No hostages left in Gaza. Israel braces for Iranian attack whether it's coming or not.

Dear Readers,

As I prepared to return to Israel from the United States of America (I was on a work trip), my friends and colleagues asked me if I was worried about making it back into the Holy Land via air travel. In Israel, people are anxiously awaiting an attack from Iran. In the United States, I was aware, of course, that it's an option, but had not been actively worried that my flight would not make it. After all, I fly El Al, and they fly through just about anything. And do so with antimissile systems and bullet-proof windows. 

I do not like to report or pay mind to non-news stories. A non-news story for me is a story or concept that is still not clear, proven or immindent. The idea is that the United States will either use diplomacy to make some kind of deal with Iran’s leadership (to quell violence I guess?) or will strike Iran through military prowess. Iran has stated that if that happens, it will respond by attacking US military bases in the region and strike Israel’s Tel Aviv. 

Now here are my thoughts: Getting riled up in one’s mind is unnecessary. And reporting almost news stories when there’s no concrete direction contributes to that environment of instability. I personally believe that what we think has power. And so, we should all think very positively as much as possible. 

Regarding Sgt. Ran Gvili. I am relieved that his body is home. Gvili’s body was not returned home when it was supposed to be released, following the announcement of the October 2025 ceasefire. This was a direct counter to the ceasefire deal, and yet the world did not seem to be frustrated. I am sure the families waiting for their loved ones’ bodies were. 

My fear was that terror groups in the enclave would hold onto his body as a bargaining chip until a future flare-up, similar to the body of Hadar Goldin and Oren Shaul, both soldiers whose bodies were kept for 11 years. 

I was able to interview the parents of Ran Gvili at the funeral of Dror Or, the third to last hostage body returned. They were professional and cooperative and clearly understood the power of media in getting things moving. When the cameras stopped rolling, they told me that about a year in they had both felt Rani would be the last body out of Gaza. Why? Because as they said, he was always the first one in, the last one out and always made sure others were safe and accounted for before he cared for himself. It is my sincere satisfaction that his family can at the very least begin moving forward after more than two years of anguish and torment. At minimum, they can visit Ran’s grave. A “blessing” no parent should ever have to reach for.  — Shanna Fuld

Founder & CEO, Israel Daily News