It was a dark week for Israelis and Jews around the world, possibly the darkest since October 7th.

Six Israeli hostages, none older than 40, who survived almost a year in captivity, executed by

Hamas. Massive protests erupting in Israel calling for a hostage deal now, but the way forward

remains unclear. We will talk about all this. Our heart's undone by this week, but at least

we'll talk about it together, so that might bring some comfort. It's unholy. I'm Neatlevy

of Channel 12 in Tel Aviv. And I'm Jonathan Friedland of The Guardian in London. Unholy two Jews on the news.

And as we approach that anniversary of October 7th, I think you're right,

you're need.

In some ways, this has been the most somber and sort of bleak week since that event.

And we'll talk about exactly why that is. And I do think it was one of those moments where Israel and Diaspora both went through this.

Again, for quite specific reasons, which we'll talk about. But it sort of comes as people at the end of summer,

the return, you know, the Khagim,

the major Jewish festivals are approaching,

and in the beginning of September,

is always a very particular time in Israel.

I'm just, you know, you tell us about how these confluence of moods this week.

I mean, this week saw the return of kids to school, as you say, September 1st was a Sunday.

We should mention that doesn't include high school students because teachers are in strike

and at least 20,000 students in Israel from the north and from the south are not opening their

year, their school year in their own towns because they have been displaced. But the school year did

start and, you know, I was walking my youngest to first grade. And that's usually such a happy

occasion and everyone is supposed to be excited and elated,

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