Special In Uniform’s 500th show

The Special in Uniform Band of the Israel Defense Forces rocked the popular Zappa Club in Tel Aviv with their 500th performance in less than two years. The band’s upbeat concert, comprising IDF soldiers with special needs, had the audience on its feet for most of the evening.

Israel comes 3rd in U20 World Soccer Cup

The Israeli team beat Korea 3:1 to finish third in the U20 World Soccer Cup. Their amazing run of last-minute victories (see previously) came to an end in the semi-finals with a narrow 1:0 defeat by Uruguay.

The youngest Israeli to conquer Everest

Israel’s Aviad Sido, 26, became the youngest Israeli to ascend Mount Everest. The former IDF special forces commander compared the journey to life itself, filled with sadness, determination, courage, tragedy, and the hope of starting anew.

Has Israel’s celebrity seal made Aliyah?

Yulia, the extremely rare and endangered Mediterranean monk seal, reported previously, has been spotted recently again ashore in Rishon LeZion, despite leading marine biologists’ predictions that she would not return. She seems quite happy to visit Israel regularly.

Isn’t Good News newsworthy?

Interesting article about the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report. It highlights that Israel’s rise from 11th happiest to 9th, to 4th in three years was ignored by the Mainstream Media. Apparently only bad news about Israel interests them.  More reasons to keep reading this newsletter!

The most expensive Bible

Alfred Moses explains why he bought the Sassoon Codex Bible for $38.1 million and donated it to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Two Israeli photographers reach “the heavens”

The works of Israelis Leo Shatz and Kfir Simon are included in “Astronomy Photographers of The Year 2022,” an exhibition of 32 award-winning photos and others from the 14th Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest by the Royal Museums in Greenwich, UK.

Tower of David Museum opens

After years of planning and renovations, the new Tower of David Museum has just opened in Jerusalem. With accessibility ramps, elevators to the historic fortress, reservoirs, tunnels, 10 galleries, scale models, digital tools, films, touch-control history wall, interactive games for children, and more.

European Gymnastics champions

Israel’s women’s rhythmic gymnastics team won a gold medal in the 5 hoops event at the European Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.  They also won 3 silver medals.

Better results

Israel beat Japan 2-1 in the last minutes of their last group match to qualify for the knockout stages of the Under 20 World Cup in Argentina. They then beat Asian Cup champions Uzbekistan in injury time of their next game, to reach the quarterfinals where they beat favorites Brazil in extra time!