplomatic approach, declaring, “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier.”

The agreement, which secured the release of hostages held in Gaza, received a standing ovation from attendees, symbolizing a hopeful start to Trump’s presidency. “As of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families,” he stated, highlighting the importance of ending conflicts through strategic diplomacy.

A Prayer for Peace

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, led a heartfelt benediction, praying for the 94 hostages still held in Gaza and for peace across the Middle East....

"Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home," said Mandy Damari, whose daughter Emily was one of the three freed hostages.

Released hostages Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher and Romi Gonen were reunited with their families at Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center in Ramat Gan on Sunday night after 471 in Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip.

The three women were the first of the 33 captives expected to be freed during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas that went into effect earlier in the day. The women were handed over to the Israel Defense Forces by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross inside the Gaza Strip.

A Hamas propaganda clip released after the women left the terrorist group’s control showed them being forced to accept bags of “mementos” from their time in captivity, including a Hamas...