Hamas Releases Parting Image of 48 Remaining Captives, Vowing That Israel Will Never See Them Again
Hamas published a grim image purporting to show the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, issuing a taunting message that Israel would “never see them again.” The image, circulated on Saturday, September 20, came amid renewed tensions and fears for the captives’ safety as fighting and threats escalated on multiple fronts.
The release of the image followed weeks of sporadic signals and psychological pressure tactics by Hamas, which continues to use hostages as leverage. The families of those abducted have urged world leaders to intensify efforts to secure their release, while Israeli authorities reiterated that bringing them home remains a paramount goal.
As the new year period approaches, the image underscored the enduring trauma and uncertainty hanging over Israel and the Jewish diaspora. It also stirred debate over the effectiveness of negotiations and the risks posed by ongoing regional hostilities that complicate any potential deal.
(NYP/VFI News)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
IDF Spokesman: ‘Threats from Every Direction’ as War Expands on Multiple Fronts
IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin issued a video statement in English on Sunday about Israel’s ongoing multi-front war and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. “This week alone, we faced threats from every direction,” Defrin said in the statement. He described a series of incidents in recent days, including a terrorist crossing from Jordan at the Allenby Crossing in a truck carrying humanitarian aid and opening fire—aid intended for the people of Gaza. In Ramallah, IDF forces uncovered rockets prepared for launch toward Israeli homes.
Defrin added that in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah’s Radwan Force continues attempts to rearm and to seek Israel’s destruction, while from Yemen the Houthis continue to fire ballistic missiles and UAVs directly at Israeli civilians. “Just today, rockets were once again launched from Gaza into Israel,” he said. He emphasized that forty-eight hostages remain in the grip of Hamas and vowed that Israel would not close this chapter until they return home.
He also detailed actions he said demonstrated Hamas’s tactics, including opening fire on a UN team, using stolen UN vehicles to block the construction of a new aid road, and robbing UNICEF trucks at gunpoint, depriving infants of baby formula. Defrin said Israel is keeping humanitarian corridors open and facilitating movement toward safer areas, while the IDF presses deeper into Gaza City to dismantle Hamas’s terror networks and bring the hostages home.
(INN/VFI News)
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” – Psalm 9:9
Sen. Graham: So-Called Civilized World Is Rewarding Modern-Day Religious Nazis
US Senator Lindsey Graham condemned moves by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada to recognize a Palestinian state, warning that the decision legitimizes terrorism and endangers Israel’s security. “Eighty years after the end of WWII, where over 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis for simply being Jewish, the so-called civilized world is rewarding modern-day religious Nazis with an arbitrary Palestinian state designation,” Graham said.
He stressed that while he does not view the decision as motivated by antisemitism, it reflects “shocking ignorance and blindness” on the part of Western leaders. Graham argued that recognizing “a mythical Palestinian state” lacking defined leaders, borders, or capital, and without provisions for Israel’s security, effectively emboldens terror groups.
Graham warned that such recognition will encourage violence across the region, stating that for terrorists “October 7 will now be considered ‘Liberation Day.’” He added that groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Houthis seek not two states but Israel’s destruction.
(INN/VFI News)
“Lord, we pray for wisdom among world leaders and protection over Israel. Guard the innocent, restrain the violent, and frustrate the plans of those who seek to destroy. Bring clarity and courage to those in authority, and open doors for true peace with security for all who dwell in the Land.”
Survey: 78% of Jewish Students Hide Their Religious Identity on Campuses Worldwide
A new global survey by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) reveals that more than three-quarters of Jewish university students worldwide conceal their religious identity (78%) and their Zionist identity (81%). Conducted over the 2024–2025 academic year, the study engaged 1,727 Jewish students from more than 60 countries across six continents.
“This survey exposes a devastating reality: Jewish students across the globe are being forced to hide fundamental aspects of their identity just to feel safe on campus,” said ADL’s Marina Rosenberg. The findings arrive as the academic year begins and university leaders face mounting pressure to address campus antisemitism.
The report highlights widespread concerns about safety and social ostracism, with one in five students saying they know Jewish peers who were physically assaulted on campus in the past year. The data underscores the need for action from administrators to safeguard freedom of expression and religion and ensure that campuses remain places of learning rather than intimidation.
(INN/VFI News)
“God of Israel, shield Jewish students worldwide from intimidation and harm. Give them the courage to stand firm in their identity, raise up allies to defend them, and move university leaders to act justly so campuses become places of safety and respect. Bring healing where trauma has taken root and hope where fear has reigned.”
Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’ Fully Operational to Hit Missiles Along With Drones
Israel’s new laser-based air-defense capability—popularly called Iron Beam—has reached full operational status alongside existing systems. The technology, highlighted by officials in mid-September 2025, promises dramatically lower interception costs compared to Arrow and Iron Dome and is designed to counter rockets, UAVs, and other aerial threats in tandem with Israel’s layered defenses.
Security officials emphasized that the “Laser Dome” is built to handle simultaneous barrages, not only single targets, potentially transforming the cost curve of defense and allowing interceptors to be preserved for complex threats. The development comes amid intensified cross-border fire and ongoing alerts in northern and southern Israel.
The integration of Iron Beam into active service signals a new phase in Israel’s multi-tiered protection architecture at a time of persistent threats and evolving tactics from hostile actors around the region.
(JPost/VFI News)
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” – Isaiah 54:17
More Israelis Emigrated Than Arrived Over Past Year, CBS Report Reveals
On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, Israel’s population stands at approximately 10.148 million after surpassing the 10 million mark earlier in the year. New data from the Central Bureau of Statistics portrays a complex demographic picture, with more Israelis emigrating than arriving during the past year, alongside growth in key sectors of the economy and society.
The indicators, released in mid-September 2025, provide a snapshot of population size, age distribution, and migration trends as Israel enters a new year. The figures have sparked conversation about long-term challenges and opportunities—ranging from housing and infrastructure to security and aliyah policy.
While year-to-year shifts are common, the latest report has intensified debate over how best to encourage return migration, support new immigrants, and strengthen social cohesion in an era of uncertainty and regional instability.
(JPost/VFI News)
“Father, bless the people of Israel as they enter a new year. Comfort those who feel compelled to leave, draw back those who have wandered, and establish the nation in security, prosperity, and unity. Grant leaders wisdom to enact policies that protect families and strengthen the fabric of society.”
Israel’s Kinneret Lake Replenished With Desalinated Water
Israel has continued large-scale transfers of desalinated Mediterranean water to the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) to bolster reserves and ensure long-term supply resilience. The program, a milestone in national water management, is intended to help buffer against drought cycles and stabilize levels in the iconic freshwater lake.
Officials describe the effort as part of a broader strategy linking coastal desalination plants to inland reservoirs and agricultural needs. Environmental and climate experts are monitoring ecological impacts while noting the benefits of improved reliability during hotter, drier years.
The replenishment plan reflects Israel’s focus on infrastructure and climate adaptation, leveraging technology to safeguard communities and livelihoods across the country.
(JPost/VFI News)
“He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.” – Psalm 104:10
PMW Urges UN to Halt Palestine Recognition Until Palestinian Authority Reforms
Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) called on the United Nations and member states to suspend moves toward recognizing a Palestinian state until substantial reforms are implemented within the Palestinian Authority. The organization argued that governance, incitement, and accountability issues must be addressed before any recognition can be justified.
The appeal arrives amid heated international debate over recognition initiatives in several Western capitals and concerns that premature steps could entrench extremist elements rather than promote peace. PMW’s position emphasizes reforms to education, security coordination, and financial transparency.
Advocates of a conditional approach say that durable peace and stability require reliable institutions and a decisive break with policies that encourage violence, while critics counter that delays risk deepening stalemate.
(JPost/VFI News)
The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.