Israel Active

As the Jewish New Year approaches, the new sights on Jerusalem’s streets include a Blue Moon (the second full moon in August), new construction and renovations, new blue plaques, new parking restrictions, new buggies, new artwork, and a new start for our schoolchildren.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen inaugurated the permanent home of the Israeli embassy in Manama as part of his first official visit to Bahrain. In a joint ceremony with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Cohen affixed a mezuzah on the doorpost of the embassy.

Ishay Ribo became the first Israeli singer to perform at New York’s Madison Square Garden. He sang a string of hits, including “Lashuv Habaita” (“To Return Home”) and promised an invitation to a private concert for all those who made Aliyah.

(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.