Israel Active

In celebration of Ben-Gurion Day, Prof. Paula Kabalo, the director of the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism, provides a rare glimpse into the Ben-Gurion Archives. Hear excerpts from Ben-Gurion’s personal diary about the days preceding Israel’s declaration of independence.

An abandoned water tower in Jerusalem is being converted into a synagogue, Torah learning center and a museum commemorating Sir Moses Montefiore. It will also house a visitor educational center for medicine, science and halacha (Jewish religious law).

Mike Pompeo was the first US Secretary of State to visit Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and the Golan Heights. He visited the Samaria Psagot winery, which named a red wine “Pompeo” in his honor and presented him with a 1st century CE Jewish coin depicting a wine vessel, found in a cave near the winery.

Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) has compiled a list of 40 individuals, Jews and non-Jews from all walks of life, from around the world who are making a real difference as a fearless and tireless on-line advocate for the Jewish state.  Kol Hakavod!

The “Israel Philharmonic Pre-Hanukkah Global Celebration,” on Dec 6, will stream globally free of charge. It features compositions by Hans Zimmer with special guest stars. Register using the second link below.

Israel’s capital was a mixture of on-line and in-line this week as stores opened, some with long lines of customers waiting outside. Meanwhile Chabad, ALYN wheels and the Jerusalem Pianos festival (mentioned above) all connected virtually with their audiences.

20,000 students from 155 countries have registered and paid for a Tel Aviv University on-line course on Islamic history. They include from Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan the PA and more.

Archaeologists have discovered a fortified complex in the Golan Heights from the time of King David (1000-1100 BCE). They believe the fort was built by the kingdom of Geshur, ally of King David, to control the region. One of David’s wives, Maachah, was King Talmai of Geshur’s daughter.

Despite coronavirus restrictions, the Austrian grandfather of a new Israeli baby boy was able to be Sandak (holding the baby) at his grandson’s Brit Milah ceremony. The Fattal terminal hotel at Ben Gurion airport provided a sterile room so the grandfather could attend without entering the country.

The Jewish National Fund is building the Israel Education and Technology Campus in the Be’er Sheva River Park. See the video and description for details of its three components: tech center, tourist education and Israeli school.  Register for the launch event on 2nd Dec.