Israel Active

30 Israeli artists worked with artists from Europe and the Americas to bring the Balloon Story to the NYC Park Ave Armory (2 Jul - 25 Aug). Visitors were taken on an interactive, “It’s a Small World”-style tour through various “lands” made entirely of a total of 700,000 inflated balloons.

A 20-foot whale shark was sighted and photographed gliding through the waters of Eilat's coral reserve. The world’s largest fish is an endangered and protected species, harmless to humans, so it was heartening to see it accompanied by baby whale sharks. (Article includes video of the sharks.)

Former NBA star and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal sent a message to dozens of Oct 7 survivors and bereaved relatives of victims who were on a One Family therapeutic vacation at Canada’s Camp Timberlane. O’Neal’s message was sprinkled with Hebrew, offering his “love” and support.

Moshe Tarka was 3 years old when his family was brought to Israel via Sudan in Operation Moses. He has now opened an art gallery at Shabazi 58 in Tel Aviv. His abstract art sells for thousands of dollars to collectors in Israel and abroad and have been exhibited in major Israeli museums.

Israelis won a record seven Olympic medals. They were Tom Reuveny (windsurfing gold), Sharon Kantor (windsurfing silver), Raz Herhsko (Judo silver), Artem Dolgopyat (gymnastics), Inbar Lanir (silver judo); Peter Paltchik (bronze judo), Rhythmic gymnastics team (silver).

For the first time since 1976, the Israel Under-23 Olympic Soccer Team competed at the Paris Olympic Games, marking a historic return. The team featured a dynamic mix of young talent and experienced players, including some of Israel’s top football stars.

Israeli archers Roy Dror and Shamai Yamrom won gold at the Archery European Youth Championships in Ploiesti, Romania.  Dror, Niv Frenkel and Ori Berlad won bronze in the team event.

Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member Patrick Beverley has signed a two-year deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv. His previous clubs include the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Israeli airline El Al has formed the Spirit Team - Israel’s cheerleading squad - to encourage Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games and the Paralympics in Paris. It is flying selected injured IDF veterans, volunteer workers, and fans, as guests of the airline. Unfortunately it is too late to apply.

Great photos of many of the completed and nearly complete cultural sites in Israel’s capital, alongside how they looked during construction. Yad Vashem, Tower of David, National Campus for Archaeology, and more. Jerusalem is constantly changing and growing.