Rare birds visit Israel for the first time
Two rare birds recently arrived in the Jewish State. A rare hybrid cross between the western yellow wagtail and citrine wagtail has nested in a kibbutz in northern Israel. And a pacific diver from Alaska was spotted in Eilat – the first time this bird has been seen in the entire Middle East.
We’ve got a friend
New Argentine President Javier Milei opened the Pan-American Maccabi Games in Buenos Aires. In front of 10,000 participants, he declared his “unalterable commitment to the State of Israel and to the Jewish people in their fight against Islamic terrorism, for peace and freedom.”
IDF team to run in Miami marathon
In a show of solidarity and unity between Israel and the Jewish people, a group of 10 Israeli soldiers will join Team Lifeline at the upcoming Miami Marathon on Jan. 28. They will raise funds for Chai Lifeline, the children’s charity that benefits families coping with serious illness and trauma.
Israeli MMA fighter gives Jews self-defense lessons
French-born Israeli Natan Levy stars in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has also been training participants in the Israeli American Council's (IAC) Teen Ambassador program. He is now showing Brooklyn Jews how to combat racist attacks.
Finding solace underwater
Diving clubs in Eilat are offering evacuated Israelis free courses and sessions in scuba diving and free diving. The underwater setting, physical activity, breathing exercises, weightlessness, body control, and exposure to and overcoming fear can all serve to mitigate emotional pain and reduce stress.
Instruments for healing
Musicians in the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra have formed trios and quartets, performing around the country for evacuees and wounded citizens. IPO Music Director Lahav Shani led the orchestra in recording a series of free musical programs for Israeli children.
Gold medalist auctions medal for evacuees
Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat won gold for the floor exercises at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Belgium on Oct 7. He is now auctioning off the medal to raise money for the residents evacuated from the devastated Gaza border communities.
Songs from the Gaza war
Each Israeli war has its own anthems. In the six-day war it was Jerusalem of Gold. These are what Israelis are listening to now, to provide relief or to uplift their spirits.
Andrea Bocelli sends concert invite to freed hostage
85-year-old Yaffa Adar is a fan of opera singer Andrea Bocelli and hummed his music throughout the 49 days she was held hostage by Hamas. Her story reached the Italian tenor who wrote to her of his admiration and offered to fly her to one of his shows.
Valmadonna at the National Library
This article is a recent interview of Margaret Lunzer Rottem about the legacy of her father Jack Lunzer whose Valmadonna Book Collection is now at Israel’s National Library. Its emphasis is on Italy where Hebrew printing originated and includes some of the earliest Hebrew printed books.