Israel Active

The UJA-Federation of New York announced a fresh round of grant allocations to Israeli initiatives on Monday totaling $7.8 million, mainly to recovery projects in the north and the Western Negev. Half the funds will go to communities attacked by Hamas terrorists on 7 Oct 2023.

Construction has begun on ALEH Zahav, an $81 million, 15-story, 420-bed rehabilitation facility in the Israeli city of Ramla. It will provide inpatient care, trauma therapy, hydrotherapy, adaptive sports, advanced imaging, and family support for soldiers and civilians wounded in the Gaza conflict.

Serving IDF soldiers enrolled in further education, will continue to receive benefits in the new academic year. In addition, all lectures will be recorded and made accessible to students who are serving in the military. More benefits for those serving over 300 days, plus STEM subjects.

The IDF has deployed dozens of robotic armored vehicles in Gaza. They carry an explosives container, place it at the target, and retreat before detonation. They are a dramatic combat tool, neutralizing thousands of explosive devices and saving the lives of many soldiers.

Yuval Raphael, Nova Festival survivor and Israel’s 2025 Eurovision contestant, received the United Hatzalah Hero Award at the organization’s Los Angeles annual gala. Her rendition of resilience anthem “New Day Will Rise,” won the global audience vote and 2nd place overall, despite suffering anti-Israel abuse.

American-Israeli Edan Alexander, who was held hostage in Gaza for 584 days, said that he intends to continue his IDF service next month. “I will once again put on the IDF uniform, and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers. Serving in the IDF is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Israel’s Defense Ministry has announced that its "Iron Beam" is now operational. Batteries will be deployed across the country within the coming months. The system can intercept drones, mortars, rockets and missiles. It will dramatically reduce the cost of defending against airborne attacks.

Thousands of years ago Jews walked up Jerusalem’s Pilgrimage Road to the Temple Mount. It has been reopened and reminds all that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people. Hear the words of Prime Minister Netanyahu, US Ambassador Huckabee and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel, he joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ambassador Mike Huckabee to pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

Ruthie Blum writes about a typical train journey in Israel, from Jerusalem to Herzliya. It is a snapshot of the Israel she (and many others) loves.