Israel Active

When Elchanan Kalmanson heard on Oct 7 about the Hamas invasion, he drove to Kibbutz Be’eri where 1,100 residents were under attack. Driving an armored truck, he rescued dozens of families before going house to house checking for survivors. He gave his life but saved hundreds.

Another account of extreme bravery on Oct 7. Ido was the sole survivor of his IDF tank crew. He fought terrorists for hours and by distracting them he allowed hundreds of festivalgoers to escape.

Thai agricultural worker Wanchai Monsana survived Oct 7 but arrived at Sheba hospital with severe burns, all alone, and unable to speak Hebrew or English. An Israeli woman publicized his plight on social media, and he had dozens of visitors, bringing other Thais, phones, cash, and restaurant meals.

On Oct 7 Israel’s all-female tank crews made history when they fought Hamas terrorists and prevented them from overrunning many Israeli southern communities. They are the first female armored crews in Israel, and perhaps the world, to participate in active battle.

A group of Chabad IDF reservists erected a 15-foot 9-branch menorah in Beit Hanoun northern Gaza ready for the Jewish festival of Hanukah / Chanukah that begins on Thurs evening Dec 7. It is one of over a dozen Hanukkah Menorahs that will be erected in Gaza, bringing light to the darkest places.

UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis’ message from last week’s sedra is “Be Positive and never despair. “At this very moment when there is a tragic war in Israel, our prayer indeed is that Hashem will bless the Jewish people, and he will transform our darkness into light, and may this happen speedily and instantly.”

Israel’s capital celebrated Thanksgiving last week. Posters thanked residents for donating blood and volunteering. Tens of thousands of evacuees from the north and south, and farmers, were grateful to Jerusalemites for their hospitality. And lone soldiers enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner.

Last week’s newsletter included news of the six people saved by the organs of fallen soldier Yehonatan Semo / Samo (see previously). This week he is emulated by Amichai Rubin. Roi Nahari, Shoham Ben Harush, and Naaran Ashchar.

Since Oct 7, Dutch-based Israeli entrepreneur Eran Efrat, has raised some $40 million to produce tactical gear for IDF soldiers. He didn’t simply give the money to the army but directly solicited US-based manufacturers to produce helmets, ceramic vests, and more.

On his 9th birthday, Ohad Munder was a hostage in Gaza. He was told that his favorite soccer team, Hapoel Be’er Sheva, wished him a happy birthday on TV. It gave Ohad renewed strength and on his release, the players visited him in hospital.