Israel Active

“UnReined,” is a new documentary about Israeli equestrian champion Nancy Zeitlin who made Aliya from San Diego in 1967.  As a riding instructor she worked with disadvantaged youth including Palestinian Arabs.  She still holds Israel’s equestrian high jump record.

Jerusalem’s Tower of David Museum, also known as the Citadel, is having a $40 million refurbishment while it is closed to tourists. It includes improved accessibility, a new visitor’s center and entrance, new galleries and an educational space. The site had half a million visitors in 2019.

“Returning to Nature,” is a new circular path containing 15 sculptures at Jerusalem’s Botanical Gardens. The contemporary art exhibition can also be experienced virtually.

From the roof of Tel Aviv’s Azrieli tower, Israel’s Firqat Alnoor orchestra of Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians performed the Emirati song “Ahebak” (“I Love You”) in tribute to the historic Israel-UAE peace treaty. The YouTube clip has had more than a quarter of a million views.

Ido Lewinsohn is only the second Israeli to graduate as a Master of Wine from the London-based Institute of Masters of Wine. It involved a 3-year study program, theory papers, blind-tasting tests and signing a code of conduct. Ido is head winemaker at Barkan - one of Israel’s largest wineries.

Israeli filmmaker (“On the Map”) Dani Menkin premiered his latest documentary about Aulcie Perry, the American Israeli basketball player who helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win the EuroLeague in 1977 and 1981. Aulcie converted to Judaism, rehabilitated from addiction and was finally reunited with his estranged daughter.

Israeli photographer Yossi Eshbol was "Highly Commended" for his entry to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. His photo entitled “Kids Game” captured the image of a Nubian ibex bravely jumping over a ravine in Mitzpe Ramon to reach its sibling on the other side.

During Israel’s lockdown, Sharon Altshul took some photos of a very peaceful capital city.  Next week it is expected to get a little busier as the lockdown eases.

The Israeli Opera has upgraded its website, to entertain fans at home. It has video on demand, opera games and puzzles, popular clips, full operas, duets, solos and stories. The sample video clip below is “Yihye Tov” (It will be good) - an appropriate title for this newsletter.

For those who love wildlife and have been deprived of it because of the pandemic lockdown, University of Haifa’s Dr. Motti Charter has set up a YouTube channel with live videos and recordings from cameras at Israel’s premier wildlife nature sites.