Israel Active

These beautiful free videos from Jerusalem’s Botanical Gardens include “Autumn in the Eastern Mediterranean” and “A virtual tour of the JBG” by Dr Ori Fragman-Sapir, plus “Saving rare and endangered species” by Omri Bachrach. Donate or become a Friend of the JBG.

The Art Garden at Jerusalem’s Israel Museum is the venue for two live music performances. On 19th July stars composer, pianist, and singer Yoni Rechter. Then on 20th July the Jane Bordeaux band (see previously) hosts singer and songwriter Keren Peles.

Israel won the gold medal in the 11-17 age-group category at the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique’s 11th World Age Group Competitions in Geneva, Switzerland. The event was a precursor to the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in July.

Ethiopian Israelis Marhu and Selam Teferi have both qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games.  Selam is running in the women’s 5,000 meters. Marhu is competing in the Marathon. Marhu made Aliyah in 2006 at the age of 14, whereas Selam became an Israeli citizen in 2018.

Almost back to normal on Jerusalem streets. Events included Chabad at Sultan’s Pool, “Rebecca: Mother of Two Dynasties” at the Begin Center, Olympic athletes meet the President, Business Leaders’ Conference, German President’s State visit, plus plenty more.

Cultural events during July on Israels English-speaking theater in Raanana include Bar Quiz (5th), A Bushman’s Trail (6th), The Gate (12th), Sandy Cash cabaret (14th), Whistle (20th), Jokers & Thieves SongTalk (21st), plus comedy, karaoke, improv night and more.

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.