Israel Active

The annual Jerusalem Marathon attracted a record 40,000 participants including some 4,600 from 80 countries. The route passed the Old City walls, Sultan’s Pool, Mount Zion, the German Colony, Ammunition Hill, Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives.

Israeli judokas won two gold medals and a bronze at the Grand Slam in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Gili Cohen won the women’s under-52kg category. Meanwhile, Sagi Muki won the men’s under-81kg category, beating former world champion Nagase Takanori of Japan.  Overall, Israel finished second to Russia.  

The fancy dress outfits for the Purim festival in Israel keep getting more sophisticated every year.

Time Out Magazine surveyed 34,000 city-dwellers and ranked Tel Aviv as the best city in the Middle East and the 21st best in the world. City gradings included food, drink, culture, nightlife, community, neighborhoods, overall happiness, beauty, affordability and convenience.

On receiving his official Israel identity card in a ceremony at Israel’s Interior Ministry, former NBA star Amare Stoudemire said, “It’s a very exciting moment for me … my love for Israel has been with me for many years and being part of Israel is something very special”.

Kobi Marimi will sing the ballad “Home” in the Eurovision Song Contest finals in Tel Aviv on 18th May. 2,000 tickets for the show sold out online in 10 minutes. Volunteers are being trained to welcome 10,000 expected visitors.

In the Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, Beta Israel Village performs two functions. Firstly, to help the older generation of Ethiopian Israelis find their way in a new country. Secondly, to connect the younger generation to their heritage and to make them proud of their roots.

Israeli rhythmic gymnast Linoy Ashram won three gold medals at the Grand Prix Marbella in Spain, coming top in the hoop, clubs, and ribbons competitions.  She is now a favorite to win a medal in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Israel’s “special” Shalva Band had to withdraw from the Eurovision competition but will instead perform during the interval at the second semi-final.  The band will also perform at the official state ceremony on Israel’s Independence Day on Mount Herzl.

Officially, Israel has only ever won one gold medal – Gal Fridman won it for the men’s sailboard at the 2004 Athens Olympics.  Few know about Ágnes Keleti who now lives in Herzliya. She won ten Olympic medals including five golds. At the time, however, she competed for Hungary.