Israel Active

After discovering 150,000 shekels hidden in a wall during renovations, a Slabodka Kollel student in Bnei Brak sought halachic guidance. He then returned the money to the unaware, but extremely grateful, non-religious seller from whom he had bought the apartment. B”H.

At DefenseTech 2025 in Tel Aviv, Defense Ministry’s Col. Yishai Kohn said over 100 startups have integrated their products into Israeli combat operations over the past 2 years.  Defense exports increased by 13% to $14.7 billion, of which 50% were with European countries.

Robel Innovation and Israel Defense unveiled the “30 Young Promising in Defense for 2025” list. Many of them played pivotal roles during the Iron Swords war, highlighting the direct impact of their innovations on Israel’s security.

The Hungarian Academy in Jerusalem, a cultural center located next to the YMCA in Jerusalem’s Talbiyeh neighborhood, will officially open its doors early next year as a new embassy branch. The Czech Republic and Slovakia also have embassy branches in the same street.

IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Dan Tolkowsky, who just passed away at 104, served in the Israeli Air Force in the 1948-49 War of Independence and commanded the IAF from 1953 - 1958. When he left the military, he led the Defense Ministry’s Planning and Scientific Research Administration.

The IDF is extending its “iPhone-only” policy to Lt Col rank and above. Apple devices are seen as less “hackable”. Android devices will be banned for all officers, except for private (non-military) use. The decision stems from lessons drawn after the Oct 7 2023 attack and an internal review of security.

The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Class Action Foundation have launched a $15 million grant program to support businesses owned by the spouses of IDF reservists. One-time grants of up to 20,000 shekels plus a package of business and consumer assistance, including workshops. .

Former hostage Alon Ohel spent the weekend with his family at the hotel he used to work at before he was kidnapped. He returned to the Six Senses Shaharut Hotel, performed at the piano with singer Keren Peles, and took down the posters that had called for his return.

22 years ago, a terrorist opened fire on a vehicle driven by Rabbi Yigal Kirshnzaft. All the bullets missed the Rabbi, his wife and 8 children, including baby Menachem. IDF officer Eyal Zamir was nearby and neutralized the terrorist. 22 years later IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir danced at Menachem’s wedding.

IDF engineer Mendel Vile was critically wounded in Dec 2023 when Hamas terrorists in Gaza fired an anti-tank missile at his unit. After numerous surgeries it was a miracle he could walk.  Mendel completed the Washington DC Marine Corps Marathon with the Israeli flag on his back.