Today, we uncover the incredible legacy of a Jewish doctor who turned his wartime trauma into a testament of resilience. We take a closer look at the surge of antisemitic violence sweeping across the globe and explore how we, as Modern-Day Esthers, can rise to stop the hate. And, finally, we discover heartfelt ways to bless Israel with shalom and love, bringing light into a world that needs it more than ever. 

Healing the Enemy: The Harrowing and Inspiring Story of Dr. Elliott Konis 

How do you reconcile saving the lives of those who seek to destroy you? Dr. Elliott Konis, a Jewish doctor forced to treat Nazi soldiers, endured unimaginable loss and trauma during the Holocaust. His sons have now shared his extraordinary story through a rare collection of wartime documents. Discover the depth of his resilience, the weight of his memories, and the legacy of justice he left behind.

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Hezbollah’s Deadly Cache: The Russian...

In a startling discovery during their ground operations in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces found stockpiles of advanced Russian weapons in Hezbollah’s hideouts, some produced as recently as 2020. The weapons, including Kornet anti-tank missiles and other guided systems, were discovered within a kilometer of Israel’s northern border—evidence of Hezbollah’s preparations for potential aggression against Israel.

The Origin of the Arsenal
Intelligence suggests that these modern weapon systems were transferred from Syrian stockpiles. Russia, a longtime supplier of the Syrian military, has been instrumental in bolstering the Assad regime. This support extends to Iran and Hezbollah, creating a dangerous network that undermines Israel's security.

As David Adesnik of the Foundation for Freedom of Democracies explains, “These latest weapons shipments are an apt illustration of the full convergence of Russian, Iranian, and Syrian interests in support of...

In a story that defies comprehension, Dr. Elliott Konis, a Polish Jew, was forced to work as a doctor for Nazi soldiers during World War II. His tale of survival, resilience, and ultimate pursuit of justice has now been unveiled by his sons, Allen and Leonard Konis, through a significant donation to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

A Life of Hope Turned Tragedy
Born in 1911 in Vilna, Poland (modern-day Vilnius, Lithuania), Dr. Konis had just begun his career as a physician when the Nazis invaded in 1941. He and his family were confined to the Vilna ghetto, where starvation, disease, and systematic murder became their daily reality. When the ghetto was liquidated in 1943, his first wife, Hanna Asgud, a nurse, was among those sent to their deaths.

Despite his own suffering—including beatings, a fractured skull, and starvation—Dr. Konis was spared solely because his medical skills were useful to the Nazis. Forced to treat wounded German soldiers, he witnessed...

Seventy-six years after the Holocaust, Jewish communities find themselves grappling with a haunting reality: antisemitism is not a relic of the past—it is alive and thriving. From the streets of Amsterdam to the campuses of America, hate has found fertile ground once again. The pressing question is no longer “Why is this happening?” but “How do we stop it?”

A Chilling Resurgence

In Amsterdam, mobs hunted Jewish soccer fans, beating them with clubs and explosives mere days after a match. Berlin followed suit, mirroring the terror of Kristallnacht. Arrests were made, but most perpetrators were quickly released. Even worse, Amsterdam’s mayor shockingly shifted blame to the victims, excusing the violence as a reaction to their presence.

As Daniel Pomerantz of RealityCheck aptly writes, “Europe’s passive response sends a message: antisemitism is tolerated.” This inaction is more than negligence—it is an open invitation for hate...

From Prime Minister Netanyahu’s bold $5 million offer to secure the release of hostages to the U.S. veto of a controversial U.N. resolution, this edition unpacks the issues shaping Israel’s future. Plus, learn about how a quiet college town ignited outrage with a divisive display and why Modern-Day Esthers are taking action to stand against hate.

Discover What’s Really Happening in Gaza and Beyond... 

Join us in blessing Israel on Giving Tuesday!

This Giving Tuesday on December 3 is not just any day. It aligns with Genesis 12:3, which declares: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This verse calls us to take part in God’s ongoing promise to bless those who bless Israel.  Join us in blessing Israel, supporting God’s people, and allowing His blessings to flow through our acts of love.

Make Your Giving Tuesday Gift to Bless Israel...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took a bold stand during his recent visit to Gaza, issuing an ultimatum to Hamas and an unexpected offer to those willing to help free the hostages still held in captivity. Standing along the Mediterranean shore in the war-torn Netzarim Corridor, Netanyahu declared:

"Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will have blood on their head. We will hunt you down and get you."

However, the Israeli leader also extended an olive branch of sorts to those holding captives:

"Whoever brings us a hostage will be given a safe way, for him and his family, to leave. We will also give a reward of $5 million for each kidnapped person. You choose — the choice is yours — but the result will be the same. We’ll get them all back."

This unprecedented offer underscores the urgency of Israel’s mission to bring home the 101 remaining hostages, a campaign Defense Minister Israel Katz described as Israel’s “most important...

The U.S. Stands Firm at the U.N.

On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood vetoed a resolution backed by Algeria and others that called for an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza. The draft failed to mention Hamas, the terrorist group responsible for the massacre of 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, nor did it demand the release of over 100 hostages—including seven Americans—still held captive.

“The United States will never accept Hamas retaining power in Gaza,” Wood declared. He denounced the resolution as "cynical" and a dangerous precedent that would embolden terrorists. “This resolution would have sent a message to Hamas that their strategy of using human shields and targeting civilians works,” he added.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution further, warning that it prioritizes Hamas’ agenda over justice for the hostages. “We will not stop fighting until we bring all the kidnapped men and...

From uncovering troubling displays of antisemitism in unexpected places to exploring bold political moves that could redefine Israel’s future, this edition dives into the stories shaping history. You’ll also discover ways to bless Israel this Giving Tuesday and celebrate the season with handcrafted gifts from the Holy Land. Modern-Day Esthers, your prayers and actions continue to make an eternal impact.

“Good Trouble” or Dangerous Hate?

In a quiet southern college town, a government-sanctioned banner celebrating “Good Trouble” is sparking outrage and heartbreak in the Jewish community. Is glorifying symbols tied to violence and division truly justice? Discover how this display is impacting local families, including those of hostages, and why residents are demanding accountability.

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“Kiss the Flag, Nazi”

Antisemitism has no place in any setting—workplaces, schools, or communities. Together, we must...

In the heart of downtown Chapel Hill, North Carolina, just steps from the University of North Carolina campus, a banner displayed by Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture has ignited a storm of controversy. Prominently featuring a protester wearing a keffiyeh and the hashtag “#GOODTROUBLE,” the banner has left many in the Jewish community feeling unsafe, disregarded, and deeply hurt.

The keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf, has long been a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. For many Jews, however, it has become a painful reminder of incitement and violence—particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that brutally claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis, including 46 Americans. As one Chapel Hill resident pointed out, the banner seems to glorify not justice, but intimidation.

“It is appalling to think that anyone would consider ‘good trouble’ as celebrating the murder, rape, and kidnapping of thousands of innocent...

As the U.N. Security Council prepared to vote on a draft resolution introduced by Algeria, tensions rose not only in Israel but also in Washington, D.C. The resolution, aimed at forcing a ceasefire in Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, has drawn fire for its lack of clear condemnation of Hamas and for what critics call its abandonment of the 101 hostages still in captivity.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz didn’t mince words, declaring the resolution an effort to “permanently undermine the incoming Trump administration and Republican Congress.” He promised to collaborate with fellow lawmakers and the incoming administration to counter such measures, even suggesting reevaluating the U.S.’s relationship with the U.N.

Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, also voiced his outrage, stating:
“Any resolution that does not condition the ceasefire on the release of the hostages means abandoning the 101 hostages to the hell of the terrorist...