Israel Active

IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Dan Tolkowsky, who just passed away at 104, served in the Israeli Air Force in the 1948-49 War of Independence and commanded the IAF from 1953 - 1958. When he left the military, he led the Defense Ministry’s Planning and Scientific Research Administration.

The IDF is extending its “iPhone-only” policy to Lt Col rank and above. Apple devices are seen as less “hackable”. Android devices will be banned for all officers, except for private (non-military) use. The decision stems from lessons drawn after the Oct 7 2023 attack and an internal review of security.

The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Class Action Foundation have launched a $15 million grant program to support businesses owned by the spouses of IDF reservists. One-time grants of up to 20,000 shekels plus a package of business and consumer assistance, including workshops. .

Former hostage Alon Ohel spent the weekend with his family at the hotel he used to work at before he was kidnapped. He returned to the Six Senses Shaharut Hotel, performed at the piano with singer Keren Peles, and took down the posters that had called for his return.

22 years ago, a terrorist opened fire on a vehicle driven by Rabbi Yigal Kirshnzaft. All the bullets missed the Rabbi, his wife and 8 children, including baby Menachem. IDF officer Eyal Zamir was nearby and neutralized the terrorist. 22 years later IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir danced at Menachem’s wedding.

IDF engineer Mendel Vile was critically wounded in Dec 2023 when Hamas terrorists in Gaza fired an anti-tank missile at his unit. After numerous surgeries it was a miracle he could walk.  Mendel completed the Washington DC Marine Corps Marathon with the Israeli flag on his back.

Israeli exports of religious agricultural items to the USA will be exempt of new tariffs. These include etrogim, date palm branches, myrtle branches, bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and similar baked products, and puddings.

Prices of property in Tel Aviv have dropped recently, as some misguided “bubble” residents have decided to leave for perceived safer countries. It has left a temporary glut of residences, which means there are buying opportunities for those in the diaspora who want a secure Jewish environment.

Of 400,000 images of fragments from the Cairo Geniza Israel’s National Library, only 15% have been transcribed; many never been properly read or studied. A $11.5 million grant has enabled the MiDRASH project to use eScriptorium open-source for auto-transcription.

Israel has agreed to bring the last 6,000 members of the so-called “lost tribe” of Menashe, from Northeastern India, to Israel within five years. Some 5,000 of the Bnei (sons of) Menashe currently live in Israel. An Israeli delegation will start processing their immigration applications by next week.