Ofra Haza is one of the best singers ever
Israel’s Ofra Haza, who passed away in 2000, was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the best 200 singers of all time. It called her “The Madonna of the Middle East.” (But not “Israeli”) The Youtube is her rendition of “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav”.
Judoka gold in Jerusalem
Israeli judoka Baruch Shmailov won the 66kg men’s gold medal at the Judo Masters tournament in Jerusalem, defeating French contestant Daikii Bouba in the finals. The tournament is the 3rd most important competition in judo, after the Olympics and the World Judo Championships.
Ravel, Berlioz, Bizet
On Jan 11 the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra promises a wonderful evening with conductor Yves Abel and mezzo soprano Rachel Frenkel featuring Le Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel, Les Nuits d’été by Berlioz and Symphony in C by Bizet. Discounted tickets via the Nefesh b’Nefesh website.
Jewish women of consequence
A series of free Zoom lectures by Prof. Moshe Rosman of Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, highlighting the lives of four Jewish women who lived in the early modern period (16th-18th centuries). On Jan 8, 15 and 22. Registration required.
Things to do in Israel in January
In Israel’s coolest month, Tourist Israel recommends visiting Eilat. January events include the Tel Aviv Power Africa Expo, and the Israman triathlon in Eilat.
Puppet show for children in Serbia
Recent celebrations marked 30 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Serbia. They included a performance at the International Festival of Children’s Theatres in Subotica of the play “Up and Down Story” by the Israeli Koom-Koom Theater.
Dancing in Spain and Mexico
Israeli dancers have recently been entertaining audiences in Spain and Mexico. Israeli choreographer Sharon Friedman presented two works in the “Espacio Espiral, in Santander. Meanwhile, Israel’s Kamea dance company toured Mexico to celebrate the 70th anniversary of joint diplomatic relations.
Israeli cycling team returns to Tour de France
The Israel – Premier Tech (IPT) cycling team has been selected to compete again in the Tour de France. IPT was one of only six teams to achieve two Stage wins last year. IPT owner Sylvan Adams said that his team was looking forward to even more success at this year’s race.
Innovation on the bar
ILTV News reported on a series of events organized by Israel’s Innovation Authority. Israel’s leading innovators and entrepreneurs have been visiting bars in Tel Aviv to provide their insights into Israel’s thriving startup eco-system.
Golden hotel
Israel’s Jaffa hotel, south of Tel Aviv, was included in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” - a prestigious annual roll call of the luxury travel magazine’s top places to stay in the world. The hotel is a converted and renovated 19th century convent and is described as “a thrilling mix of old and new”.