The World’s largest Vegan food festival
The Sarona complex in Tel Aviv is hosting Vegan Fest - the “world’s largest vegan festival” from June 6-7. 50,000 attendees are expected to sample vegan options from 100 food stalls. The free event features live performances, workshops, lectures and children’s entertainment.
Haredi woman wins Riga half-marathon
Beatie Deutsch from Jerusalem finished in first place in the Riga half-marathon in Latvia. Mother of five children, Deutsch began running only 3 years ago and is the first haredi person to win an international athletics competition. She is now training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The best site at the Buenos Aires Book Fair
Israel’s booth at the Buenos Aires Book Fair was awarded the prize for Best Site in the “Countries,” category at what is considered the most well-attended book fair in the Spanish-speaking world. At the booth, Israel’s Orcam donated a device that helps blind people read.
Jerusalem Prize is her greatest achievement
Acclaimed US author Joyce Carol Oates made her first-ever trip to Israel to receive the prestigious Jerusalem Prize. The author of 60 novels, winner of the National Book Award and five Pulitzer nominations, called the Jerusalem Prize “the high point” in her career.
The best restaurant in the US
Philadelphia eatery Zahav has won the James Beard Foundation award for outstanding US restaurant. Co-founded by Israeli-born chef Michael Solomonov, Zahav’s website describes it as “a modern Israeli restaurant that brings the authentic flavors of Israel’s cultural heritage to Philadelphia.”
An Israeli gold medal for ice-hockey
Israel’s national team won the gold medal in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship Division II Group B tournament held in Mexico City. Israel beat Mexico, New Zealand, Georgia, Iceland and North Korea and won promotion to Division 2A next year.
When camels fly – Eurovision’s venue
The Eurovision Song Contest, watched by 200 million TV viewers, will be held at Expo Tel Aviv. Expo’s logo is a flying camel – connecting the east (Levant) with innovation, entrepreneurship and advancement in the west. The symbol was designed for Tel Aviv’s 1934 Levant Fair.
Turning art into a moving experience
If you visit a Marriott Aloft hotel in the US, chances are that you will be attracted to a moving visual art display in the lobby. These videocasts have been installed by Israeli startup Niio from the curated digital art collections of 1,500 member artists, galleries, libraries and collectors.
Louvre partners Jerusalem museum
In their first joint venture, Jerusalem’s Bible Lands Museum has lent four rare artifacts to the Paris Louvre. They will be included in the Louvre’s exhibit “Forgotten Kingdoms: From the Hittite Empire to the Arameans,” from 2nd May until 12th August.
Linoy Ashram wins 2 gold and 2 bronze
At this year’s second Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Sofia, Israel’s Linoy Ashram won gold medals with the hoops and the clubs. She also won bronze medals in the ball and the ribbon events.