Israel Active

Israeli swimmers won gold medals in three events at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade. Anastasia Gorbenko won three medals – the 400m individual medley and as a member of the Israel teams that won the women’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay team and the mixed 400m relay.

Israeli Mixed Martial Arts fighter Shimon Smotritzky won by a knockout in his top-billing fight in Houston, Texas. He took the opportunity to raise awareness for the plight of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and held in Gaza.

Israel’s Shelley Potikha was runner-up in the Girls Under 11 section of the 2024 European School Chess Championship in Limerick, Ireland.

If you plan to holiday in Eilat this year, why not go and see nearby Tiimna Park. It combines desert views, geological wonders, and ancient history. Take a day trip from Eilat or go glamping.  Enjoy hikes, cycling, rock climbing, and boating in Timna lake or just admire the scenery.

The interior walls of the new National Library of Israel form the largest fabric wall sculpture in Israel. The 565 square meter display by artist Gali Cnaani mimic the library’s exterior stone walls. The many horizontal and vertical lines hint at piles of books.

The Streets of Jerusalem were full of crowds celebrating Jerusalem Day. They were followed by an exhibition of colorful quilts at the Jerusalem Theater. Then we entered the lead up to the Jewish festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) and its delicious tradition of eating cheesecake.

Israel’s Roy Dror won the Croatian Grand Prix leg of the European Archery Championships. He had a perfect 10.10.10 (3 bullseyes) in the final.

Israel won the silver medal behind Italy in the team half marathon event at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. Maru Teferi (fourth place), Gashau Ayale (seventh), and Girmaw Amare (ninth) all finished in the top ten. All three have already qualified for the Paris Olympics.

Guy Sasson (see previously) went one better than his runner-up medal at the Australian Open in Feb. He has just become the first Israeli to win a Grand Slam event with his victory in the Quad Wheelchair category at Roland Garros. He was also runner-up in the doubles event.

Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood ignored threats by BDS supporters against Israel when he released an album with Israeli Mizrahi singer Dudu Tassa last year titled “Jarak Qaribak,” featuring musicians from across the Middle East. He performed with Tassa in Israel in May.