Israel Active

A set of rare and intricately designed bronze discs shaped like lion heads has been uncovered in central Israel. The 1,900-year-old artifacts are believed to have once adorned the carrying handles of a wooden coffin that has not survived. Lions symbolize strength, protection, and nobility.

It seems appropriate timing that, after vanquishing the Iranian regime, “We Will Dance Again,” a 90-mins documentary film about the Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival on Oct 7 2023, won “Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary” at the 46th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards. (page 26)

Basketball history was made when the Brooklyn Nets selected Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf with the 26th and 27th overall picks, respectively. It marks the first time two Israelis – or even two Jewish players – have ever been drafted by the same NBA team, in the same round.

The Israeli National Basketball Team is preparing for EuroBasket 2025. The Portland Trail Blazers star forward Deni Avdija headlines a 20-player roster, returning to the national team for the first time since EuroBasket 2022.  

In a rare archaeological find, a 1,700-year-old sarcophagus depicting a drinking game between Hercules and Dionysus, was discovered near the ancient city of Caesarea. Israel Antiquities Authority staff said the discovery “felt like something straight out of a movie”.

Israel’s Guy Sasson made history once again at Roland Garros, capturing his second consecutive Quad Wheelchair Singles title with a commanding 6-4, 7-5 victory over top-seeded Dutchman Niels Vink. A day earlier he had partnered Vink to win the doubles title.

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.