Israel Active

Israeli researchers have discovered a huge concentration of deep-water sharks and shark eggs in deep sea brine pools near Tel Aviv. And for the first time ever, loggerhead turtles have hatched on an Eilat beach. Previously, the turtle had only been seen on the Mediterranean coast.

Two young Israeli singers, one Arab, one Jew, wowed the judges and audience on Israel’s Rising Star talent show with their rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Halleluyah in English and Arabic.

Those lucky to be in Jerusalem now will be able to enjoy renovated streets, shopping, Segway tours, Teddy Park, Islamic Museum’s coffee exhibit, Bible Lands Museum’s BIRDS exhibit, ice skating at First Station, climbing at the Tower of David Museum, films, Shakespeare and more.

In 1992, judokas Yael Arad (silver) and Oren Smadja (bronze) won Israel’s first Olympic medals. The subsequent immigration of judo masters from the Soviet Union spurred a national love affair with the sport. And now the medals keep coming – at European, World and Olympic events.

Israeli artistic gymnast Artem Dolgopyat made history when he won Israel’s first Tokyo Olympics gold medal, and first gymnastic medal, in the men’s floor exercise. Then Israel’s Linoy Ashram won the individual all-around gold medal in the women’s artistic gymnastics final.

Diplomatic guests from Nigeria, Kosovo, Nepal, Russian Federation, and Serbia joined patrons at Jerusalem’s Bible Lands Museum for the gala opening of its exhibit 'Early birds soaring with the Ancients'. It follows the myths and stories of the human desire to fly like the birds.

As previously reported , the scheduled French Champions Trophy (Trophee des Champions) season curtain raiser took place at Bloomfield Stadium Tel Aviv in front of a sell-out crowd of 29,000 spectators.  French champions Lille beat Cup winners Paris Saint-Germain 1-0.

Fascinating article describing Israeli surfer Anat Lelior’s journey from the beaches of Tel Aviv to the Tokyo Olympics.

The Israeli judo team won the Olympic bronze medal in the mixed-team judo event. Meanwhile, Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei (now competing for Mongolia) dedicated his Olympic silver medal to the State of Israel. Plus, an Iranian judo champion and Israel’s judo coach issued a video of sporting friendship.

Israel’s Tadmor Entertainment is to make a TV series for MGM about ex-Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei (see previously and below) who rejected Iran’s demand to avoid a contest with his Israeli friend Sagi Muki.  It is MGM’s second project with Tadmor.