Israel Active

(Thanks to Israel21c) For the 7th year running, an Israeli team of sixth-graders came top at the MindLab Olympics – a “thinking games” competition for children from 10 countries. The Israelis ranked No. 1 in both individual and team play at Abalone, Quoridor, checkers and Octi.

Israel’s 27-person team has a good chance of bringing back medals from the London 2012 Olympics. Maybe, we could even hear “Hatikvah” played.

(Thanks to Israel21c) Israel’s Olympic and Paralympic teams had a gala send-off at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The 38 Olympians and 25 Paralympians began spontaneously to sing the song “All the world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid.”

(Thanks to NoCamels) Israeli Startup Groovideo’s application and web based service allows you and your friends to produce different clips for the same film simultaneously in easy steps. You upload all the clips and Groovideo combines all the segments into one final video.

Israel’s Jinny is a discovery engine for your TV. It suggests programs that match your taste and mood. It has now teamed up with Swisscom for integration into On Demand and live TV.

(Thanks to Israel21c) Until a crippling motorcycle accident in 1999, Israeli high-tech exec Nati Gruberg was a paunchy couch potato. He jokes that he barely lifted a finger. In August, he’ll be one of three Israeli handcyclists heading to the London Paralympic Games.

In its third year, the Jerusalem Season of Culture is being billed as “a summer showcase of the city’s contemporary cultural treasures.” The happenings, which take place at various venues throughout the city, include dance, music, poetry, philosophy, visual arts and new media.

Guns and Roses lead guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal gave a solo rendition of Israel’s national anthem “Hatikva” to 10,000 fans in Yarkon Park, Tel Aviv.

Israel's Voca People wows audiences all over the globe with its unique “extra-terrestrial” blend of a cappella music and comedy. This new video clip features some of their music, plus an interview with co-founder and director Lior Kalfo.

The 15th International Puppet Theater & Film Festival takes place from July 19th –28th in Holon. It hosts about 30 performances by resident and international artists, conferences, exhibitions, a street parade and workshops for professionals and amateurs based on a wide range of puppeteer techniques.