Israel Active

Fans of ex-Beatles drummer Ringo Starr have been so enthusiastic, his 23th June Tel Aviv concert sold out. So, he’s doing another performance on 24th June. Ringo and his All-Starr Band are coming to Israel for the first time ever, as part of their “Give More Love” world tour.

Shakira, the world-famous Latina singer, will perform in Tel Aviv in July - her first ever concert in Israel. I reported on Shakira previously when she visited a joint Jewish-Arab school in Jerusalem in her role as UK Goodwill Ambassador.

Here is a selection of some of the most important and beautiful Yom Ha’atzmaut posters issued over the past 70 years - taken from Israel’s State Archive.  They present a moment in Israel’s history: concerns and achievements during the past year, as well as hopes and goals for the coming one.

David Wanetick has written and published a new book about Israeli technological prowess, “Solution Nation: One Nation is Disproportionately Responding to the World’s Most Intractable Problems”. It analyzes 62 emerging Israeli companies, all of which are developing solutions to life-threatening problems.

In WW2, famous Italian cyclist Gino Bartali used his bicycle frame to smuggle forged documents, saving 800 Jews from death. His bravery made him a hero and inspired the Giro d’Italia 2018 to begin in Israel - the first time the race has opened outside Europe. Great video.

At the European Judo Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel’s Sagi Muki won gold in the 73–81 kg division. Israelis Tal Flicker (under-66 kg) and Peter Paltchik (under-100kg) won bronze, whilst Gefen Primo won a bronze medal in the women’s under-52 kg category.

I reported previously on the new film "Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel" showing in the US. Now, the Israel Association of Baseball (IAB) is screening the film on May 7 in Ra'anana and on May 16 in Tel Aviv. All proceeds go to the Team Israel Olympics 2020 effort.

Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho Gaucho has launched the Ronaldinho Soccer Academy, a football school in Jerusalem for Israelis aged 6 to 16. “I am very excited to help Israeli children of all faiths raise their game to the highest levels,” Ronaldinho said during a news conference.

Just before his 21st birthday, Tel Aviv-born T.J. Leaf became the first Israeli national to play in the NBA playoffs. The Indiana Pacers put him on court for the final three minutes of their 121-87 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I reported previously about Israel’s blind golfer Zohar Sharon. Six-time world champion Zohar has just won the ISPS Handa 2018 US Blind Golf Open in Green Valley, Arizona. Meanwhile shooting Paralympian Yulia Chernoy won bronze at the 2018 World Shooting Para Sport Grand Prix in Szczecin, Poland.