On the Jewish festival of Tu B’Shevat (New Year for Trees) Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) held a tree-planting ceremony in Biriya Forest. It also marked KKL-JNF’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitating Israel’s northern forests. https://www.jns.org/wire/tree-planting-in-biriya-forest-helps-restore-northern-israels-green-landscape/

On the Shabbat following release from captivity, Agam Berger, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Liri Albag, and Daniela Gilboa, attended morning prayers where they recited the traditional “Hagomel” blessing, which gives thanks for surviving a life-threatening ordeal. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/freed-hostage-daniella-gilboa-i-prayed-for-my-comrades-for-30-minutes-before-being-kidnapped/

Ex-hostage Alexandre ‘Sasha’ Troufanov celebrated his release by donning tefillin (phylacteries worn during prayers) for the first time in his life. Helped by Rabbi Berel Lazar of Moscow, he then recited the “Shema Yisrael” prayer. His mother had urged Israelis … Continue reading →

During her national service, Eden was assigned to “OneFamily – overcoming terror together,” and worked at Loewenstein rehab hospital. She met Avi, a critically injured Golani Brigade commander. A friendship flourished between them – and now they are getting married. … Continue reading →

Israel’s Ministry of Social Affairs has unveiled a structured support plan for the tens of thousands of northern residents returning to their homes from Mar 1.  Social workers and therapists have been provided with guidelines; families should visit their homes … Continue reading →

Israel’s HiBob (see here previously) is showing its appreciation to its employees, granting 1,800 options to every employee who served more than 30 days of IDF reserve duty during the Swords of Iron War. HiBob’s CEO highlighted military service as … Continue reading →

On the Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) alternative winter break trip to Israel, 30 US students brought joy to kids at youth centers, worked on farms, raised funds for ADI Negev in their “Run for Inclusion”, and connected to the land … Continue reading →

For the last 14 years, the “The Lego Man” Maor Cohen (see here previously) has brought over 10,000 Lego sets to children with cancer. Since Oct. 7 he has taken on a new role: bringing Lego to injured Israeli soldiers. … Continue reading →

The Sderot-Ashkelon train line resumed operations for the first time since Oct 7 2023. The IDF has prepared for the line to reopen by deploying new technologies, physical defenses and surveillance capabilities costing NIS 40 million. https://www.timesofisrael.com/sderot-ashkelon-train-line-resumes-operations-for-first-time-since-october-7-attack/

A few days before Tu Bishvat (New Year for Trees) the five IDF female lookouts, who returned from Hamas captivity, planted olive trees at the entrance to Beilinson Hospital on the day they were discharged. The olive tree symbolizes stability, … Continue reading →