Monthly Archives: March 2025

Watch kindergarten kids say IDF prayer

I don’t usually share Instagram videos, but this one is superb.  As a platoon of IDF soldiers passed by these pre-school children during their tour of the Knesset, the kids recited the prayer for the success of the IDF by … Continue reading

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Nothing stops the Presidents

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organization has been held in Israel for 70 years – during wartimes and COVID-19. At the Tuesday event were the Prime Minister, ex-President Ruvi Rivlin, & the family of Avera Mengistu, released … Continue reading

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$700,000 Or HaChaim letter

An 18th-century manuscript by the Or HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar c1696-1743) was sold for $700,000 (2.5 million shekels) at auction in Jerusalem. The Or HaChaim was a a leading advocate for Jewish immigration to the land of Israel and … Continue reading

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Fund for the Jewish Future

Philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel, Charles Bronfman, has made a legacy commitment of $25 million to support the Birthright Israel “Fund for the Jewish Future,” to ensure that transformative programs connecting young adults to their Jewish identity and Israel … Continue reading

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Aliyah fast-track for professional licenses

The Israeli government has approved a reform to fast-track professional licenses for those moving to Israel. It will allow license holders to begin applying for their Israeli license before making Aliyah. New Olim currently have to wait for approval 6-12 … Continue reading

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US charity founder is making Aliyah

Yocheved Ruttenberg, co-founder of NGO Sword of Iron – Israel Volunteer Opportunities (see here previously) has grown the group from zero to 40,000+ in 15 months. She is now preparing to move permanently from Texas to Tel Aviv. https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/hearts-of-gold-meet-the-texan-inspiring-thousands-of-volunteers-in-israel/ https://danielgordis.substack.com/p/sword-of-iron-israel-volunteer-opportunities

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Gaza border town alcohol producers

The blue agave that Gaza border farmers are growing in Kibbutz Alumim will be used to make the best Tequila in the Middle East (not surprising!). Meanwhile Kibbutz Be’eri is growing barley for malting in Europe and then returning to … Continue reading

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Educational tourism

Following Oct. 7 2023, World Mizrachi has brought thousands of visitors to the affected regions in an effort they called “community educational tourism.” Participants obtain a firsthand understanding of the bravery and heroism of Israel’s soldiers and civilians, and the … Continue reading

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Testing tech in battlefield conditions

Small, innovative Israeli companies have proven vital on the battlefield, deploying rapid solutions to avoid the need for years-long product testing. This article features Xtend (drones and anti-drone systems) and Thirdeye Systems (electro optics and analytics). https://thirdeye-systems.com/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/war-is-good-for-business-israeli-startups-going-global-after-key-role-in-gaza/

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Supporting youth at risk

The Jewish Agency’s Youth Futures program has been providing intensive holistic support for Israeli children and families at risk for nearly 20 years. Now it has vastly expanded its role to help some 5,000 families a week, (Jews, Arabs, Druze … Continue reading

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