Israel Active

The newly opened Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem resembles a bridge or a dove with outstretched wings, representing unity, dignity and respect among Jews and people of all faiths. The two temporary exhibitions are (a) on Oct 7 2023, and (b) “Documenting Israel: 75 Years of Vision.”

3-year-old Ziv Nitzan was hiking with her family at Tel Azeka near Beit Shemesh in central Israel, when she unearthed a Canaanite scarab amulet dating back 3,800 years. Tel Azeka is where David fought Goliath, as described in the Book of Samuel I  (17:1).

Marvel and DC comic book artist Michael Netzer is famous for drawing Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, etc. He has lived many lives – US-born to a Druze father and a secret Jewish mother, his journey included a Lebanese village, back to the USA, and Aliyah.  An amazing story.

Archaeologists have dated Egyptian pottery found at Megiddo in Northern Israel to the time of the Biblical battle where Egypt defeated the Judean King Josiah in 609 BCE. The battle was so vital that it was prophesized to become the site of Armageddon – the final battle at the end of days.

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija scored a season-high 36 points to fuel Portland Trail Blazers to a 128-109 victory over the Denver Nuggets. He became the first Blazers player since Damian Lillard to record at least 30 points, five rebounds and five assists in consecutive wins. Exciting video.

Israel’s Yarden Garzon plays for Indiana University’s women’s basketball team. Her specialty is scoring three-pointer field goals from long-distance. When she does this at home games, the announcer shouts “Shalosh Garzon” – Shalosh being Hebrew for “three”.  He has called it over 200 times.

Israel got off to a good start in the first qualifying round for the 2026 soccer World Cup, beating Estonia 2-1 in Hungary. Unfortunately they lost against Norway 4-2 in their next match. Norway’s opening goal was equalized by Israel’s Mohammad Abu Fani, which silenced the booing Norwegian fans.

Israeli chef Ran Shmueli has opened his second restaurant, Claro London, offering a Mediterranean dining experience with Middle Eastern influences. (non-kosher)

Two Israeli pizzerias were included in this year’s list of the 50 best pizzerias in the Asia-Pacific region (see previously). La Piedra, Jerusalem, rose to 37th from 39th in 2024 and Haifa’s NeoPolitan won 25th place and the New Entry of the Year award.

Nearly two years after it was announced (see previously) Israeli actress Gal Gadot was honored with the 2,804th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The unveiling (see 34th minute of the video) was enhanced 3 minutes later when the Israeli mother was joined by her husband and 4 children.