The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with international calls for a ceasefire. Despite the heavy Palestinian toll and international condemnation, Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is determined to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and Israeli hostages are freed. The US, through officials like Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, has expressed support for Israel but is pushing for a reduction in civilian casualties and a transition to more surgical operations. The future governance of Gaza post-war is uncertain, with the US favoring a revamped Palestinian Authority and discussions about potential new leadership. Israeli public opinion is shifting, with polls indicating a decrease in support for Netanyahu's coalition. The reconstruction of Gaza is expected to be a lengthy and costly process.

La Piedra, a pizza restaurant in Jerusalem, has been listed in the Top 50 Pizza Guide for the second consecutive year, ranking at No. 39. The restaurant, owned by Avi Sinclair, offers traditional Neapolitan pizza with ingredients imported from Italy and local cheese. La Piedra has two locations and is known for its community support, providing free pizzas to uniformed soldiers, police, and emergency workers. The article describes the dining experience, highlighting the quality of the food and the positive atmosphere of the restaurant.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, Israel has called up nearly 300,000 reserve soldiers, adding to its regular forces. However, only about three percent of ultra-Orthodox young men serve in the military due to exemptions allowing them to study the Torah instead. This policy, dating back to the founding of Israel over 75 years ago, is now a heated public debate topic. The Israel Democracy Institute's president, Yohanan Plesner, highlights the public's concern, especially given the current war situation. The Supreme Court of Israel has repeatedly ruled the exemption discriminatory and has called for legislation to enforce military service for ultra-Orthodox men by the end of March. However, ultra-Orthodox parties, crucial to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, threaten to topple the government if the exemption is revoked. Demonstrations by the ultra-Orthodox community against military service have been intense and sometimes violent, with claims that military service would lead to a loss of religious lifestyle.

Arabs living under Israeli rule complain about the violation of their rights, especially since the escalation of conflict with HAMAS and the ongoing bombardment of Gaza, which has intensified the discord between Jewish and Arab populations. Arabs, who make up 20% of Israel's population, blame both HAMAS and Israel's extremist policies. Muhammad Daravshiy from a peace-promoting organization observes increased societal divisions, with Jewish activists seemingly provoking conflicts with Arabs, while HAMAS incites violence. The May 2021 Arab-Jewish conflicts in Israel highlighted the growing hatred and intolerance. Daravshiy expresses concern for relatives in Gaza and the pressure on Arabs in Israel to take sides. A non-governmental organization named 'Adolat' reports widespread discrimination, with Arab youths being punished for their views, especially on social media. Knesset member Mansur Abbos acknowledges the precarious position of the Arab population, who must carefully balance their statements between condemning HAMAS's attacks and expressing sympathy for Jewish victims while also recognizing the suffering in Gaza. Politicians like Abbos are working to promote unity, and Benni Gants, a Knesset member and prime ministerial candidate, understands Arab grievances and calls for unity against extremism. Many Arabs believe that the conflict with Jews is longstanding and will persist beyond the war with HAMAS, necessitating peace-oriented leaders for both communities.

Following a Hamas attack on October 7th, thousands of Israelis have applied for firearms for the first time. The attack targeted 20 Israeli communities, resulting in the death of 1,200 men, women, and children. This has led to a surge in gun sales and training, particularly at the anti-terrorism school 'Caliber 3'. The Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs conducts strict background checks for gun permits. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline stance, has eased gun permit procedures and announced the formation of rapid response civilian teams. Concerns have been raised about the potential for gun abuse in domestic violence cases. Since October 7th, Jewish settlers in the West Bank have killed at least nine Palestinians, according to the UN and human rights groups. Many Israelis, even those not living near conflict zones, express increased concern for their personal security.

The Palestinian West Bank city of Bethlehem has canceled all Christmas festivities this year due to the Israel-Hamas war. The report is by Linda Gradstein for VOA, with camera work by Ricki Rosen.

Humanitarian organizations are warning of an escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip as heavy fighting continues and winter approaches. The Palestinian population is facing severe hardships, with 85% internally displaced and at risk of disease spread.

Around 200,000 Israelis from communities near the Gaza and Lebanon borders have been evacuated and are staying in hotels and guest houses for two months without knowing when they can return home.

To Die in Secret is a novel by Rabbi Haviva Ner-David that explores the life of Nomi, an American immigrant to Israel coping with the loss of her husband and the death of her sister and nephew. The book delves into themes of trauma, strained familial relationships, and self-discovery as Nomi inherits a farmhouse in Salem, Massachusetts. The reviewer, drawn to the character's experiences and the quality of writing, was immersed in the story, highlighting the novel's compelling nature and literary merit.

The article discusses the dire conditions in the Shuafat refugee camp, located within Jerusalem's municipal borders but behind the barrier separating Israeli and Palestinian territories. The camp suffers from poor services, with garbage collection being a significant issue. Mahmoud al-Sheikh, a local community leader, is striving to address these problems amidst a lack of security and neglect from both Israeli and Palestinian authorities. The camp's residents, who hold blue Jerusalem ID cards, face a unique predicament of being caught between two governing bodies. The article also touches on the potential implications of a new bill that could alter the camp's administrative status and the residents' connection to Jerusalem. Israeli and municipal officials claim efforts are being made to improve conditions, but challenges persist.