Israel Active

Israeli actress Gal Gadot will be awarded the 2026 Genesis Prize that honors Jewish contributions to humanity. She said she was humbled, and will donate her $1 million prize to organizations that will help Israelis heal, rebuild, and recover, after the Hamas terrorist attack of 7 Oct 2023.

Israel’s Deni Avdija scored 35 points for Portland Trail Blazers in their loss to the Detroit Pistons. His consolation was that he became the highest ever Israeli scorer in the NBA, surpassing Omri Caspi’s total of 4,642 points. He averages 25.8 points per game, ranked NBA 14th.

The Jerusalem Open Rapid Chess Championship drew 450 competitors from 38 countries, including some that typically avoid participating in Israeli events. The Museum of Tolerance was chosen as an awe-inspiring venue to bring people together.

From Dec 14-21, the Municipality of Jerusalem is holding a "Sweet JLM" Festival on Armon Hanatziv Promenade from 5pm to 10pm. It will feature stalls offering all kinds of sweets; a giant illuminated menorah; and a musical laser show over the skies of Jerusalem. Plus other events.

Israel’s Negev desert is becoming the new base of Israel’s film industry. It’s also being used as a tool to drive economic growth in Israel’s south. Many film makers are showing Israel in a good light, such as with “Fauda” and “Teheran”. And Israel’s relatively “small” desert makes filming more accessible.

The Lawfare Project joined a packed audience in Miami Beach for an exclusive screening of the acclaimed HBO Max series “One Day in October.” The event featured hostage survivor Omer Shemtov who was held in Hamas captivity for 505 days.

Jerusalem’s Botanical Garden hosts the 2025 Winter Dreams festival, the largest light sculpture exhibition in the world, until 30 Jan 2026. It comprises a multi-sensory experience (2 million colorful LED lights) , a culinary experience, giant displays, and a winter market.

Israelis won seven medals at the World Kickboxing Championships in Abu Dhabi. 26-year-old Yulia Sachkov won gold in the women’s 52kg event, while Osaid Gouda (75kg) and Yosef Aybazli won silver in the men’s events. Four other Israelis won bronze medals.

Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 121-119 win to inflict the first loss of the season for reigning NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder. Avdija scored 26 points, including a personal best 15 free throws. Portland came back from a 22-point half-time deficit.

Israeli windsurfer Daniela Peleg, 21, won her second straight iQFOiL European title in Palermo. Israel’s National anthem Hatikvah rang out over the water, sealing her place as one of the sport’s fiercest rising talents.