Author Archives: MichaelOrdman

48 war orphans celebrate

48 Israeli children who lost a parent serving in the IDF celebrated their coming of age in Jerusalem, in an event organized by the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization. It included a reception at the President’s Residence, where they were … Continue reading

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Rabbi’s wedding message

Former Israeli Chief Rabbi David Lau presided at the ceremony of Israeli female pop star Noa Kirel and Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. He likened their professions to the Levites’ temple duties: (Noa) singing and (Daniel) guarding the gate. Noa is the daughter … Continue reading

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Why Israel is thriving

Despite two years of existential war including against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Houthis, Israel’s GDP per capita is higher than Germany, the UK, Canada and France. It is 4th in life expectancy and 8th happiest. It doesn’t make sense … Continue reading

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Daffodils bloom for ex-hostages

In contrast to European daffodils, the Israeli variety comes into flower in the fall / autumn. As Israel welcomed home the last remaining hostages from Hamas captivity, nature joined in the celebration and the country was painted yellow. https://www.jns.org/wire/sign-of-the-times-autumn-daffodils-bloom-in-israels-northern-forests/

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Former hostage pops the question

Eliya Cohen proposed to his girlfriend Ziv Avud on a Tel Aviv hotel rooftop, eight months after his release from Gazan captivity. Before his kidnapping, Eliya had bought a ring and planned to propose. More than two years later, he … Continue reading

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Posters taken down

Posters of dozens of now-freed Israeli hostages that have lined Israel’s main international airport for nearly two years are being gradually removed by individual family members as they wish. https://www.jns.org/posters-of-freed-hostages-being-taken-down-at-israeli-airport/

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Hostages go on secret shopping trip

18 of the 20 recently released hostages and their families visited the Azrieli Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan for a three-hour shopping spree. They were given vouchers to all Fox Group stores, Food was provided by Landwer Café. The mall … Continue reading

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Flight of hope

The El Al pilot made an announcement on the flight bringing families of hostages back home to Israel from Amsterdam, ahead of the implementation of the hostage deal. The pilot congratulated them., saying, “It is a privilege to bring you … Continue reading

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Jerusalem – a city for all seasons

Signs on the Jerusalem streets warn citizens and visitors to prepare for winter. But as Sharon describes, it feels more like summer or late spring. She attended a religious wedding in the desert with the sun setting, where the bride … Continue reading

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Gold and silver Pickleball medals

At the Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Israel’s Adi Berman won Israel’s first international gold medal in the Over-35 Women’s Singles. She and Yaniv Semo won silver in the U35 Mixed Doubles 4.5 category. And team captain Adam Bachmann … Continue reading

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