Israel Active

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.

Israel’s Danielle Wolfson, a 43-year-old lawyer from Ramat Gan, has planted an Israeli flag on top of Mount Everest - the world’s tallest mountain. She is the first female Israeli to reach the top of the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak and only the fourth Israeli to do so.

Israel’s Linoy Ashram won 3 medals at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Pesaro, Italy. She won a gold medal in the balls event and silver in both the hoops and in the clubs.

Tel Aviv is the venue for the finale of the first-ever Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Champions League cycling track competition (Nov-Dec 2021). Earlier rounds visit Spain, France, Lithuania and London, culminating at the Sylvan Adams National Velodrome in Tel Aviv on Dec 11.

Israel’s Roy Nissany, driving a Williams Dams, achieved his maiden FIA Formula 2 Championship podium finish. Dissany, who is Williams Racing’s official test driver, finished third in the first Sprint Race in Monaco.