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The Rebbe's Assurance Exactly 50 Years Ago“In all of its wars against the nations of the world, the nation of Israel always wins despite being outnumbered.” These are the words that the Rebbe wrote to Chassidim in a letter written before Yom Kippur in 1973.
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On March 5, 2025, Varda Ben-Baruch, the grandmother of abducted IDF soldier Edan ben Yael Alexander, made an emotional plea to the Jewish public to pray for his release. She urged people to recite Psalm 22 of Tehillim, seeking divine intervention for Edan and all other hostages still in captivity.
Her call for prayers resonated across the community, igniting a wave of support. The very next day, President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, made a direct demand to Hamas: “Let him go.” This marked a rare and powerful shift in U.S. diplomatic efforts.
US-Israeli Hostage’s Savta Pleads: “Recite Perek 22 Of Tehillim For The Hostages”
Varda Ben-Baruch’s heartfelt appeal was featured in Yeshiva World News on March 5, 2025. She expressed deep pain and frustration over the prolonged captivity of her grandson and other hostages, stating:
“We are in a state of anticipation and uncertainty – nothing is happening. We expected the releases to continue, but everything is simply stuck.”
She emphasized the power of faith during these trying times:
“Emunah strengthens us, but it’s a daily test. I keep only good things in mind. I don’t want to fall into the abyss of hopelessness.”
Trump’s Special Envoy to Hamas: “Let Him Go”
On March 6, 2025, the New York Post reported that President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, called on Hamas to release Edan Alexander as a sign of goodwill during ongoing negotiations.
For years, the U.S. had refrained from direct engagement with Hamas, making this diplomatic push a significant departure from previous policies.
A Lone Soldier’s Story
Born in Tel Aviv and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, Edan Alexander graduated high school in 2022 and joined the Golani Brigade as a lone soldier. On October 7, 2024, he was abducted from his base near the Gaza Strip.
Despite the uncertainty, his grandmother Varda continues to fight for his release, urging all of Am Yisrael to strengthen him from afar:
“I call on all of Am Yisrael to read this perek with us, to strengthen Edani and give him the strength to survive.”
She concluded her plea with a final heartfelt message:
“Daven with us. Don’t stop fighting for them.”
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