Israel Active

This year’s Jerusalem Arts week focuses on the events of Oct 7. Its theme is “The ark” - related to the biblical story of Noah, recounting a catastrophic flood where the aftermath leads to redemption and hope.

Dudu Fisher celebrates 50 years in music with a nationwide tour in in 14 different Israeli cities from Aug 27 to Nov 28. He says, “People need music in times like this, and the best way to give hope is through personal stories mixed with songs of faith and prayer.”

Yanky Fachler recommends a Thurs evening visit to Bnei Brak. There you can enjoy some of the best cholent in Israel. For the uninitiated, cholent is a savory slow-cooked stew prepared for Shabbat comprising meat, potatoes and beans. Many guided tours available.  

At the Eurovision song contest in May, Israel’s Eden Golan received maximum points from the Swedish televoters, but zero from the on-site Swedish jury. The Swedish people subsequently raised $20,000 to help fund some of the rebuilding of Kibbutz Nir Oz, destroyed on Oct 7.

Some videos of Ishay Ribo’s sell-out concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sep 15th.  Plenty more on the Internet – search for “Ishay Ribo live MSG 2024”

Despite rocket attacks in the North, construction on the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF – see previously) is advanced. Students are already enrolled in the first year, beginning in November.

New Israeli postage stamps have been issued featuring the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles) – etrog (citron), lulav (palm branch), hadasim (myrtle), aravot (willow); Ramat Gan Safari; Murals; YAMAM (National Counter-terror Unit); Paralympic Games; Animals from the Bible.

Israel’s Eden Golan, who came fifth singing “Hurricane” in May’s Eurovision Song Contest, has just had her summons to enlist in the IDF. She is likely to serve as a performer, showcasing her musical abilities for fellow soldiers as part of the military’s cadre of exceptional artists.

Six new exhibits opened on 1st Aug in the Haifa Museum of Art, all solo affairs featuring works by female artists. Meanwhile, Haifa’s Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art hosted a traveling exhibit and local presentations including one on the art of rolling sushi for soldiers on the frontlines.

Thanks to the Hecht Museum in Haifa. After 4-year-old Ariel Geller accidentally knocked over a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age jar, the museum invited him back to witness its restoration process firsthand. The jar was repaired using advanced 3D technology and high-resolution videos. Ariel even crafted a clay jar of his own.