Israel Active

The Rebbes of the Belz and Sanz Hassidim are forgoing their vacation this year. Both sects encourage their followers to serve in the IDF. "How can I travel for rest and vacation when we are fighting a battle on all fronts and soldiers are sacrificing their lives”, said the Belz Rebbe.

The shawarma spit is still turning in Toby Abutbul’s fast-food restaurant, Baguette Shlomi in Kiryat Shmona. Toby is determined to remain in the Northern Israeli town and keep his restaurant running - a reflection of the resilience of many Israelis during the war.

Shlomi, a former IDF soldier wounded in the Lebanon War, rises at 5 a.m. to buy the freshest ingredients for his food truck, now based at the ill-fated Nova dance party location. Shlomi  feeds 250-400 soldiers every day since the Gaza war began. The IDF provides sustenance, but Shlomi provides soul food.

On Oct 7, Lt Yehonatan Skariszewski fought Hamas terrorists and guided over 100 Nova festival survivors to safety. He now works for NGO “For the Home, For Tomorrow,” training ex-combat soldiers in manual skills as therapy to counter anxieties following their active service.

A massive 2nd Temple period stone quarry from the time of King Herod is being excavated in the Har Hotzvim Industrial area in Jerusalem. Archaeologists have uncovered stone slabs, many 2.5 meters long and 40cm thick. Also a stone implement and a stone vessel, likely used by workers.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews arranged an El Al flight to bring 148 men, women, and children, seven babies, and one small dog to begin new lives in Israel. They will take up residence in Netanya, Raanana, Hadera, Givat Shmuel, and Ashdod. More will certainly follow.

Israel is to issue temporary licenses to lawyers, accountants, and teachers, enabling new immigrants to work in their professions immediately on arrival in the country. More than 10,000 Aliyah case files have been opened by North Americans since Oct 7 plus nearly 6,500 from France.

The emotional rollercoaster of the Hebrew month of Av was more noticeable this year. Positive Jerusalem events included Summer Nights at the Tower of David, the Puppet Festival, “Infinity” near the Pais Arena, Jerusalem of Gold, plus Tu b’Av itself - the “holiday” of love.

Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists, excavating a drainage channel in Jerusalem, have uncovered relics of life prior to the sacking of the city by Roman legions in 70 CE. A glass vial, grape pips, eggshells and ceramic lamps still with soot in them.    

Some 500 Tel Aviv University 1st-year students beginning their studies in the coming academic year who have served at least 30 days in the reserves since the beginning of 2024 will be entitled to a tuition discount of NIS 2,500, covering about 25% of total tuition fees.