What Colombia will be losing

Colombia fights rebels and drug cartels using Israeli rifles and Kfir planes which only Israeli engineers can maintain. Israel also provides cyber-security to its banks, water systems to combat drought, hydroponics, new roads, natural pesticides, telecommunications, and electricity.

Druze US delegation highlights diversity

A delegation of Druze Israelis visited Miami, New York City and Washington, D.C. to refute misinformation that portrays Israel as an “apartheid” state and counter antisemitism on college campuses. They drew attention to the coexistence and contributions of Israeli minorities.

No disruption to Jewish-Arab sports program

Even during the war, Israeli non-profit “The Equalizer” (see previously) continues to bring Jewish and Arab children together to play soccer, basketball, swimming and more. Since Oct 7, it has taken on thousands of kids displaced by war from the north and the south of Israel.

The first Arab rector of an Israeli university

Haifa University has appointed Professor Mouna Maron (see previously) as its rector, making her the first Israeli Arab to be appointed to that position in an Israeli university. See for previous newsletter articles about some of the many Israeli Arab professors.

The first female Arab IDF airborne mechanic

IAF Captain B., a Christian Arab, became the first Arab female airborne mechanic in the IDF after she completed the training course with distinction. She said, “I grew up in a home that was always Zionist and always taught us to love the state that provides for us.”

Israeli police save Arab baby

An everyday event.  Israeli police patrolling the Arab village of Muqeible in northern Israel were called to save the life of an 8-month-old baby who was choking. With paramedics they removed a piece of chewing gum from the baby’s mouth. The police said, “a great privilege to save a life”.

Heading R&D at Rafael

Judith Hocherman-Frommer received three degrees at Israel’s Technion Institute in electrical engineering and control systems. She then joined Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and 27 years later she is the executive vice president for research and development (R&D).

Women in the IDF

Brig.-Gen. Yael Grossman is commander of the IDF intelligence division LOTEM, and one of the highest-ranked women in the IDF. LOTEM is the army’s largest software house. There are six other Israeli women with the same rank.

Spring camp for special needs children

KKL-JNF held a 5-day spring camp in Eilat, in collaboration with Simcha Layeled, for some 850 children and staff. Activities included water sports, beach parties, and a sunrise trip. At the finale, evacuees residing in Eilat joined campers for a performance by singer Benaia Barabi.

Dates for break-fast

Muslims on their way to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem at sunset at the conclusion of the fast on the last Friday of Ramadan, were greeted by a Jewish family handing out dates. Sky News Arabia made this clip public, and the tweet has been viewed over half a million times.