VR video becomes reality
Israeli pop star Yoni Bloch created the music video “Sof Tov” (Happy Ending) in Jan 2025 using AI & Virtual Reality to depict the hostages returning from Gaza. 9 months later, Bloch remade the viral video with real-life scenes of the hostages returning, to mirror the previous scenes of hope.
(Original AI VR Jan 2025)
(New real-life Oct 2025)
Hostages became religious
Most of the ex-hostages were completely secular before being kidnapped, but conducted Jewish practices during their ordeals. Some kept Shabbat; some refused food on religious fast days. Bar Kuperstein simulated putting on tefillin; others prayed. And most have maintained those practices since.
She said “Yes”
At his graduation ceremony, an IDF soldier stole the spotlight with a heartfelt proposal—dropping to one knee before his girlfriend as his fellow soldiers erupted in dance and cheers around them.
Aliyah Day
Officially the 10th of the Hebrew month of Nissan (when the Israelites entered the Land), Aliyah Day is celebrated at this time of year - on the 6th or 7th of the Hebrew month of Marcheshvan to coincide with the Torah reading of Lech Lecha, when Abraham was commanded to go to the Land of Israel.
(celebration at Tel Aviv’s ANU museum)
From Ethiopia, to New York, to Jerusalem
Ethiopian-born scholar Dr. Shmuel Legasse has represented the Knesset abroad and worked with Jewish and interfaith communities across Africa, the US and Israel. “Our diversity is our greatest diplomatic asset,” he says. His mentor was Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (z”l).
Ministers quoting the Torah
Interesting article – maybe inferring that Israel is becoming more “Jewish”?
Ex-hostage leads mass tefillin event
Hamas captivity survivor Bar Kuperstein called on the public at Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square to join a mass tefillin-laying event before Shabbat. He gave “a huge thanks to everyone for your prayers, your support, and everything you’ve done for me and for all the other hostages.”
Former Syrian outpost
58 years after Israel took control of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War, mine clearance at the former Syrian army outpost of Ein Almin is complete. The public is invited to view 11 acres of trenches, underground bunkers and cool off in the “officers pool” of natural spring water.
OneFamily event for bereaved families
A special Sukkot event organized by OneFamily and its US sponsors brought together bereaved families from across Israel for a day of connection, comfort, and community. Among the participants were orphans, widows, and children who lost siblings or parents to terror and war.
Devastated kibbutz invests in renewable energy
Kibbutz Be’eri, almost totally destroyed by Hamas, has recovered sufficiently to invest NIS 20 million in Israeli renewable energy company Arava Power. Kibbutz Hatzerim, where most of Be’eri’s members temporarily reside, has also invested NIS 20 million.