Israel Active

So many Israelis wanted to donate blood for the wounded that many blood donation centers only accepted those with blood type O, which can be transfused universally.

I “normally” report about Israeli humanitarian organization IsraAID when it responds to global disasters. When the disaster is much closer to home, IsraAID is also there for us. IsraAID CEO Yotam Polizer will be speaking at a free zoom meeting hosted by ESRA on Oct 24.

It’s at these times that the people of Israel come together to help those who have been most impacted by these tragic events.  Not just dedicated humanitarian organizations but hi-tech companies such as Mobileye, OurCrowd, More Foods, and even the Israel Tennis Education Centers.

There are literally thousands of articles describing the help that Israel’s friends overseas are sending to the IDF and Israelis affected by the war in Gaza.  Here are some of them.

US company Tesla is providing free use of its 17 Israel-located superchargers for the estimated 10,000 Israeli Tesla electric car owners. Superchargers are the company’s fastest way of charging its vehicles, able to extend the cars’ range by up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes. More good Tesla PR in 3rd link!

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Penina had to postpone her wedding in Netivot. UH’s founder Eli Beer, however, organized an alternative wedding in Jerusalem, enlisting local vendors who provided their services to the couple free of charge.

So many examples of Israeli Arabs standing shoulder to shoulder with Israeli Jews. Here is one.

Doctors averted a tragedy when they removed a foreign object from the cornea of the eye of a 3-year-old boy. It was the tip of a lulav that the boy’s twin brother had thrust into his eye.  Touché!

Over 60,000 participants from 90 countries took part in the 68th Jerusalem March during the Sukkot holiday - a record number of countries and participants. They included marching bands, IDF soldiers, street artists, dance groups, flag bearers, giant dolls, and dancers.

Some 50,000 people received the traditional priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) at the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem on Monday.  There was such a high demand that a second event was held on Wednesday.