Updating the Tower of David
Excavations at Jerusalem’s Tower of David have revealed a 13th century inscription, redating at least part of the citadel. Cutting-edge methodology is used to date each of its walls, which span from the reign of the 8th century BCE Biblical King Hezekiah to the 16th century CE Ottomans.
Tour Jerusalem on a treadmill
Three Jerusalem-based travel professionals have developed a virtual treadmill program called Running Around Jerusalem (RAJ). The free 30-minute YouTube videos allow anyone exercising on a treadmill to simulate running through Jerusalem. Two running “buddies” explain the sites.
Gal Gadot is MTV’s first “She-Ro”
Israeli “Wonder Woman” actress Gal Gadot won the first “She-Ro” in film history award at the MTV Movie & TV Awards: Greatest of All Time (GOAT) awards ceremony.
Israeli wins European gymnastics gold
Israeli gymnast Artem Dolgopyat made history after winning the gold medal in the floor exercise at the 2020 European Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Turkey. He also won the bronze in the vault. In addition, Israel’s Alexander Myakinin won the bronze medal on the high bar.
European medals at Taekwondo
Israel’s Emuna Samuels was runner-up in the over 59kg category at the 2020 European Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Bosnia. Also (not publicized) Israel’s Ariel Vigdor won Gold in the under 37kg category at the same event.
Boy George records duet with Israeli singer
UK pop star Boy George (Culture Club) streamed his new single "Rainbow in the Dark", recorded in English & Hebrew with Israeli performer Asaf Goren. Boy George said, “I look forward to being in Israel sometime soon and playing live. Shalom, peace and love."
The Abu Dhabi donut
The bakers at Jerusalem’s Café Kadosh have devised the Abu Dhabi donut, “to appreciate the peace process”. Filled with cream made from dates shipped by the UAE’s Jewish community, it has a nougat crown topped with an edible gold leaf and sells for 22 shekels.
Imagine – John Lennon sang about Jerusalem
On the 40th anniversary of his death, a recording has surfaced of ex-Beatle John Lennon. He is singing in Hebrew, “Jerusalem, we have all sworn for eternity, we will not abandon you from here and forever”. Although an anti-religionist, he did claim to have a spiritual side.
NASCAR record win & championship
Israeli NASCAR driver Alon Day has won the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Championship for the 3rd time in 4 years. He won a record 23 races this season with two still to go. Day is looking for a partnership so he can compete in NASCAR’s premier division, the Cup Series, in 2021.
New role for Israel’s wonder woman
Israeli actress Gal Gadot (reported previously) is to play a James Bond type super spy in the upcoming movie Heart of Stone. Meanwhile, her latest acclaimed movie Wonder Woman 1984 is now to be released on Dec 25 on the HBO Max live streaming service.