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.
Golden young windsurfers
At the 2024 World Youth Windsurfing Championship in Spain, Israel’s Alba Klein won the Under 17 women category as did Itamar Levi in the Under 17 men’s. Also in the men’s category, David Aleshko won bronze. Both Alba and Itamar were designated world champions.
World champion fencer
Israel’s Yuval Freilich (see previously) won the Gold medal in the individual senior men's epee event at the 2024 Grade A World Cup in Vancouver, Canada.
Other jiu-jitsu world champions
In World jiu-jitsu championship where Israel’s Daniel Boaron won the U14, U48kg event (see previously) there were Israeli wins in the women’s events. Maya Behar (U63kg), May Daniel (U57 kg), Michal Baly (U52kg). In the Under 16 division, both Zohar Sela and Lia Shalev won gold.
Kevin Spacey visits Israel
US actor Kevin Spacey recently made a surprise trip to Israel. He visited the Gaza border communities, spoke to lone soldiers, and held a two-hour acting masterclass in Tel Aviv. He also met Knesset speaker Amir Ohana and visited wounded Israeli soldiers at Sheba Medical Center.