Israel Active

Voices from over 70 countries united in song to inspire hope and promote peace through a new rendition of Hatikvah.  Global Hatikvah is a collaborative project with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic, and the Canadian Friends of the Israel Philharmonic.

The Jerusalem International Writers Festival, (May 27-30) will feature acclaimed American novelist, John Irving, the author of The World According to Garp. Irving said in a statement released by the festival, “I first came to Israel in April 1981. I was pro-Israel then; I’m no less pro-Israeli now.”

Yisrael Rosenberg worked in high tech in the US until he made Aliyah. He now is an attendant at the Kotel (Western Wall in Jerusalem). His book “Only Good Tidings - Consoling Prophecies from the Bible” (if you can find it) links Biblical prophecies to modern times. Also look for Joel C Rosenberg.

Israel’s Eurovision Song Contest entry “Hurricane”, sung by Eden Golan, achieved an overall fifth place. In the global public vote, it came second.  Eden herself was a great advocate for Israel. You can watch her receive the “Hero Award” at the United Hatzalah NYC Gala on June 4.

Israel’s Asaf Yasur (see previously) won gold at the European Para-Taekwondo championships. Gefen Primo (see previously) won gold at the judo Grand Slam event in Kazakhstan.

Israeli national soccer team goalkeeper Daniel Peretz made his debut for Bayern Munich. It was the eve of Israel's Memorial Day, and Daniel paid tribute to Israel's fallen soldiers and the victims of terrorism. It was emotional to see an Israeli Jew help the German champions to a 2-0 win.

The Third Jerusalem Harmonica Festival is being held May 29 and 30 at Jerusalem’s Harmony Cultural Center.

Jerusalem’s first Beatles Festival takes place on May 30 at the Kfar Shaul hospital in Givat Shaul, near Har Nof. Beatles bands from all over Israel will perform the Fab Four’s famous hits.

Experience the vibrancy of the 6th annual Tel Aviv New Orleans Jazz Festival (May 30 - June 1) at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Jazz artists from New Orleans, London, Amsterdam, Paris, & Berlin will perform alongside local talents, in a range of styles from Ragtime to Blues and Dixie.

Tel Aviv’s annual DocAviv documentary film festival is celebrating its 26th year and running May 23 through June 1 at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque and other movie theaters around the city. The event offers a week of screenings of works from Israel and around the world.