Jewish Woman Fighting For Kurds Insists She’s Not Captured By ISIS
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Gillian Rosenberg, the Canadian-Israeli Jewish woman rumored to have been captured by Islamic State jihadists, posted a message on Facebook that she was safe.
“Guys, I’m totally safe and secure,” Rosenberg, 31, wrote on Monday evening. “I don’t have Internet access or any communication devices with me for my safety and security. I can’t reply regularly and only happened to have a chance to log in and see these buklshit [sic] news stories. Ignore the reports I’ve been captured. Yalla, Acharai!”
Yalla, Acharai is a phrase combining Arabic and Hebrew that means “Come on, follow me!”
At least one Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, reported that it was unable to verify that Rosenberg herself was responsible for the post.
The capture of Rosenberg, who in recent weeks had joined Kurdish forces in their fight against Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, was reported Sunday on blogs and Islamist websites, according to reports.
Rosenberg immigrated to Israel from Canada in 2006 and served as an instructor in an Israeli army search-and-rescue unit.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
