Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher are the three hostages who will be released this afternoon after more than 470 days in captivity in Gaza.
Romi Gonen, 24, from Kfar Vradim, was abducted from the Novas music festival. At 10:15 a.m. on October 7, 2024, she told her mother, Merav Leshem-Gonen, on the phone that she had been shot. Her family confirmed earlier today that she will be among the hostages who are released today.
Emily Damari, 28, from Kfar Gaza, is a British citizen. Her mother, Mandy, expressed deep concern in an interview with the BBC last month that her daughter was no longer alive. “I am desperate for a sign of life,” she said.
Doron Steinbracher, 31, from Kfar Aaza, worked as a veterinary nurse when she was kidnapped from her home on Oc...
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Baltimore, MD – Are you nervous about Kashering for Pesach; unsure you will get it done properly? Are you afraid the water will ruin your cabinets and create a mess in your kitchen? Are you moving into a new house and need the kitchen kashered; stress-free? Click here.
For the last seven years, The Kashering Konnection, has been servicing the Baltimore and DC communities. Coordinated through Star-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Sholom Tendler, experienced, professional Mashgichim are available to come to your home and ensure an easy, mess-free and 100% properly-done Kashering of your kitchen and appliances. From ovens to stoves, counters to sinks, The Kashering Konnection can help you prepare for Pesach in an easy and affordable way.
Kashering can be nerve wracking, if it is ...
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Baltimore, MD - Jan. 16, 2025 - The Reisterstown Road Plaza (RRP) is stepping into a bold new chapter, embracing change while honoring its roots as a community gathering place. With the removal of the iconic “drum” that has long defined its entrance, this milestone marks the beginning of a comprehensive transformation aimed at reimagining the space. “We are excited to welcome in a new era with a fresh new look and feel,” a representative of Tide Realty Capital, the Plaza’s new local owner, told BJL.The upcoming facade overhaul is just the first step in a broader effort to revitalize the Plaza, creating a more welcoming, modern, and community-oriented town center. The redesign seeks to foster deeper community engagement, offering updated spaces for l...
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this morning (Sunday, 19 January 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:"In a special IDF and ISA operation, before the ceasefire takes effect, we returned to Israel the remains of Golani Brigade fighter Oron Shaul.I embrace the dear members of the Shaul family and commend the IDF and ISA forces for their resourcefulness and their bravery.The photographs of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, of blessed memory, who fell during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, have been before me in my office for many years as daily testimony to my commitment to bring them back home.We have completed the mission to bring back Oron and will not rest until we also complete the mission to bring back Hadar Goldin.We will continue to act to return all of our hostages, the living and the dec...
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 19, 2025 - (BJL) Regarding the report of a disturbance in the Boxford area, please note that, according to Baltimore Police (BPD), an earlier statement about two confirmed gunshots is not accurate. The incident was a loud party at an Airbnb with approximately 75 attendees. The party was shut down by BPD.
The Supreme Court early Sunday morning rejected the petitions that were filed against the hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier, the State Attorney’s Office, which represents the Israeli government, submitted its position on the petition that was filed to the Supreme Court against the implementation of the hostage release deal.
"Following the directive of the political echelon, starting this evening, personal phone calls have begun to be made to the families of the murdered, informing them that the terrorists involved in the murder of their loved ones are expected to be released as part of the outline for the return of the hostages approved by the government. Notifications to the families of the murdered, victims of hostilities, are delivered through the National I...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 19, 2025 - 12:03AM - Active situation in the Boxford area: Multiple police and Shomrim units are on the scene following reports of two confirmed gunshots at a party hosted in an Airbnb rental. The gathering involves dozens of juveniles. Please avoid the area.If you see anything suspicious make sure to report it right away to 911 and Shomrim at 410-358-9999.
In just a few hours, the first three hostages will return to Israel, on Sunday, and be transferred to the designated "Returnees Wing" at the hospital. There, they will reunite with their families and begin a prolonged process of medical evaluations, recovery, and rehabilitation—closely accompanied by psychological support.
'Trauma leaves deep scars'
Dr. Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist and rehabilitation psychologist leading the rehabilitation team at the Hostage Families Headquarters, has supported numerous families over the past year.
“These hostages come from a reality of extreme violence, constant fear, and dire conditions—exposure to violent scenes, nutritional deprivation, sleep deprivation, and threats,” Yehene explained....
Howard County Public Schools was told of at least 28 incidents of antisemitism, at 16 schools, since 2022 - but failed to consider whether the incidents created a hostile environment for students.
That's according to a report from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which just reached an agreement with the school system regarding how it deals with antisemitic harassment.
The school system also didn't tell the Office of Civil Rights the extent of a complaint from a community group that reported incidents like "a Jewish student being told by a friend that a classmate didn’t want to 'sit next to a Hebrew,' and that the classmate did a Nazi salute; TikTok posts directed by classmates to a Jewish student saying 'Hitler was right,...
While there "are no good deals," Israel is "right to proceed with this deal," Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar reportedly said in a cabinet meeting on Friday night, N12 revealed on Saturday.
Bar told ministers to approve the deal during the deliberation meeting on Friday, which culminated in Israel choosing to accept.
"Hamas is a terror organization that has suffered severe blows and is in shambles," Bar said, adding that "Israel is a strong state."
"Personally, as someone who heads a counterintelligence organization, we are well used to arresting and thwarting terrorists," Bar said, adding that some of the Palestinian prisoners being exchanged for hostages starting Sunday he arrested himself.
"We have a very difficult time releasing terrorists and murderers," he continued....
TikTok went dark for users across the U.S. late Saturday as the app notified users of a ban that went into effect just days before President-elect Trump's inauguration.
Users who tried to utilize the app on Saturday night received the following message: "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now."
The app gave a shout-out to Trump, saying: "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!"
Hours earlier, the app notified users that the law banning TikTok would take effect on Sunday.
Leadership noted the ban will "force" the company to make its...
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 18, 2025 - Both JCCs will open at 7:00am on Sunday, Jan. 19, but will close at noon due to impending snowstorm. All afternoon and evening activities are cancelled.
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 18, 2025 - Expect a mix of rain, snow, and sleet early in the morning, transitioning to heavy snow by late morning. Temperatures will reach a high of 34°F, with winds from the north at 7–13 mph, gusting up to 21 mph. Total snow and sleet accumulation could be between 3 to 5 inches.
By Sunday night, there’s a chance of snow before 10 PM, followed by clearing skies and colder conditions.
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 17, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira in Israel of Denise Cohen, a’h sister of Avigayil (Ira) Hisler.
The levayah was Thursday. Mrs. Hisler is sitting shiva in Israel and can be reached by WhatsApp at 443 418 3369. (Israel is 7 hours ahead of Baltimore.)
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
The Prime Minister's Office stated this morning (Friday) that under the hostage deal, the first hostages are expected to be released as soon as this coming Sunday, January 19.
"Pending approval by the Security Cabinet and the Government, and the agreement taking effect, the release of the hostages will be implemented according to the planned framework in which the hostages are expected to be released on Sunday," the PMO stated.
The statement was made after Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized the religious parties on the grounds that they are preventing the government from convening on Shabbat to approve the agreement - which, according to him, will lead to a delay in the release of the hostages.
The haredi and religious parties stated that they have no objection to convening th...
The Israel Prison Service is preparing to release security prisoners per the decision of the political echelon and the deal to return the hostages.
Per the instructions of the IPS commissioner, the Red Cross will not conduct part of the escort to ensure that the terrorists do not deviate from the strict security guidelines and to prevent any expression of joy in Israeli territory.
IPS Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, held a meeting with many participants, in cooperation with the other security bodies, to approve the operational plan ahead of the release of the security prisoners as part of the hostage deal under what is being called "Operation Way of the Land."
The Ofir and Shikma detention facilities have begun preparations to receive terrorists who are expected to be released following the ...
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 17, 2025 - A winter storm is predicted to develop along an incoming Arctic cold front this weekend, increasing Maryland's chances of seeing accumulating snow.
Estimates by the National Weather Service on Friday called for snowfall amounts of 4 inches in Westminster; 3 inches in Bel Air, Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick and suburbs close to Washington, D.C.; with 2 inches of snow expected in Hagerstown and areas further west.
Skies will gradually clear on Friday, giving Baltimore area residents a mild day of sunshine and temperatures in the lower to mid-40s before conditions change on Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service's latest forecast, there's a chance of snow Shabbos before 10 a.m. Snow is expected to transition to rain sho...
As I write this essay the entire Jewish world is gripped with multiple emotions.
Anticipation for the release of the hostages. Silent joy for the hoped for reunion of the hostages with their most loved ones. Fear over how many of those hostages will return home alive. Anger and horror over the inequity of the exchange of innocent hostages for murderous terrorists. Worry over whether the promises of our enemies will be kept. Deep pain over the many hundreds who valiantly gave their lives to achieve peace and the eradication of our enemies, and the frustrating doubt if indeed we will accomplish that goal. Anxiety over what the future holds in store for us with this compromised deal.
How will things turn out? How do we distill all these conflicting and tortuous emotions until such time as i...
