On October 8, even prior to the disclosure of Israel-related news by several major media outlets, the Department of Aliyah Promotion within the World Zionist Organization, under the leadership of its North American director, Eugene Lekah, organized an emergency rally in New York City.

Last week, on February 20th, HAMAS handed over to Israel the remains of four hostages: Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her children, Kfir and Ariel.

On December 20, the Israeli Knesset approved in the final reading a bill on state funding of higher education for demobilized soldiers of mandatory and extended service.