The British cousin of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza has described his family’s ongoing anguish ahead of a milestone update on the fate of the remaining captives this weekend.

Adam Ma’anit, who’s from Brighton and is digital communication officer at the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told The Standard podcast they are hoping for news very soon about Tsachi Idan, who is among 94 remaining hostages.

Idan was dragged away from his kibbutz home after his 18-year-old daughter, Maayan, was shot dead by a Hamas gunman in the October 7 terror attacks over 15 months ago.

A phased ceasefire deal has now seen the first three hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, with further releases scheduled.

But it comes amid a spike in antisemitic attacks and shortly before Holocaust Memorial Day.

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UK chancellor Rachel Reeves will bid for more investment in Britain as she travels to the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos this week.

Reeves is expected to meet the heads of major international banks during her two-day Swiss visit to promote Britain’s fiscal credentials for the future.

But it comes amid record government borrowing, government department cuts ahead and minuscule growth of just 0.1 per cent.

The Standard podcast is joined by Ashwin Kumar, director of research and policy at the Institute of Public Policy Research, professor of social policy at Manchester Metropolitan University and former advisor to ex-PM Gordon Brown.

In part two, The London Standard’s chief political correspondent Rachael Burford on why some residents of two boroughs are being warned their council tax bills will double, but there’s - slightly - better news for fellow Londoners in the most cash-strapped authorities.

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Join host Nicola Barron in conversation with David Larbi, the poet, writer, and musician who has built a million-strong community through his authentic takes on mindfulness across TikTok and Instagram. In this illuminating episode, David shares insights from his debut book Frequently Happy: 52 Mindful Moments to Bring Hope and Joy, exploring how we can find joy in everyday moments and use creativity to reconnect with ourselves.

Don't miss David's live online workshop Frequently Happy: Exploring Creativity, Mindfulness, and the Power of Wordson Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (6-7pm GMT). Book at standard.co.uk/masterclasses.

Part of The Bigger Life Festival, brought to you by Masterclasses from The Standard.

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