Israel Active

Naomi Shemer’s song “Al Kol Eleh” (for all these) sums up last week and a half. First, two miracles saved hundreds of Israelis from five bus bombs – an alert passenger, and terrorists set the timers wrongly. A week later, thousands took to the streets to honor the Bibas family (Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir).

Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has announced that the South Pacific nation of Fiji is set to open an embassy in Jerusalem later this year. “We are absolutely excited about coming to Jerusalem, and we most definitely will be there this year,” said Mr Gavoka.

I don’t usually share Instagram videos, but this one is superb.  As a platoon of IDF soldiers passed by these pre-school children during their tour of the Knesset, the kids recited the prayer for the success of the IDF by heart.  The soldiers were delighted.  Am Yisrael Chai!

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organization has been held in Israel for 70 years - during wartimes and COVID-19. At the Tuesday event were the Prime Minister, ex-President Ruvi Rivlin, & the family of Avera Mengistu, released after a decade in Gaza.

An 18th-century manuscript by the Or HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar c1696-1743) was sold for $700,000 (2.5 million shekels) at auction in Jerusalem. The Or HaChaim was a a leading advocate for Jewish immigration to the land of Israel and left Morocco to settle in Jerusalem.

Philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel, Charles Bronfman, has made a legacy commitment of $25 million to support the Birthright Israel “Fund for the Jewish Future,” to ensure that transformative programs connecting young adults to their Jewish identity and Israel continue for generations.

The Israeli government has approved a reform to fast-track professional licenses for those moving to Israel. It will allow license holders to begin applying for their Israeli license before making Aliyah. New Olim currently have to wait for approval 6-12 months after arrival in Israel.

Yocheved Ruttenberg, co-founder of NGO Sword of Iron – Israel Volunteer Opportunities (see previously) has grown the group from zero to 40,000+ in 15 months. She is now preparing to move permanently from Texas to Tel Aviv.

The blue agave that Gaza border farmers are growing in Kibbutz Alumim will be used to make the best Tequila in the Middle East (not surprising!). Meanwhile Kibbutz Be’eri is growing barley for malting in Europe and then returning to Israel for whisky production for sale in 2028.

Following Oct. 7 2023, World Mizrachi has brought thousands of visitors to the affected regions in an effort they called “community educational tourism.” Participants obtain a firsthand understanding of the bravery and heroism of Israel’s soldiers and civilians, and the need for rebuilding in the south.