World badminton record
Israel’s mother-and-son badminton mixed doubles pair Svetlana and Misha Zilberman broke a World record in winning their first-round match at the World Badminton Championships in Japan. Svetlana (age 64) became the oldest player to win a world championship match.
Wrestling for Peace
In a historic first, the Moroccan Wrestling Team have competed in Israel. The tournament in Beersheba is the first time a wrestling team from a Muslim country has competed in Israel.
Another Woodstock festival
The Jerusalem community Woodstock festival takes place on 15 Sept at the Silo café in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem. It features Libi and the Flashback, Jon Hock, Pine Hills, and Abilene; with a tribute to Santana, the Grateful Dead and other Woodstock era songs.
A new guy came to the neighborhood
Yahala Lahmish and Eyal Habib recently performed this traditional Moroccan song with the Israeli Chamber Orchestra. Yahala is the daughter of our friend Leonie and the whole show is available to order.
Another gold for Israeli gymnast
Israeli gymnast Artem Dolgopyat struck gold at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Munich, despite having an injured foot. It was Artem’s third gold medal in international competition. He previously won gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
Maccabi Haifa qualify for soccer’s Champions League
Maccabi Haifa FC has reached the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since 2009. In their final qualifying match they defeated Red Star Belgrade 6-5 on aggregate. The win also earns the Israeli team at least Euro 26 million.
Scholarships for athletes
Tel Aviv University has launched a new annual scholarship for student-athletes. The International Sports Scholarship Fund will provide full degree support for talented athletes of all nationalities between the ages of 17-30, to study in any of TAU International’s nearly two dozen English-taught programs.
No summer ending in Jerusalem
31 Aug is the official end of summer and start of Israel’s new school year, but there is still much to see on Jerusalem Streets. Sultan’s Pool concerts, Israel Comedy Festival, Theater music, VR shows, Cocktail Festival, Wine Festival, BAFTA award event, and Sefer Torah procession.
Israel wins European team marathon
Israel won gold in the men’s team marathon event at the European Athletics Championships in Munich. Israel’s Marhu Teferi and Gashau Ayale won silver and bronze respectively in the individual competition. Israel’s fastest three runners had the best combined time.
Another gold for Anastasia
Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko (see previously) successfully defended her title, winning the gold medal in the 200m Individual Medley at the European Championships in Rome. She previously won the event in 2021 in Budapest.