Israel Active

While carving a new road through Samaria, builders unexpectedly broke into a hidden, million-year-old underground world of breathtaking caves, rare formations, and unique life. It includes Israel’s deepest cave and a blind spider species.

On his 25th birthday, Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers, notched a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as his 9th-placed Portland Blazers beat 2nd-place San Antonio Spurs. Avdija won Western Conference’s Player of the Week.

Heavy rains from the latest weather system filled the limans and runoff basins across several areas of the northern and western Negev, creating major changes in the landscape.  

. The National Library of Israel is displaying a rare 14th-century manuscript of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah for the first time as part of its permanent exhibition. Copied in Provence between 1300 and 1350 C.E., it was later vividly illustrated by Italian artist Matteo di Ser Cambio.

Israel’s Talia Sommer signed for professional women’s soccer team Gotham FC and reportedly has become the first Israeli to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Sommer, born in New York, has played for Israel’s women’s national team.

Israel’s Alon Leichman, originally from Kibbutz Gezer, has been appointed pitching coach for US Major League Baseball team Colorado Rockies. He is now with family in Israel, celebrating his recent marriage. He speaks fluent Spanish – useful in MLB with so many Latino players.

After a long closure and renovation, one of the north’s most popular springs - Ein Shokek in the Valley of Springs - reopened to the public. It now has stroller-friendly access, a safety fence, child-friendly pools, and a shuttle service. Bring sandals, water bottles, a blanket to sit on, and trash bags.

Some interesting documentaries in the latest season of the Times of Israel’s Docu-Nation Series. The King of Borek (I love bourekas), Zelda (the poetess), and Imagine No Possessions (kibbutz).

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.