Israel Active

58 years after Israel took control of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War, mine clearance at the former Syrian army outpost of Ein Almin is complete. The public is invited to view 11 acres of trenches, underground bunkers and cool off in the “officers pool” of natural spring water.

A special Sukkot event organized by OneFamily and its US sponsors brought together bereaved families from across Israel for a day of connection, comfort, and community. Among the participants were orphans, widows, and children who lost siblings or parents to terror and war.

Kibbutz Be’eri, almost totally destroyed by Hamas, has recovered sufficiently to invest NIS 20 million in Israeli renewable energy company Arava Power. Kibbutz Hatzerim, where most of Be’eri’s members temporarily reside, has also invested NIS 20 million.

Elkana Bohbot, released in the latest hostage exchange, saw his children receive dozens of Jurassic Park dinosaur toys from a philanthropist. A touching gesture of love and support.

Ex-hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal was finally reunited with his loyal dog, who had waited faithfully for two years while his master was held captive by Hamas.

The Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund is distributing homecoming kits to residents of southern Israel returning to kibbutzim. Their kits contain seeds for planting, symbolizing hope and renewal; calming herbal tea; a purification kit; and cards encouraging families to hold a homecoming ceremony.

US-Israeli Eden Alexander, who survived Hamas captivity in Gaza, has returned to IDF service in the Golani Brigade. He was promoted to Sergeant 1st class in a moving ceremony attended by the Head of the IDF Personnel Directorate.

Crowds across Israel waved flags and sang as ex-hostages Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Eitan Mor, Segev Kalfon and Bar Kuperstein made triumphant return to their homes after being discharged from hospital treatment, following their more than two years in captivity.

Archaeologists have unearthed a 2,700-year-old cuneiform Akkadian-language inscription – the first ever found in Jerusalem’s City of David. The inscription specifies the first of Av – a date common to Mesopotamia and Judah. It also mentions an Assyrian chariot officer.

Argentinian soccer legend Lionel Messi gifted two recently released Israeli hostages, Bar Kuperstein and Segev Kaflon, with signed jerseys valued at $10,000 each.