Israel Active

Tel Aviv’s Namal (port) farmers’ market hosted the first ever Candy Festival. The exotic delicacies comprised mostly hand-crafted treats made with local ingredients.

When an Israeli appeared on Britain’s got talent, his unique musical performance impressed all four judges and got a big hand (or two) from the delighted audience.

There have been many rumors in the past, but it is now quite likely that pop star and actress Jennifer Lopez will make her Israeli debut at Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on August 1. J.Lo’s show is part of her “It’s My Party” world tour, a 25-show engagement beginning on June 7.

Israel’s annual “Almost Cut My Hair” festival commemorates the Woodstock festival at Bethel New York in 1969, known as the greatest musical event ever.  Hundreds of Israelis pitched tents in the Arava desert to hear original Woodstock tributes plus new Israeli talented artists.

Israeli striker Tomer Hemed as he scored twice to help his UK soccer team QPR thrash rivals Swansea City 4-0 and move them up the Championship league table.

Madonna will perform live at the Eurovision grand finale in Tel Aviv on May 18. She will arrive with a 65-person staff, including dozens of backup dancers. The cost of bringing the international superstar to Israel will be covered by Israeli-Canadian billionaire philanthropist Sylvan Adams.

73-year-old Israeli Isaak Hayik has just set a new world record as the oldest person to play in a professional soccer match. Hayik was goalkeeper for Ironi Or Yehuda and made some good saves despite his team’s 5-1 defeat to Maccabi Ramat Gan.

I reported previously when Rihanna the rhino had her first calf at Ramat Gan safari.  Her second has just been born and has been named Rainy-Rafiki. Rafiki means “friend” in Swahili. “Rainy”, because of Israel’s good rains. She is the 32nd rhino to be born at Ramat Gan – a European record.

Artist and sculptor Chen Winkler served for 30 years as a major-general in the IDF reserves. He has prepared an exhibit in appreciation for the exceptional service of all IDF reservists. It can be seen until 28th April at the Amiad Gallery in the Jaffa Marketplace - free of charge.

Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, was played in Doha, Qatar after Israeli gymnast Alexander Shatilov won the gold medal for the floor exercise during the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series. The Arab nation has no diplomatic relations with Israel.