Israel Active

The Israel Council of Museums has held on-line the first National Forum on Accessibility and Inclusiveness in Museums. Its aim is to create a nationwide network for sharing best practices for those with special needs and disabilities at museums, galleries and heritage sites.

Israeli NGO Shai Asher has partnered Kibbutz Shluchot in Northern Israel to employ adults with special needs who work at its plant nursery and vegetable garden. They gain useful experience, independence and self-esteem, in a therapeutic environment while earning a regular salary.

For two years, Israeli award-winning reporter Dina Kraft has been producing her podcast “The Branch” about Jews and Arabs forging connections. Sponsored by Hadassah, 25 podcasts shine a light on the lives of the many Arabs and Jews who have developed deep bonds.

Israel has established full diplomatic ties with Bhutan, a small, majority-Buddhist landlocked kingdom in the Himalayas neighboring India and China. Bhutan has diplomatic relations with some 50 countries (not US or UK). Israel will help Bhutan with water management, agriculture and health.

Israel-based humanitarian organization SmartAID has launched a unique US initiative, “Millions of Masks for Children”. SmartAID (founded by IsraAID’s Shachar Zahavi) is distributing facemasks to kids on childcare and youth programs, beginning with those in Washington state.

The first global diplomatic-technology summit, DiploTech, looked at the world beyond COVID. Ambassador Nikki Haley praised Israel for its technology and innovation and highlighted the recognition from Arab countries of the importance of a partnership with Israel.

Orr Shalom (“light of peace) cares for 1,400 children who have been removed from their homes following severe abuse and neglect. In 40 years, Orr Shalom has provided some 56,000 children with professional help, warm and loving homes, and an opportunity for a better future.

Eden Amare Yitbarek is one of two Israelis selected for the Rhodes scholarship program that offers exceptional international candidates the opportunity to study at Oxford University in England. Eden was raised in Ethiopia and completed her BA at the IDC Herzliya.

The State of Israel has been accepted into the International Energy Agency (IEA) after members of the agency voted unanimously in favor of the move. It recognizes Israel’s role in regional and international energy and gives it access to important sources of industry research.

Israel has begun Beresheet 2, the country’s second lunar project. In 2024, SpaceIL, the Israel Space Agency and others plan to launch a mission to put a spacecraft in lunar orbit and two landing craft on the Moon’s surface. Seven countries including the UAE want to participate in the project.