Israel Active

A rare ocean sunfish (Mola Mola) was spotted in the Gulf of Eilat in Israel’s Red Sea, an unusual sighting that highlights the extraordinary marine life thriving beneath the country’s waters.

The beautiful biblical mosaics discovered in the ancient Jewish village of Huqoq (see previously) can now be seen more widely. A new exhibition “Secrets of Huqoq” has opened at the Yigal Allon Center Museum in Kibbutz Ginosar on the western shore of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

At the unique sold-out GFN (Gordon Fight Night) in Tel Aviv, Israel’s Ahavat Hashem Gordon defeated John Lineker in the main event. His brothers also won: Ruach Hashem Gordon beat Moldovan Maximus Bejenuta at Muay Thai kickboxing, while Kibedy Gordon beat Jose Alberto Quinonez at MMA.

Israel's jiu-jitsu team capped the Junior World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Abu Dhabi winning 13 medals, including four gold medals, and finishing second in the overall medal table. Watch 16-year-old Mila Ben David win her gold medal and sing Hatikvah.

Israel’s under-18 women’s basketball team won gold at the European Group B Championship in Romania. Israeli paralympian  Guy Sasson and his Dutch teammate, Niels Vink won the Wimbledon quad (wheelchair) doubles crown. And Ariel Shulman won the U-60kg judoka European Open.

British pop icon Boy George has released a single, “Od Nirkod - We Will Dance Again”. It defends Israel’s military response in Gaza, criticizes musicians and activists who have publicly supported the Palestinian cause and declares, “If you’re ever confused: I stand with the Jews.”

It may not be in Israel, but Raz Shabtai’s Mutra in North Miami is the first Israeli-run restaurant in the world to be awarded the coveted Michelin star.

Israel’s Eurovision 2026 singer Noam Bettan wrapped himself in tefillin (philatelies) and prayed before his Eurovision performance. Noam came second to Bulgaria in the final competition singing “Michelle”. It was a great result as Israel does not need the trouble and expense of hosting next year’s event.

Israeli rhythmic gymnastics team won gold at the World Cup in the all-around competition and the five-balls routine in Baku, Azerbaijan. Daniela Munits won gold medals in both the Cross Battle competition and the clubs final. The Israelis also won a silver medal and two golds.

More than 1,000 residents attended the Ishay Ribo concert that opened the Talmidim Amphitheater, a new venue in the Binyamin Region. Tickets were sold out within two hours. The venue is planned to be expanded to accommodate up to 3,000 spectators.