Israel Active

Five Jerusalem venues will host the inaugural Jerusalem Biennale, a six-week contemporary art festival that seeks to combine the best in Jewish and contemporary art. More than 50 artists share a single goal: To show that Jewish art reaches far beyond Kiddush cups and menorahs.

The 15th-century fresco “The Annunciation of San Martino alla Scala” is now on display in Jerusalem. Regarding earlier rumors that the 130 kg Italian masterpiece might be withdrawn from exhibition, Israel Museum director James Snyder said to the media, “don’t always believe what you read”.

Two conjoined abandoned Ottoman palaces in Acre have been reconstructed and converted into a beautiful boutique hotel. The Efendi Hotel even has a Turkish bathhouse.

Maestro conductor Dr Zubin Mehta received the honor for his “contribution to the betterment of Israel and the entire world with the magic of music”. Israel’s Nobel Prize laureate Dan Shechtman conducted the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra as Dr Mehta was escorted in.

Trains no longer run through to the Old railway station in Jerusalem, but the reconstructed Ottoman buildings are a center for tourists and residents, young and old.

Creative Community For Peace supports all the artists and entertainers who visit the Jewish State and refuse to be intimidated by BDS campaigns. Thanks to Rihanna, Jose Feliciano, Earthdance Zion (due here soon) and to all those who have performed here recently.

A new website promises to deliver the works of artists such as Yaacov Agam, Marc Chagall, Yosl Bergner, Reuven Rubin and Joseph Zaritsky, straight to your living room or office, anywhere in the world. I am not advertising the site, but it does give the opportunity to view some wonderful paintings.

(Thanks to Size Doesn’t Matter and Ynet) At the opening of the Israel festival in Budapest, hundreds of Hungarians tucked into the biggest plate of hummus ever to be seen in Hungary. The Israeli market contained produce, exhibitions and tourist information.

The cornerstone has been laid for Eilat’s new international sports complex. In the near future, sports teams from Europe will be able to come for training in Eilat during the winter. The complex will include a football stadium, five training fields, basketball hall, gym and spa.

(Thanks to Size Doesn’t Matter and Ynet) Scottish soccer champions Celtic have signed Israeli midfielder Nir Biton from FC Ashdod. The 21-year-old joins fellow countryman, Beram Kayal. Celtic said that the club was "delighted" to have signed the “talented Israeli” on a 4-year contract.