Israel Active

The Jewish victory that lead to Hanukah also established the Hasmonean dynasty. Israeli archeologists have just discovered remains of a Hasmonean palace at Alexandrium above the Jordan Valley. And a 40-meter wall, built by the Hasmoneans was uncovered in Jerusalem’s City of David.

A thief broke into the car of ex-hostage Bar Kupershtein and stole his cell phone. But he was still upbeat. He was “going to the police station to file a complaint, and not being in the tunnels thinking about what I need to eat now and whether they will bring me food.”

The Jewish holiday of Hanukah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees against the Seleucid Greeks. A survey at Horbat Bet Zecharia, south of Jerusalem, has found objects that match the date and profile of the famous battle described in the Book of Maccabees in 163 BCE.

Israeli authorities have erected the ceremonial menorah at the Western Wall for Chanukah, marking a deeply spiritual moment in the Jewish calendar for the nation.

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Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) has launched “David Ben-Gurion Speaks”, a 3-part, AI-powered video series that brings Israel’s founding prime minister to life. Together with Jewish IdeaLab, archival images and recordings were enhanced through generative AI.

A segment of an ancient wall, over 40 meters long, and about 5 meters wide dating back to the latter part of the second century BCE, has been discovered in the Old City of Jerusalem. See the video to understand why this wall was dismantled during the reign of King John Hyrcanus 1.

Howie Danao grew up in an affluent Tel Aviv home as the adopted son of a secular Israeli family, alongside his Filipino mother who worked as a caretaker. His success as a singer, IDF service and a Jewish-identity program changed his life.

Reminder – Marina Shear, wife of Newsletter subscriber Glen, can help any reader wishing to make Aliyah or purchase a property in Israel.  She has teams of English-speaking lawyers, mortgage brokers, builders, property managers, inspectors and designers. Read her guide and see her website for more details.

KKL-JNF’s “Iron Swords” blue box seeks to tell the national story of the past two years. It features broken glass, red anemones and, in Hebrew, the phrase given to the “Rising Lion” operation against Iran. “Am Ka’Lavi Yakum, v’Ka’Ari Yitnasei”.