Israel Active

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.

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%).

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

This is the video to watch this week. A really moving account of how Israel is appreciated by Sudanese families that have escaped from the brutality in their original country.

Disabled children were given a holiday in Switzerland, care of Israeli charity Kav Lachayim.

Israel annually identifies with the vision-impaired community. This year, a team of blindfolded members of the Israeli parliament were soundly beaten at Goalball by a team of blind athletes.

Hadassah award winner Dalia Itzik was born and gave birth at Hadassah hospital. She praised the social aspects of Israeli Arabs and Jews working together at Hadassah.

Israeli paramedics deliver at least one Palestinian Arab baby every single month.