Israel Active

Israeli President Herzog presented one of the 2023 Volunteer Awards to Koftan Halabi, founder of DTEC – the Technological Institute for the Empowerment of the Druze Soldier. Halabi has led a technological revolution by helping young Druze to integrate into mainstream Israeli society.

Israeli NGO IsraAID rushed essential aid to tens of thousands of Ukrainians left homeless after the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydraulic power plant. IsraAID is providing urgent medical support, plus hygiene supplies, blankets, and medications. Israel has also given water and food.

A reminder to register for the JNF Global Conference for Israel (Nov 30 – Dec 3) in Denver Colorado. A great opportunity to experience Israeli innovation up close and meet dozens of top Israeli personalities including President Herzog, UN rep Gilad Erdan, and JVP’s Erel Margalit.

Amir Ohana is first Knesset speaker to make an official visit to the parliament of a Muslim country – Morocco. In honor of the historic occasion, he presented Moroccan Parliament President Rachid Talbi El Alami with a Quran (Koran) printed with Israeli nanotechnology - only 4.7 mm in size.

Who were the Israeli scorers in the 3-2 victory against Brazil in the Quarter Final of the Under 20 World Soccer Cup? Arab Israeli Anan Khalaili from Haifa, Bedouin Arab Israeli Hamza Shibi, and Jewish Israeli Dor David Turgeman. The team returned to Israel wearing their bronze medals.

On Israel’s Blind Day (Jun 6) Israel’s Parliament (Knesset) launched a system to help the blind, visually impaired, and people with orientation difficulties navigate its premises. It uses the personalized audio guidance from Israel’s RightHear (see previously).

Every year since 1991, Sophie Donio has provided a unique “Supportive Experience with Dolphins” program to around 35 children at the Dolphin Reef in Eilat. She has helped kids with PTSD, autism, dyslexia, depression, cancer and more. (See also 2012 example )

A Palestinian Arab collapsed in Jorat al-Sham'a near Bethlehem. He was brought to Efrat where residents began CPR on him while many of his Arab friends watched. Half an hour later the patient was stabilized and taken to a Jerusalem hospital. Similar incidents occur quite frequently.

Kenya will inaugurate its first “Zion Forest” in its Machakos County in September to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Kenya has a target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 and “Zion” is very meaningful for the mostly Christian nation.

62 wounded UK veterans returned from competing at the Veteran Games in Israel. They competed in sports against each other and their Israeli counterparts. They spoke of “miracles”, after a week of building confidence, enhancing family bonds and making lifelong friends.