Israel Active

Australian actor Nate Buzolic (natebuzz on Instagram with 3.4 million followers) is in Israel for the 26th time. He founded Rova Media 3 weeks ago and has partnered Rabbi Ari Lamm (grandson of former YU chancellor Rabbi Norman Lamm) to change Israel’s poor online image for the younger generation.

The Nahal Oz surveillance control center overrun by Hamas terrorists on Oct 7 has been reopened at a temporary site on the Re’im army base 2km south of the original base. The (mostly female) surveillance soldiers belong to the Intelligence Corps as did hostage Ori Megidish who was rescued from Gaza.

On Oct 7, dozens of Hamas terrorists invaded the fields of Kfar Maimon, a religious Moshav about 5km from Gaza. They made the mistake, however, of shooting down a passing low-flying helicopter. It was carrying Israeli paratroopers who exited unhurt and eliminated the terrorists.

So many stories about United Hatzalah EMTs who rescued dozens of wounded Israelis on Oct 7.  Some were too harrowing for this newsletter.  At least these ones have positive endings. Since Oct 7, UH EMTs have treated thousands, evacuated hundreds, delivered tons of medical supplies, and much more.

One website containing the stories of 27 Israeli citizens who were thrown into life-saving situations on Oct 7.

The Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA (JFC-UIA) has raised $100 million CAD for Israel.  It is Canada’s largest ever fundraising campaign on behalf of the Jewish State.  Canada has less than 400,000 Jewish citizens (2021 census) compared to the US’s estimated 6.3 million Jews.

The family of IDF soldier Ori Megidish, a hostage in Gaza, brought a new Torah scroll into her bedroom while it was being paraded in her hometown.  One week later, Ori was miraculously rescued unharmed.  We pray for more than 240 similar miracles. (see embedded video)

One of the Sadigura Rebbes (there are currently three) travelled from Jerusalem to visit soldiers in the north and show support. With donations from his community, he bought the soldiers ceramic vests.

The story of Ruti, a mother of 12, who has 6 sons (5 married) and 4 sons-in-law serving in the IDF reserves. She also has 3 grandchildren in the IDF.

British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters volunteered at Asif – Culinary Institute of Israel, that since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 has been functioning as a center for cooking, packing, and shipping food to families evacuated from their homes, hospitals, and more.