The Focus Project

The Trauma Hamas Wants the World to Ignore

Posted on February 18, 2025

Surviving Hell: Israeli Hostages Bear Witness to Horrors BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – DISPELLING FALSEHOODS – ACTIONS –  PERSON OF THE WEEK – STORIES ‘The vile lottery of Jewish lives continues’ As hostages are being released in a slow and painful process, the captives and their families are suffering devastating psychological effects, now 500 days […]

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We Cried ‘Never Again’ – Yet, It’s Happening Now

Posted on February 11, 2025

Emaciated Hostages Cast Holocaust Shadows, Trigger National Trauma BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – PERSON OF THE WEEK – STORIES The three Israeli hostages recently released by Hamas were so emaciated and frail that images broadcast from Gaza sent shockwaves throughout Israel and much of the world. The appearance of the three men was eerily […]

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Strides Made, but Campuses Remain Hostile for Jews

Posted on February 4, 2025

Confronting Campus Antisemitism: Progress Amid Persistent Threats BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – HOSTAGE UPDATE – STORIES Combatting antisemitism – anti-Jewish hatred – on university campuses has been an arduous process this past year, requiring an all-hands on deck approach. In the face of pressure from alumni, student groups and government agencies, some campuses […]

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Lessons from Auschwitz: Never Forget

Posted on January 28, 2025

Holocaust Remembrance and Confronting Today’s Challenges BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – HOSTAGE UPDATE “Whoever listens to a witness, becomes a witness. It is all about memory. The survivor’s duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. To forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” – Holocaust survivor, author […]

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Treacherous Trade: Murderers for Hostages

Posted on January 22, 2025

Israel’s Painful Sacrifice: Trading Convicted Murderers to Save Innocent Hostages BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES Relief and dread descended over Israelis with the latest release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. The release of innocent hostages – held under inhumane conditions – comes at the heavy cost […]

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Distorted Narratives Harm Israel, Undermine Truth

Posted on January 14, 2025

Distorted Narratives Harm Israel and Undermine the Truth BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES Widespread news and social media bias – combined with conspiracy theories and false narratives – continues to distort public perceptions of the war Hamas launched against Israel. Some high-profile news media coverage is becoming even more concerning – and […]

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As Challenges Rise, So Does Jewish Resilience

Posted on January 7, 2025

Cautiously Optimistic: American Jews and Israelis Enter 2025 BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – IN MEMORIAM – STORIES The bond between American and Israeli Jews has deepened – forged by shared challenges since the 10/7 attacks and the rising tide of hatred that followed – targeting not only Israel, but Jews worldwide. Campaigns promoting […]

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Hanukkah’s Eternal Message of Resilience

Posted on December 23, 2024

Hanukkah’s Eternal Message of Hope and Resilience Still Burns Brightly BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS The remarkable and miraculous story of Hanukkah offers more than a historical commemoration. In a year marked by soaring antisemitism and existential challenges to Israel, it reminds us of the enduring strength of the Jewish spirit and the ability […]

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Hostage Nightmare Continues

Posted on December 17, 2024

Hostage Nightmare Continues Amid Rays of Hope BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – VOICES – MYTHS & FACTS – STORIES “Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sets captives free.” This Jewish blessing, recited in morning prayers, has carried even more profound meaning since the 10/7 Hamas attack on Israel. This […]

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Hate Against Jews – Where is the Outrage?

Posted on December 10, 2024

Burned, Beaten, Hunted: Jews Face Intensifying Violence BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES Attacks Against Christians and Jews in America Two Kindergarten children were shot and critically injured while playing on their school’s playground in northern California, by a man claiming false ‘genocide’ about Israel’s role in Gaza.  This attack is one in a series of […]

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