Israel Active

The Israeli government paid out 131 million shekels earned income tax credit in 2010 to the poorer sections of Israel’s economy. The Arab sector received the largest proportion (26%).

Lewinsky Park in South Tel Aviv has been revolutionised by a library designed for migrants. It has no walls or doors and its huge bookcases resemble a pair of open arms.

The Druze minority in Israel has always been proud to serve in the Israel Defence Forces. Now the Israeli government is building a national heritage site to commemorate fallen Druze soldiers.

Israeli President Shimon Peres visited the Bedouin village of Hura in the Negev. He was made an honorary sheikh - an Arabic term of respect reserved for village elders and religious leaders.

Israel transfers 15,000 tons of supplies to Gaza every week. In two months Israel transferred 133 million litres of fuel to Gaza – enough to power every car and truck in Israel! Read this about medical aid.

The longest total lunar eclipse for eleven years was best seen from Israel, of course, on Wednesday night. Now we just need a blue moon or two for world peace to break out.

Please welcome Lola and Norman Cohen to the Israel blogging world and I hope you enjoy reading about their experiences with Israel’s minorities in this month’s stories.

A new IDF poll reveals positive attitudes toward service among hareidi (ultra-orthodox) Jewish soldiers. 90% of respondents said it is important to them that they excel in their role in the IDF. 85% said they are proud to serve in the IDF. 400 hareidi soldiers enlisted last week. Most chose combat units.

A delegation of senior physicians and medical technicians from the Palestinian Authority arrived last week for a study program at the Carmel Medical Center in Haifa.

New York City’s “Celebrate Israel” parade was magnificent