Israel-Hamas War: What You Need To Know

Israel at War: What You Need To Know

Take Action

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists waged the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust — slaughtering babies, committing sexual violence, burning whole families alive, and taking over 250 civilians hostage. Hamas murdered more than 1,200 Israelis during the attack. Over a year later, Hamas is still holding over 50 men and women — including five Americans — captive in the terror tunnels in Gaza.

Israel continues to fight for its survival, battling a seven front war against the Iranian regime and its terror proxies Hezbollah, Houthis, and Hamas, and more.

Follow AJC on social media for updates, and receive our regular news briefing straight to your inbox at AJC.org/IsraelUpdate.

Common Questions and Myths

Urban War Expert John Spencer Breaks Down Israel’s War and Media Misinformation
As one of the world’s top urban warfare experts, Spencer has become a leading voice explaining the harsh realities Israel faces post–October 7: from Hamas’s use of human shields to the unprecedented scrutiny of the IDF.
Watch Now
Find More

Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iran

Cannes, Hamas, and the Weaponization of Grief
The glamorous Cannes Film Festival draws Hollywood stars to the French Riviera annually. But this year, instead of honoring artistic expression and human dignity, some stars are using Cannes to amplify a false narrative: accusing Israel, a democracy rescuing its citizens held hostage in Gaza and defending itself against a genocidal terror group responsible for the start of the war, of genocide.
Watch Now
Find More

Israel at War Updates

Meet the Four American Hostages Still Held By Hamas
How many American hostages are left in Gaza? Meet the four Americans still held hostage after thousands of Hamas terrorists breached the border between Israel and Gaza intent on terrifying and destroying the Jewish state.
Read More
Find More

From AJC CEO Ted Deutch

AJC CEO Ted Deutch: A Call to Action for a Stronger Jewish Future | AJC Global Forum 2025
At AJC Global Forum 2025, American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch delivered a powerful closing address, reflecting on three extraordinary days of advocacy, leadership, and unity.
Watch More
Find More

What Happened on October 7, 2023

Bring Them Home Now: At AJC Global Forum, Emotional Appeals for the Hostages Still Held Captive by Hamas
At AJC Global Forum 2025, families of American-Israeli hostages held by Hamas, along with a former hostage, delivered powerful and deeply moving remarks that gripped the world and stirred global conscience.
Watch Now
Find More

How We Got Here

Inside Look at Israeli Affairs: Reporting Through War and Division | AJC Global Forum 2025
At AJC Global Forum 2025, three of Israel’s leading journalists—Nave Dromi, Asaf Liberman, and moderator Nurit Canetti—discuss what it’s like to report from the frontlines of trauma, war, and political upheaval.
Watch Now
Find More

 

Campus/Academic Resources

What You Need to Know About the Largest-Ever Commitment to Counter Antisemitism on College Campuses
This May brought a landmark announcement in American Jewish Committee’s long-term efforts to combat widespread Jew-hatred on college campuses—a result of our sustained work with university leaders. In collaboration with AJC, the Association of American Universities (AAU), the American Council on Education (ACE), and other organizations representing more than 4,000 colleges, universities, and institutions of higher education have pledged reforms to fight campus antisemitism.
Read Now
Find More

Antisemitism Related to the Conflict

Explained: The Antisemitic Incident at Dave Portnoy’s Barstool Sports Philly Bar
An antisemitic incident at Barstool Sports' Philadelphia bar on May 3, where patrons displayed a "F**k the Jews" sign, sparked national outrage after going viral on social media. Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, who is Jewish, condemned the act, fired the staff involved, and initially proposed using the moment for Holocaust education before rescinding the offer due to a student's denial of involvement. The controversy comes amid rising antisemitism in the U.S., prompting praise for Portnoy's swift response and calls for stronger public pushback against hate.
Learn More
Find More

Latest Videos

Parents of Hostage Edan Alexander Speak Out at AJC Global Forum
At AJC Global Forum, Yael and Adi Alexander—the parents of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander—shared their heartbreaking story and called for urgent international action to secure the release of all the hostages still held by Hamas.
Watch the Video
Find More

 

Ways to Take Action

Take Action - #BringThemHomeNow with a yellow ribbon
Urge Congress to Continue Demanding the Release of ALL the Hostages
Join American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, in urging Congress to act to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Take Action

Israeli Flag
Elected Leaders: Stand with Israel Against Hamas Terror
Urge your members of Congress, Governors, Mayors, and City leaders to unequivocally condemn Hamas
Take Action

 

Back to Top

Global Voice

hostages
Who Are the Israeli Hostages Being Released? Full Schedule and Latest Updates
hostages
Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal: What You Need to Know
Photo of hostage Edan Alexander's parents speaking at AJC Global Forum 2025
Parents of Hostage Edan Alexander Speak Out at AJC Global Forum
Yellow ribbon on a black background
Bring Them Home Now: At AJC Global Forum, Emotional Appeals for the Hostages Still Held Captive by Hamas
AJC - American Jewish Committee
AJC Welcomes Home Edan Alexander, Calls for the Release of All Remaining Hostages
hostage posters
Meet the Four American Hostages Still Held By Hamas
hostages
Freed Israeli Hostages: What They Endured in Captivity and How They Survived
hostages' poster
Who Are the Hostages Still Held By Hamas?