Wait for it
“The Genius of Israel”, Dan Senor and Saul Singer’s follow-up to their 2009 international bestseller “Start-Up Nation”, was written, edited, and ready for publication but the Oct 7 events put it on hold. Here is Bret Stephen’s review and despite the somewhat untimely title, be patient and uplifted.
New Israeli stamps
Latest (Dec 2023) issue of Israeli stamps includes Springs in Israel, Early wine industry in the Land of Israel, Israel-Guatemala 75 years of friendship, 75 years of printing Israeli stamps, and Israel’s national parks (Baram & Nimrod Fortress).
Where have all the flowers come from
A symbol of hope and renewal blossomed in the Re’im forest - new life in the form of autumn wildflowers. “See the regeneration of nature in one of the greatest disaster areas that the State of Israel has known,” said Amir Balaban, of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.
You’ll never walk alone with Azi
Israeli singer Azi Schwartz is cantor at a synagogue in New York. He was visiting wounded soldiers at Ichilov (Sourasky) Hospital in Tel Aviv where his sister is director of the psychiatric division. Azi gave an impromptu concert in a public area within the hospital where he sang some popular songs.
Magic
Alan Sakowitz has just completed 26 magic shows in Israel, entertaining displaced children and children of Israeli soldiers. He performed in Efrat, Kiryat Gat, Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem and Beitar, from Oct. 26 through Nov. 7. In Efrat, his audience exceeded 960 - nearly 9% of the total city’s population of 10,800.
Free trips for 130 kids and their families
130 children and their families were treated to free flights to Hungary, plus accommodation, to watch the Israeli national soccer team play Romania and Switzerland. It was organized by Yigal Nisell, COO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement. Sponsors included ISRAIR & Fattal.
Good sports
Israelis are still having success in sporting competitions. Israel’s Daniel Bluman won the Longines International Equestrian Federation Jumping World Cup in Toronto. Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Zorya Luhansk 3-1 in the UEFA league, and Israel advanced to Europe’s rugby super cup semi-finals.
Safe haven for birds
Thousands of cranes are arriving at Israel’s Hula Valley nature reserve in the north as they do every fall. They join flamingos, pelicans, and thousands of other birds which migrate through Israel - a vital stop on their journey from Europe to Africa.
Israeli-Arab teams’ silence for Oct 7 victims
Israeli soccer teams Umm Al Fahm and Kafr Qasim observed a 1-minute silence for the victims of Oct 7 prior to their match. “Wishing for better and beautiful days, for Arabs and Jews alike,” said a statement from Umm al-Fahm team owner Muhammad Abu Alam.
Judoka silvers
Israeli judokas were able to bring some pride to the nation last weekend as Gili Sharir and Raz Hershko both took home the silver medals while Inbar Lanir captured bronze at the European Championships held in Montpellier, France.