Israel Active

Superstar Madonna has arrived in Israel to start her 2012 world tour with a concert in Tel Aviv.

Following Israel’s success at the Euro swimming championships, Israelis also won gold in windsurfing (Shahar Zubari), judoka (Alice Schlesinger) and archery (Guy Matzk). Gymnast Alex Shatilov won bronze at the European championships in France.

The days surrounding the Jewish festival of Shavuot (Pentacost) are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the weather and explore on foot. Here are five suggested locations.

(thanks to Israel21c) The venerable touring jugglers/ball handlers glided into Israel last week for three shows – two in Tel Aviv and one in Jerusalem. They displayed some amazing magician-ship with the ball, tons of laughs, incredible baskets, and good, clean fun.

Israeli swimmer Jonathan Koplev won gold and Guy Barnea won bronze in the 50 meters backstroke at the Euro 2012 European Swimming Championships. Meanwhile, Israeli swimmer Yakov Toumarkin captured the bronze medal in the men’s 100-meter backstroke.

Israel is hosting several United States television stars as part of an initiative to show the world the real Israel. They include Omar Epps (House); Mekhi Phifer (formerly on ER); Holly Robinson Peete (21 Jump Street); Anna Lynne McCord (Nip/Tuck) and Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds).

Morrissey will give a concert at Tel Aviv’s Bitan 1 club on July 21st 2012. He last performed in 2008. Morrissey was the lead singer of 1980?s group, The Smiths and has since had a successful 25-year solo career.

In the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Israel and South Korea, Jerusalem audiences will soon be treated to a unique Korean cultural and musical experience in the comedic stage show NANTA. Kitchen items are turned into percussion instruments to prepare for a wedding banquet.

The 51st Israel Festival (May 23 to June 14) in Jerusalem features 31 different events in dance, theatre, jazz, classical, Israeli and world music. Twelve countries, including Japan, the Czech Republic and China are sending some of their best acts to the event.

The annual Fresh Paint Tel Aviv Art Fair hosts 30,000 visitors each year and presents works by leading contemporary galleries and independent artists, making it one of Israel’s largest and most influential contemporary art events.