Monthly Archives: December 2023

You’re never too old

Posted on December 31, 2023

Ezra Yachin at 95 years young is the oldest active IDF reservist. Despite losing an eye in 1948, he was called up to active duty in the current war. The New York Post, Al Jazeera, etc., wrote about the elderly … Continue reading →

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Huge increase in French Aliyah

Posted on December 31, 2023

There has been a 450% increase in the number of French Jews applying to immigrate to Israel since Oct 7. Nearly 70,000 Jews out of a community of approximately 500,000 have made Aliyah from France since 2000. So, it’s very … Continue reading →

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Israel is the solution

Posted on December 31, 2023

Avi Abelow founder of Pulse of Israel has been touring the USA. In this video he inspires youth in Phoenix Arizona about their Jewish identity.  All Jews should hear this, especially to counter the antisemitism in the universities. Am Yisrael … Continue reading →

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Rockets will not stop us praying

Posted on December 31, 2023

A rocket fired by Hamas caused significant damage to the roof and interior of a synagogue in the Gaza border community of Kibbutz Sa’ad. Following the impact, a group of Jewish worshippers gathered outside the damaged building to continue their … Continue reading →

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From radical Gaza mosque to IDF soldier

Posted on December 31, 2023

Yaron Avraham was featured in this newsletter in Oct 2020 (see here). In this recent interview, he shares his story from growing up as an Arab Israeli being sent to Gaza for extremist indoctrination, only to leave, convert to Judaism … Continue reading →

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Instruments for healing

Posted on December 31, 2023

Musicians in the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra have formed trios and quartets, performing around the country for evacuees and wounded citizens. IPO Music Director Lahav Shani led the orchestra in recording a series of free musical programs for Israeli children. https://www.israel21c.org/israel-philharmonic-musicians-play-for-evacuees-and-war-wounded/ … Continue reading →

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Gold medalist auctions medal for evacuees

Posted on December 31, 2023

Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat won gold for the floor exercises at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Belgium on Oct 7. He is now auctioning off the medal to raise money for the residents evacuated from the devastated Gaza border … Continue reading →

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Songs from the Gaza war

Posted on December 31, 2023

Each Israeli war has its own anthems. In the six-day war it was Jerusalem of Gold. These are what Israelis are listening to now, to provide relief or to uplift their spirits. https://www.israel21c.org/the-music-that-moves-israelis-during-the-war/ https://www.israel21c.org/7-top-songs-reflecting-israels-mood-after-october-7/

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Andrea Bocelli sends concert invite to freed hostage

Posted on December 31, 2023

85-year-old Yaffa Adar is a fan of opera singer Andrea Bocelli and hummed his music throughout the 49 days she was held hostage by Hamas. Her story reached the Italian tenor who wrote to her of his admiration and offered … Continue reading →

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Valmadonna at the National Library

Posted on December 31, 2023

This article is a recent interview of Margaret Lunzer Rottem about the legacy of her father Jack Lunzer whose Valmadonna Book Collection is now at Israel’s National Library. Its emphasis is on Italy where Hebrew printing originated and includes some … Continue reading →

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