Israel-Hamas War

Israeli forces take position on Israel's border with Gaza on May 15, 2025. (Jack GUEZ/AFP)

Israel at War

11 experts on what might end the Gaza war

More than 19 months after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, calls are mounting for the war to end, even among those who once supported it.

Politics‘Squad,’ other House members – including Summer Lee – introduce ‘nakba’ bill in Congress

By JNS

May 15, 2025, 9:51 pm

‘Squad,’ other House members – including Summer Lee – introduce ‘nakba’ bill in Congress

“We are witnessing the Israeli apartheid regime carry out genocide in Gaza,” Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) stated.

By JNS

May 15, 2025, 5:27 pm

11 experts on what might end the Gaza war

More than 19 months after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, calls are mounting for the war to end, even among those who once supported it.

By Ben Sales

The first image released from Gaza of Edan Alexander, who was released from Hamas captivity on May 12, 2025. (Screenshot)

May 12, 2025, 7:32 pm

Hamas releases Edan Alexander, last living American hostage, to Israel

For the first time in more than a year and a half, there are no living Americans who are still held hostage in Gaza.

By Ben Sales

Jewish men offer morning prayers in Tenafly, New Jersey, while awaiting the release in Israel of local son Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity. (Photo by Danielle Elkins)

May 12, 2025, 7:25 pm

In Tenafly, NJ, a crowd celebrates the release of local son Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity

“We are really so blessed to have such an amazing, amazing community,” said one attendee.

By Philissa Cramer

The family of Edan Alexander, an American held captive in Gaza, protests for his release in December 2024 in New York City. (Alon Kaplun)

May 11, 2025, 10:19 pm

Hamas and Trump say Edan Alexander to be freed from Gaza after US negotiates release

Alexander is the only remaining U.S. citizen among the living hostages held in Gaza.

By Philissa Cramer

The ad that ran in the New York Times Thursday displaying the letter signed by 36 former Jewish organization leaders. (Jewish Leaders for Democracy)

May 11, 2025, 10:17 pm

Former leaders of large Jewish groups call on them to speak out against ‘stunning assault on democratic norms’

Past chairs and CEOs from the Anti-Defamation League, Hillel International and American Jewish Committee were among the signatories.

By Grace Gilson

Israel Prize recipient Menachem Kelmanson speaks during an April 22 program at Chabad of Squirrel Hill. (Photo by Adam Reinherz)

April 25, 2025, 10:07 am

Oct. 7 hero shares harrowing firsthand account with Pittsburgh audience

'I'm Menachem Kelmanson...I'm from the reserves. I'm from Otniel, please open the door'

By Adam Reinherz

Israeli flag. (Photo by cottonbro via Pexels)

April 18, 2025, 3:31 pm

Pittsburghers asked to celebrate Israel’s independence ‘now more than ever’

'It's important for the community to come together to make their voices loud and clear that they stand with Israel'

By Adam Reinherz

Pittsburgh's spiritual guides want celebrants to avoid spending this holiday in the dark. (Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels)

April 7, 2025, 4:39 pm

Passover advice from Pittsburgh’s spiritual leaders: Be intentional and thoughtful

'Passover, and the story contained within the Haggadah, is our people's oscillating family narrative that helps us realize nothing is impossible'

By Adam Reinherz

March 3, 2025, 8:33 pm

Shiri Bibas, and sons Ariel and Kfir, memorialized at Squirrel Hill gathering

'This is for a mother from a mother'

By Adam Reinherz

An Israeli farmer delivers instructions to Pittsburghers. (Photo courtesy of Chabad Young Professionals)

February 28, 2025, 5:03 pm

Chabad Young Professionals mission to Israel spurs recommitment to growth

'You got to deal with what you're dealt with and be happy, and always look for the good things even when it's really, really bad'

By Adam Reinherz

Students enjoy dinner and discussion at Inside Israel. (Photo courtesy of Asher Goodwin)

February 6, 2025, 9:12 pm

Inside Israel offers fresh approach to educating students on Israel and international affairs

'You can't ever come to a full conclusion without hearing the other side. Essentially, it's as simple as that'

By Adam Reinherz

Two students sit and ponder life's meaning. (Photo by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels)

February 3, 2025, 8:19 pm

Conversion post-Oct. 7: Quest for answers in sea of questions

'What’s a Jew? Who is a Jew? I didn’t really have a good answer. So after Oct. 7, I needed to figure some of that out'

By Adam Reinherz

Momentum participants gather in the Old City of Jerusalem. (Photo courtesy of Tara Surloff)

December 23, 2024, 11:24 am

Momentum from tour leaves Pittsburghers with unified message: Visit Israel

'There is no replacement for being in a place and actually talking to people there'

By Adam Reinherz

Yarden Gonen, whose sister Romi Gonen remains captive in Gaza, speaks at a rally in Central Park, New York, Dec. 15, 2024. (Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters)

December 16, 2024, 9:58 pm

A hostage deal by Hanukkah? Israel, US and Hamas indicate unusual optimism.

Rapid changes in the Middle East appear to have changed negotiations, which are still not assured.

By Ron Kampeas