VFI News Hamas Released Video of Hostage Edan Alexander, Trump Threatens Hamas To Release All Hostages

Are the ancient prophecies of Ezekiel chapters 38-39 unfolding in the Middle East? In this week’s episode of VFI News from Israel, we dive into the shocking resurgence of Syria’s civil war as Turkish-backed jihadist groups seize control of key cities like Aleppo and advance on Hama, threatening the Assad regime. With Hezbollah weakened and Iran and Russia stretched thin, could these events mark a major turning point?

Explore the geopolitical upheaval, Assad’s rumored plea for Israeli assistance, and the potential implications for Israel and the region. We also discuss the latest developments on Israel's northern border, the impact of Hezbollah's defeat, and what it all means for global stability.

Stay informed and join the conversation as we analyze these critical events in the context of biblical prophecy.

#EzekielProphecies #SyriaCivilWar #MiddleEastCrisis #IsraelNews #HezbollahDefeat #VisionForIsrael

The Hamas terror group on Saturday, November 30, released a propaganda video showing signs of life from hostage Edan Alexander, 20, in the first video of its kind in months.  

Alexander’s family permitted the video to be published in Israeli media. The three-and-a-half-minute-long video was not dated, though Alexander states that he has been held for over 420 days. If true, it would have been filmed last week. 

Alexander, a dual US citizen, is a soldier who was stationed near the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7 when he was taken captive by Hamas, along with 250 other hostages. 

In the clip, a gaunt-looking Alexander identifies himself and calls on the Israeli government to bring him home. In the second half of the video, Alexander speaks in English and calls on the incoming Trump administration to work for his release. Alexander asked that he “use your influence and the full power of the United States to negotiate for our freedom.”

Alexander, also addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying, “Do not neglect us. We want to return home.” He added, “Fear and isolation is killing us. Do not forget us.” 

“It is unreasonable that we pay the price for a mistake made by the government,” said Alexander, and called on Israelis to “go out and demonstrate every day and pressure the government.” (TOI / VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we pray in Yeshua’s name for Edan Alexander and all the other hostages who are still being held in Gaza for more than one year. We fervently pray that they be rescued and that You care for all their physical and mental needs. Please, hold them tight and give them strength to persevere through the immense struggles. You love them more than we do with Your perfect Love and we trust that You are working for their good.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

President-elect Donald Trump issued a fiery statement on Monday afternoon, December 2, calling on Hamas to release the hostages the terrorist group has been holding for more than a year or face serious consequences.  

Trump posted the statement on a social media platform after the IDF said that American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra — who for months was thought to be alive in Hamas captivity — was killed on October 7, 2023, and the terrorists in the Gaza Strip have held his body. 

The president-elect said that it’s time for more action to bring home the hostages. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East – But it’s all talk, and no action!” he wrote. 

“Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!”  

Neutra was an Israeli tank platoon commander in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Brigade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Monday that Israel would “act resolutely and tirelessly until we return all of our hostages.” (DW/VFI News)

“God, we lift up the family of Omer Neutra who recently learned about his death. We pray in Yeshua’s name that You comfort them amid their shock and grief and that You take care of all their needs during this heartbreaking period. We thank You for President-elect Trump and his determination to work for the release of the remaining hostages and we continually pray that all of them will be home as soon as possible according to Your Will.” 

Lebanon’s Hezbollah has been significantly degraded militarily by Israel, but the Iran-backed group will likely try to rebuild its stockpiles and forces and pose a long-term threat to the U.S. and its regional allies, four sources briefed on updated U.S. intelligence told British media.  

U.S. intelligence agencies assessed in recent weeks that Hezbollah, even amid Israel’s military campaign, had begun to recruit new fighters and was trying to find ways to rearm through domestic production and by smuggling materials through Syria, said a senior U.S. official, an Israeli official, and two U.S. lawmakers briefed on the intelligence, speaking on condition of anonymity.  

It’s unclear to what extent those efforts have slowed since last week when Hezbollah and Israel reached a shaky ceasefire, two of the sources said. The deal specifically prohibits Hezbollah from procuring weapons or weapons parts.  

U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Hezbollah is operating with limited firepower. It has lost more than half its weapons stockpiles and thousands of fighters during the conflict with Israel, reducing Tehran’s overall military capacity to its lowest point in decades, according to the intelligence. (JPost/VFI News)

“Dear God, we thank You for organizing the consistent dismantlement of Hezbollah. We are grateful that the terrorist group has lost so much of its power and weapons. Please, continue the good work that You have started until no terrorist can harm innocent civilians. We pray in Yeshua’s name that the remaining terrorists repent or be eliminated and that they receive Your justice for the crimes they have committed.”

The National Security Council warned on Saturday, November 30, that the “terrorist infrastructure” that murdered Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE about two weeks ago is planning additional attacks on Israelis and Jews in southeast Asia, especially Thailand.  

Thailand is a popular tourist destination for Israelis. The NSC recommended that those currently in southeast Asia avoid going to places identified with Israel and Jews; maintain increased vigilance in public places; refrain from displaying Israeli symbols; contact local authorities in case of a threat or violence; avoid posting details of the trip on social media, and lock social media profiles; and avoid sharing details about service in the IDF or other security services, both online and in conversation.  

“Israeli security officials continue to work with all relevant partners in order to remove the threat,” the NSC said.  

Israelis should also “avoid attending large-scale events associated with Israel, with an emphasis on those announced in advance, or places of entertainment and gathering associated with Israel. Notify local security forces if you are exposed to hostile activity targeting Israelis,” the NSC said. (TOI /VFI News) 

“Hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I shall observe Your statutes continually.” - Psalm 119:117

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Anti-Jewish incidents in Australia rose by 316% since October 7 compared to the previous 12-month period, according to an Executive Council of Australian Jewry report.  

The ECAJ Report on Anti-Jewish Incidents in Australia 2024, published on Sunday, December 1, reported that from October 1, 2023, until September 30, 2024, 2,062 anti-Jewish incidents were logged by community security groups, local Jewish organizations, and the ECAJ. 

In the preceding comparable 12-month period in 2023, there had been 495 anti-Jewish incidents, according to the group’s data. Australia saw 65 anti-Jewish physical assaults in the year, according to ECAJ, including that of a 44-year-old Jewish man who was called a “Jew dog” and gang beaten by three men in a Sydney Park on October 28, 2023, leaving him hospitalized with two black eyes, a concussion, and four fractures to his spine.  

In another incident, an identifiably Jewish boy was called a “dirty Jew” and slapped in the face by a group of teens in Perth in October 2023. 

Thirty percent of the year’s incidents were of verbal abuse and harassment, many of which called for the death of the Jews as a people. (JPost/ VFI News)

“Lord, we lift up all the Jews who are experiencing antisemitism. We pray that You will heal the victims of these vile acts, that they receive the mental and emotional support they need, and that all the injured recover quickly in Yeshua’s name. We pray that You protect our people who are scattered throughout the world and that You equip all the nations’ police forces into efficiently combating antisemitism and hate crimes.” 

Antisemitic leaflets were distributed in the Hendon neighborhood of northwest London, home to a large Jewish population.

The flyers bore messages such as “Zionist-free zone” and “Every Zionist must leave Britain or be slaughtered,” written in botched Hebrew.

The local Jewish community expressed concern about the threats being carried out. “This is not just another wave that will pass if we remain passive,” warned StandWithUs UK’s CEO Isaac Zarfati in an interview.

“We must take those threats and statements seriously because they will one day turn into actions, and decisive steps are needed to combat this alarming phenomenon.” Zarfati, who leads an organization focused on educating about Israel and countering misinformation that could fuel antisemitism, added, “We are witnessing a troubling trend of red lines being repeatedly crossed.”

The organization’s leaders pledged continued support for the Jewish community during these challenging times, saying, “British Jews will not be intimidated by such behavior.” (YNet / VFI News)

“Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely.” - Psalm 141:9-10

The Kfar Aza Foundation, a pivotal organization supporting the resilient community of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, will take the stage at the highly anticipated Jerusalem Post 2024 Miami Conference.

The foundation’s participation will shed light on the unparalleled challenges faced by this community following the tragic events of October 7 and the journey of recovery and unity they have faced.  

Initially evacuated to Kibbutz Shefayim, the Kfar Aza community recently relocated again to a temporary caravan neighborhood in Kibbutz Ruhama. A third transition back to a rebuilt Kfar Aza is planned for the summer of 2026. Remarkably, more than 70% of the community has chosen to remain together throughout this journey, reflecting a commitment to preserving their collective spirit.  

Attendees of the Miami conference will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with Kfar Aza’s community members. 

Representatives include Gili Sayag (57), Israel Lender (66)—who heroically defended his family during the October 7 attack—Lena Yankelevich (42), whose family endured the tragedy together in their safe room, and Yoav Bibas (22). These individuals will share stories of survival, resilience, and the challenges of rebuilding their lives. (JPost / VFI News)

For half a millennium until the Holocaust, the cosmopolitan city of Thessaloniki, Greece, had a unique claim to fame: It was Europe’s only major city with a Jewish majority.  

But the golden age of Thessaloniki’s mostly Sephardic Ladino-speaking Jewish community came to a sudden end with the Nazi occupation of Greece in 1941 and turned cataclysmic with the deportation two years later to Auschwitz of nearly all the city’s Jews. 

By the end of World War II, some 65,000 Greek Jews — 87% of the total and 96% of those from Thessaloniki — had been killed, leaving barely 2,000 survivors in Thessaloniki (also known as Salonika).  

Among them were the parents of Dr. Albert Bourla, a veterinarian who would go on to become the chairman and CEO of Pfizer, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.  In 2022, Bourla won the Genesis Prize — often described as the Jewish Nobel — for having led the development of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Bourla donated the $1 million Genesis Prize money toward the construction of the museum. The museum is also being funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the governments of Greece and Germany. 

The 9,000-square-foot museum occupying eight floors in an octagon-shaped structure will be located at the site of Thessaloniki’s Old Railway Station, where the first Nazi train carrying Jews to Auschwitz departed on March 15, 1943.  

But the museum, slated to open in 2026, won’t be just about the tragedy of the Holocaust. Exhibits and artifacts will tell the story of more than 2,300 years of Greek Jewish history in Thessaloniki and 38 other communities, beginning with the ancient Romaniote Jews who settled in Greece during the reign of Alexander the Great.  (INN/VFI News)  

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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