Israel Active

The Israeli city of Haifa recently paid tributes to fallen Indian soldiers, with the Mayor noting that the city's school history books are being changed to correct that it was Indian troops and not the British who liberated the city from Ottoman rule.

Beneath the Western Wall in Jerusalem lies the Great Bridge Route, an extraordinary archaeological site that offers a tangible link to the Second Temple period and the enduring presence of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. The bridge connects different areas of the Temple Mount.

Since modern Israel’s establishment in 1948, excavation after excavation has yielded finds that have forced scholars to confront not only the story of ancient Israel but also the development of Judaism, Christianity, and human civilization.  Great summary of major discoveries.

As most people find, when they see Israel and the Palestinian territories for themselves they get a completely different view from that they received in their home countries. Very interesting interview here of the experiences of two granddaughters of Nelson Mandela.

On 8 Oct 2023, Hezbollah rained rockets down on northern Israel, forcing hundreds of thousands of Israelis to evacuate. Today, 95% of the 1,000 residents who lived in Kibbutz Dafna before the war are back. And the secular kibbutz held a communal Shabbat to give a message of resilience, faith, & hope.

The new October 7 Education Center in the southern city of Sderot, aims to create an immersive experience using screens and other multimedia technology. The center, opened in April, since when a few thousand people have already visited, with a goal of 40,000 visitors per year.

Three IDF soldiers endured trauma, yet their resilience shines through as they rebuild their lives. Through the support of Belev Echad (see previously) they have received advanced prosthetics, therapy, and a community in Kiryat Ono that helped them reclaim their lives.

After 738 days, all living Gaza hostages are back in Israel. A timeline and videos and photos of some of the emotional reunions.

Israelis are determined to dance, even overcoming physical and spiritual barriers. And on the second anniversary of the Hamas invasion, the IDF danced at the Nova festival site.

50% more worshippers than last year visited Judaism's second-holiest site during the first days of Tabernacles. The Cave of the Patriarchs was bought by Abraham more than 3,000 years ago. and is the burial place of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and matriarchs Sarah, Rabecca and Leah.