Israel Active

Israel’s Talia Sommer signed for professional women’s soccer team Gotham FC and reportedly has become the first Israeli to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Sommer, born in New York, has played for Israel’s women’s national team.

Israel’s Alon Leichman, originally from Kibbutz Gezer, has been appointed pitching coach for US Major League Baseball team Colorado Rockies. He is now with family in Israel, celebrating his recent marriage. He speaks fluent Spanish – useful in MLB with so many Latino players.

After a long closure and renovation, one of the north’s most popular springs - Ein Shokek in the Valley of Springs - reopened to the public. It now has stroller-friendly access, a safety fence, child-friendly pools, and a shuttle service. Bring sandals, water bottles, a blanket to sit on, and trash bags.

Some interesting documentaries in the latest season of the Times of Israel’s Docu-Nation Series. The King of Borek (I love bourekas), Zelda (the poetess), and Imagine No Possessions (kibbutz).

Israeli actress Gal Gadot will be awarded the 2026 Genesis Prize that honors Jewish contributions to humanity. She said she was humbled, and will donate her $1 million prize to organizations that will help Israelis heal, rebuild, and recover, after the Hamas terrorist attack of 7 Oct 2023.

Israel’s Deni Avdija scored 35 points for Portland Trail Blazers in their loss to the Detroit Pistons. His consolation was that he became the highest ever Israeli scorer in the NBA, surpassing Omri Caspi’s total of 4,642 points. He averages 25.8 points per game, ranked NBA 14th.

The Jerusalem Open Rapid Chess Championship drew 450 competitors from 38 countries, including some that typically avoid participating in Israeli events. The Museum of Tolerance was chosen as an awe-inspiring venue to bring people together.

From Dec 14-21, the Municipality of Jerusalem is holding a "Sweet JLM" Festival on Armon Hanatziv Promenade from 5pm to 10pm. It will feature stalls offering all kinds of sweets; a giant illuminated menorah; and a musical laser show over the skies of Jerusalem. Plus other events.

Israel’s Negev desert is becoming the new base of Israel’s film industry. It’s also being used as a tool to drive economic growth in Israel’s south. Many film makers are showing Israel in a good light, such as with “Fauda” and “Teheran”. And Israel’s relatively “small” desert makes filming more accessible.

The Lawfare Project joined a packed audience in Miami Beach for an exclusive screening of the acclaimed HBO Max series “One Day in October.” The event featured hostage survivor Omer Shemtov who was held in Hamas captivity for 505 days.