Israel Active

The number of marriage registrations in Israel has increased by 6.4% in 2025 compared to 2024. The increase in northern and southern conflict areas was even more significant, e.g. Kiryat Shmona rose by 164%. Sha'ar Hanegev recorded a 67% increase.

Following petitioning by 50 teens born in Israel, the law has been changed to allow the children of foreign workers to serve in the IDF. For years, young men and women, like them, born, raised, and educated in Israel, have pushed for the right to serve in the military.

Pilgrimage Road, leading from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount – constructed during the Second Temple period – was officially opened for tourists following the recent completion of the excavations. See the first group of tourists climb up the road.

Nefesh B’Nefesh hosted 300+ Olim at its Tel Aviv Center in the Azrieli Tower for “Meet Tel Aviv: A Community Fair for Olim" in partnership with JNF-USA. It connected Olim living in Tel Aviv with organizations, resources, and networks essential to building their lives in Israel’s most dynamic urban center.

IsraelForPesach.com was launched to connect people unexpectedly staying in Israel over Passover with families willing to open their homes for holiday meals and accommodation.

Last month it was Tu B’Shvat – the new year for trees. To mark the occasion, KKL-JNF distributed over 550,000 saplings. It also hosted tree-planting events, guided tours, botanical activities and visits to seed nurseries, promoting environmental awareness and a deeper appreciation for the land.

Dr. Jürgen Bühler, President of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, received the “Pillars of Jerusalem” award from Jerusalem’s Mayor Moshe Lion. It recognized the ICEJ’s work in boosting Aliyah and in deepening ties between Christians and Jews.

The new online edition of the UK Jewish Charity Guide has just been launched. Co-edited by Edgware’s Sharon Graham and Netanya’s Alan Gold, it covers Israel, the arts, culture, sports, education, health and welfare, disability, human rights, mental health, religion and more.

Tel Aviv University announces its new International MA in Jewish Studies, a dynamic program, in English, studying Jewish civilization from antiquity to the present. It includes Biblical studies, Jewish and Semitic languages, Jewish history, culture, literature and thought.

Even as Hezbollah target Kiryat Shmona, Israel plans to rehabilitate the northern city. It will re-open its airport to commercial flights. Also, Tel-Hai College, now merged with the MIGAL Research Institute, will relocate to the city and be upgraded to the University of Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee.