Israel Active

Israel’s multi-ethnic soccer team beat Estonia 3-1 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Tallin to move into second place in the table. Dan Biton scored two goals and Muhammed Abu Fani the 3rd. Israel’s captain Eli Dasa is the first captain of Israel to be of Ethiopian-Jewish origin.

Both Israel’s men and women had big wins in their first two qualifying round matches in the 2026 European Water Polo Championships. Israel’s men beat Switzerland 23-13 and then beat Bulgaria 16-9. The women beat Sweden 22-8 and then Slovakia 21-11.

A whale shark – the largest fish in the world, and an endangered species – was spotted off the Eilat coast in what appears to be its annual visit to Israel (see previously).  Whale sharks grow to over 18 meters in length, weigh 15 tons on average, and are believed to live for over a century.

Cherry picking in kibbutz Kfar Etzion, just 45 minutes from Tel Aviv, is a rare opportunity to pick premium cherries. The kibbutz also hosts a fun festival for kids, a forest pool, a 400-meter zipline, wine tours, and even igloo accommodations.  See article for other attractions in the same area.

After nine days of events in Jerusalem, the 64th Israel Festival will follow up with four days in the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights, and then three in the Western Negev. Its unique mix of performance art and music, theater and dance will reflect the perspective of the country’s current circumstances.

US singer Art Garfunkel (now 83), of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel, performed at Yarkon Park Tel Aviv in the first visit by a major international artist to Israel since Oct 7 2023. His songs included “The Sound of Silence,” “The Boxer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” (in 2025 at 83 in Tel Aviv) (in 2015 at 73 in Tel Aviv)

Young Israeli chess champion Noam Sasson (11) (see previously) won the 4th international U20 tournament in Vigevano, Italy. 161 participants from 7 countries competed.

This satirical reimagining of Dr. Seuss’ classic, “Horton Hears a Who”, tells the story of a people who refuse to be erased - delivered with gravitas, heart, and a touch of Seussian sass by Eylon Levy and Israel’s Spokeskid, 10-year-old Independence Day torch-lighter Ben Carasso.

Israelis won gold at the Wheel Gymnastics World Championships in Leipzig. Mei Shibi won the Formula 3 Championship race at Varano, Italy. Aya Vainer (13) won the motocross race in Catalunya, Spain. Plus European medals in artistic swimming (bronze) and junior rhythmic gymnastics (silver).

The week before Jerusalem Day was packed with events. The World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem for the first time in 19 years. The Codices of Damascus – 12 ancient illuminated Bibles at the National Library. And Yakir Yerushalayim awards to 12 Jerusalem seniors.