Israel Active

Here are some sites where newsletter readers can donate to Israeli organizations that provide vital help to Israelis at this difficult time.  Many thanks to those who have already contributed and to those who are helping by donating their own valuable time and resources.   Friends of the IDF (US donors): or IDF Soldiers Fund in Israel:  (select the English speakers’ option)   American Friends of Magen David Adom (US donors): or Magen David Adom (Israel):   Zaka (US donors):   or (Israeli donors): or (Canadian donors): https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bellevue-foundation/   United Hatzalah:  or Canada Leket Food Israel: JNF USA -  or Canada Orthodox Union -   Hadassah Hospital Israel: Laniado Hospital (Netanya)   And many more charities here:   Buy Israel Bonds to support the Jewish State. (TY Larry B) USA - Europe - Canada -

IDF soldiers on their way into Gaza don’t forget about Shabbat and recite a heartfelt kiddush prayer. They also request divine protection for the IDF, for their Givati brigade and for peace.

I apologize to , but I hadn’t been expecting any good news on the streets of Jerusalem.  This article from two weeks ago highlights huge flags, weddings, Bat Mitzvot, messages of “Am Yisrael Chai”, volunteering, donating, Arab families, plus support and accommodation for evacuees.

On Oct 7, Hevda Malca was in a safe room in Sderot while Hamas terrorists were rampaging outside. Her sister-in-law Ayala Shlomo was in a safe room in Kiryat Gat when a Hamas rocket hit their house. Both Ayala and Hedva have just given birth at Laniado hospital in Netanya.

Since Oct 7, 75 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India have made Aliyah and joined IDF combat units. Another 140 new Olim have joined the reserves.

Finally, a positive Israel story from the BBC. How Israeli intelligence worked with a Gazan dentist to ensure that hundreds of Gaza civilians were unharmed as the IDF prepared to bomb tower blocks housing Hamas terrorists.

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.