Israel Active

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has many upcoming concerts. E.g., on Apr 16 an evening of well-loved tunes from movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, A Fistful of Dollars, Shaft, A Clockwork Orange, The Wizard of Oz and a medley from the James Bond films.

The Tel Aviv Opera stages a mesmerizing rendition of “Orfeo ed Euridice,” on Apr 16 (eve) and Apr 19 (matinee). See events calendar for other performances including for children during Passover.

When the National Library of Israel (NLI) moved to its new building, it discovered priceless artifacts that had been languishing in boxes in the basement of the old library building for decades. The Seattle-based Samis Foundation has given $1 million to catalog and digitize them.

Rap singer Matisyahu uplifted the spirits of the crowd at Jerusalem’s Zappa at the Lab. The eclectic musician entertained his secular and religious fans for two hours with his 20 years of hits.  From his recent “Ascent” memorial to the Supernova victims, to his 2009 hit “One Day”.

The photos of Jerusalem’s Purim Parade by the Real Jerusalem Streets are far more interesting than those published last week.  The costumes of many of the spectators also deserve much praise.

Jaffa’s Drisco boutique hotel, and its onsite (non-kosher) top Middle East restaurant, George & John, are the first Israeli establishments to be admitted to the Relais & Châteaux association. The Drisco once hosted Mark Twain, fell into disrepair, now refurbished in the American Colony.

Peer Syed Mudassir Nazar Shah launched his new book, “Whispers in The Stones, A Sufi’s Quest Through Time” via Zoom at Jerusalem’s Center for Public Affairs research institute. It is about holy sites in Pakistan and includes a chapter on Pakistan’s Jewish history.

An in-depth description of the renovated Tower of David in Jerusalem. It includes a video (see 2nd link) of how modern Israeli archaeologists use the latest technology to date the various sections of the tower, compared to the techniques used during the British Mandate.

There are currently some interesting exhibits and lectures at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Shekels true or false (ends Apr 30); a VR tour of Aleppo’s Great Synagogue. Roman Road in the Desert; The lost album of Yemenite photos;

Israel Premier - Tech cycling team continued its success at the Tour de Taiwan. After winning the first stage last week (see previously) it won the overall team event after clinching the 5th and final stage in Kaohsiung City. The team’s 13th win of the year already beats 2023.