Israel Active

(See Deut ch23 v13-15) The Israeli Defense Ministry and the IDF have launched an initiative to convert organic waste on military bases into renewable energy.  Israel’s HomeBiogas (see previously) will convert kitchen waste into biogas.

A cache of weapons has been uncovered in the Judean Desert. Four well-preserved 1,900-year-old Roman swords and a shafted weapon were found in a crevice in a cave in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea. They were almost certainly seized by Judean rebels in the revolt against Rome. (Great video)

The magical Caves of Maresha in Judea are 2,200 years old. Visitors get a hands-on educational experience by taking part in an archeological dig. The residents  of Maresha threw their trash into the basements of their houses where it became a time capsule of Jewish life.

Talia recovered from leukemia as a 2-year-old, but it returned 7 years later to attack her ovaries. Dr Doron Cabin was one of the oncologists who saved her. 15 years later, and after a stillbirth, Dr Cabin (now an obstetrician) delivered Talia’s healthy baby.

In the month of Elul, news of Israel’s Amit Sofer, a talented trumpet player who has transformed the traditional Shofar into a versatile musical instrument. Recent article, plus two older videos.

81-year-old Shoah survivor Mina longed to see the Mediterranean but has been housebound for years due to illness. Volunteers from the Hevel Sorek branch of United Hatzalah brought her to the beach in Ashdod. Mina said, “I truly feel like I have been reborn.”

The non-profit Mifrasim, (“Sails” in Hebrew) is helping those at risk or in need address their challenges through “maritime group therapy”. Mifrasim purchased Challenge ’67, a 67-foot steel-hulled yacht which enables individuals to gain confidence and develop sailing, communication, and leadership skills.

Jerusalem of Gold could also be called Jerusalem of Change. The skyline and the seasons are always changing; so are the flowers, the pavements, Shaare Medical Center, the hotels, the Skatepark, First Station, the skaters in the Ice Rink, and the live concerts at Sultan Pool.

The arrival at Ben Gurion International airport of 215 immigrants from the US and Canada sparked emotional reunions and dancing in one of the terminals. The flight included 45 future lone soldiers, 7 doctors and 15 health professionals. 29,293 Olim have arrived in the first half of 2023.

An article about Royal Caribbean’s cruises out of Haifa on the Rhapsody of the Seas and (2024) Jewel of the Seas. Up to 400 of the 2500 passengers can sign up for the Fresh Kosher food program run by Rabbi Dovid Weberman and his wife Esther. Cruises visit Cyprus and Greece.