Using humor as a PR tool
23-year-old Yechiel Jacobs is a rising Instagram star who uses humor to discredit Israel-bashers. “People aren’t interested when they see a video about Israel, but I’m reaching a different group with videos that are funny - and everybody wants to laugh.” His videos also educate.
Poker tournament raises funds
Israeli-American Robbie Strazynski, founder of Cardplayer Lifestyle, hosted a $10,000 buy-in poker tournament that raised $140,000 for IDF widows and orphans. The event was spearheaded by the Shalem Fund, founded by tournament finalists Ory Weihs and Anna Meissner.
1,200 Jerusalem Street posts
Each week the Real Jerusalem Streets show what is happening in Jerusalem, Israel’s capital. There is much more than the conflict and protests that Mainstream media reports.
Exhibition of far-from-home cooking
Matan Choufan, of the Asif Culinary Institute of Israel (see ) is curator of Tel Aviv exhibition “The Open Kitchen: Memories From a Home Left Behind.”. It features stories and artifacts from Oct 7 2023 evacuees who continue to cook despite being displaced.
100 years of Franz Kafka
To mark 100 years since the passing of the Franz Kafka, the National Library of Israel is launching “Kafka: Metamorphosis of an Author,” a collection of Kafka’s letters, books, drawings and notebooks. In 2016 Israel’s Supreme Court designated Kafka’s archive an Israeli cultural asset.
Re-opening northern national parks
National parks and reserves in northern Israel have begun reopening to the public for the first time since Hezbollah rocket barrages forced their closure. Parks now open include Baram, Hula Reserve, Achziv, Yechiam, Tel Hazor, Nahal Amud Reserve, and Nimrod Fortress.
Rihanna gives birth again
Ramat Gan safari’s Rihanna is building a large family of rare white rhinos (see previously). Her fourth calf, a male, has been named “Re’i,” (“My friend” in Hebrew). He is the 34th rhino born in the Safari and weighs 50 kilos (110 pounds). He joins siblings Ruvi, Rami and Rainy Rafiki.
Stars and lights in Jerusalem
December began with new lights on the streets of Israel’s capital. They illuminated the President’s residence, Tower of David, Botanical Gardens, Museum of Tolerance, Friends of Zion museum, Talbiyeh’s Rose Garden, Mamilla Mall avenue, YMCA and more. Can’t wait for Chanukah!
Tel Aviv Jazz Festival
The second annual Tel Aviv-Jaffa Jazz Festival (Dec 12 – 14) included events at Beit Romano compound, including the central Teder Plaza, the Kissa jazz club, Matmon and Juanita Garden. Also acoustic performances at Park HaMesila and a jazz piano performance at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Toy Innovator of the year
Israel’s Yair Shilo was voted Toy Innovator of the Year 2024 at the 17th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards, in, Illinois USA. Power Saber, from Goliath Games and Nextoy, is the world’s first automatic retractable and extendable Star Wars light saber. It earlier won a Kidult award.