Israel Active

President Reuben Rivlin met the 81 Israeli athletes from 17 different sports that have qualified to compete in the Tokyo Olympics - the largest Olympic team Israel has ever fielded. It includes Itay Shanny, the first Israeli archer to qualify for the Olympic games.

Jerusalem’s summer festivals are returning. They include the Israel Festival (21 -25 Jun), Mekudeshet Festival in Abu Tor (Weds until 7 July) and Runaway Circus (1 – 8 July). The Jazz festival and the Wine & Beer festival will also be coming back soon.

Dubai-based athlete Yves Friedman has made history by becoming the first athlete from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to qualify for the Maccabiah games. Yves is a Belgian citizen who has been living in Dubai since he was a young child.

Israeli archaeologists have discovered fossils of an ancient humanoid previously unknown to science. The Nesher Ramla site dates to about 120,000-140,000 years ago and indicates that the land that is now Israel has always been an area of major significance.

Here is a fun article on some changes and not so differences that visitors to Israel might experience when they next visit Covid-free Israel. They include sunshine, crowds, vaccination stories, post-pandemic pride, no room at the restaurant, takeaway addiction, alfresco dining and wine experts.

Israel’s Linoy Ashram won gold in the clubs event at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna, Bulgaria. It was the first Euro gold won by an Israeli gymnast in a single exercise. She also won silver medals in the ball and the hoop categories and placed fourth in her ribbon routine.

An interview of Beatie Deutsch, an observant Jewish mother who doesn't stop running. She ran one marathon seven months pregnant and after another stood at the top of the podium holding both her prize and a baby. Proof that success doesn’t have to compromise your principles.

Israel’s first marine national park off the coast of Caesarea, is now open to snorkelers and scuba divers. The waters of the park hold ancient Roman ruins including vessels, and coin treasures. Aquatic tourists can also explore many species of fish, stingrays, octopuses and corals.

11-year-old white rhino Rihanna gave birth to her third calf (see previously) at Ramat Gan Safari near Tel Aviv. It is the 33rd rhino to be born at the safari – the world’s leading rhino breeder. After a poll, the baby was named “Ruvi” – the nickname of outgoing Israeli President Reuben Rivlin.

Michael Fertik’s latest book, HIP SET, is a page-turning crime mystery based in Tel Aviv that introduces the reader to some of Israel’s cultural diversity.