Ivories from the Kings of Judah
Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University archeologists have discovered a collection of First Temple period ivory plaques during excavations of a lavish palace at the site of the Givati Parking Lot in the City of David. They are the first of their kind to be found in Jerusalem.
700 future Jewish leaders
700 Jewish teens from 32 communities in seven countries completed a life-changing seminar in Israel as part of a year-long Diller Teen Fellowship (see previously), an immersive leadership program for teenagers from across the world.
I’m (still) a Zionist
To mark the 125th anniversary of the first Zionist Congress, this classic 2010 video of our friend Antithesis, the Zionist Rapper, is still very appropriate for today’s youths. 12 years since this video was made, Antithesis is now working in hi-tech and as a specialist tour guide, here in Israel.
The inclusive orthodox IDF new Chief of Staff
Incoming IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi is an orthodox Jew who lives in a secular town in Samaria. A proponent of the Hesder program (Jewish study combined with IDF service) he believes the IDF can accommodate every soldier in the Jewish army in Israel.
Fly under Jerusalem’s streets
Enjoy this 5-minute 4.7km drive along the new Highway 16 (Ariel Sharon Boulevard) that connects Highway 1 to Highway 50, avoiding central Jerusalem. The tunnels speed you deep under Har Nof and Mount Herzl.
1st Temple document fragment returns
A rare late 7th or early 6th century BCE document fragment, originally from the Dead Sea area, has been repatriated to Israel from a private US collection. The 4-line papyrus document, written in paleo hebrew (ancient Hebrew script), is a message to a man called Ishmael.
Ancient Israelite settlement discovered
Archeologists have discovered an ancient settlement at Tel Tibnah in Samaria, dating back to the time when the Israelites entered the Land of Israel, over 3000 years ago. It is identified with Timnat Serach where Joshua bin Nun lived and was buried.
125 years since first Zionist Congress
Some 1,400 people attended an event at the Stadtcasino concert hall in Basel, Switzerland, where Theodor Herzl led the First Zionist Congress on Aug 29, 1897. Israel’s President Herzog began his address with the blessing for being in a place where a miracle happened.
We are the Blessed generation
Avi Abelow states that it is important to once in a while take a step back from daily life, the headlines and the worries, and see the big picture of life, which is so very good. Great message.
We need to be the best
On the first day of the Israeli school year, President Herzog writes a letter of encouragement to all Israeli children.