Israel Active

For the first time, Selichot prayers at the Kotel (Western Wall) were translated into sign language. Dozens of groups of hearing-impaired individuals, in cooperation with the Hushim Ben Dan Association, came to the Western Wall from all over the country and took part in the prayers.

Nine African-American imams visited the Holy Land on a mission to promote faith-based peace in the Middle East. At the Western Wall in Jerusalem the imams, wearing kufis with their hands turned skywards, prayed side-by-side with Jewish men in skullcaps.

The Orthodox Union has certified chicken cell line products from Israel’s SuperMeat as kosher Mehadrin meat, meeting the most stringent qualification for kosher supervision. SuperMeat’s lab-grown poultry uses the stem cells from chicken eggs.

A new exhibition in the Beit Shemesh Biblical Museum of Natural History showcases one of the largest collections of kosher shofars in the world. They originate from the traditional ram, ibex and goat to the kudu, sable, and waterbuck antelope, and the East Caucasian tur.

Jerusalem’s new sights include new festive lights, inflatables at the Botanical Gardens, new immigrant shuks (markets), Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Business Conference, a new bike trail, new brides & grooms, the new National Library, and apple & honey for a sweet New Year.

Israel’s 2023 Presidential Medal of Honor was awarded to 12 individuals who have contributed to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and all humanity.  Also, the Kemach NGO which promotes haredi employment. Non-Israelis included Morocco’s André Azoulay and Canada’s Irwin Cotler

The historic Tiferet Yisrael, or “Glory of Israel” synagogue, was established in 1872. The 3-storey 80 feet high building dominated the Old City’s Jewish Quarter until its destruction after the Jordanian Army captured the Old City in 1948. After a NIS 70 million project, it should re-open in 2024.

It’s not every day that a 3,000-year-old artifact is excavated, but when it is, the archeologists usually can identify its purpose. Not so with the 9th century BCE channel installation discovered in the City of David National Park, close to Temple Mount. And then they found a second one!

Papua New Guinea opened its embassy in Jerusalem - the 5th country to maintain a diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital. Prime Minister James Marape said, “As Christians, paying respect to God would not be complete without recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel”.

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered 300 meters of an aqueduct that brought water from springs near Bethlehem, to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. 25 coins were found in the plaster, including one commemorating the Great Jewish Revolt against the Romans.