Israel Active

Handwriting experts from the Israeli police and Tel Aviv University research archaeologists have examined ancient Hebrew inscriptions made by Jewish soldiers on pottery found at Tel Arad. The multiple varied handwriting proves that most of the soldiers were literate.

Over one million Russian Jews made Aliya in the 1990s.  But Russian immigration to Israel has not stopped, largely thanks to organizations such as Masa. Masa’s Israel programs have awakened a Jewish identity in Russians – some of whom did not even know they were Jewish.

The Marcus Foundation has donated $20 million for its RootOne initiative. It will subsidize trips to Israel organized by BBYO, NCSY, NFTY, USY and Ramah. With the subsidies, the groups can lower the cost of the trips by some $3,000 per participant for the 3 to 6-week trips.

Rabbi Pini Dunner was in Israel’s Negev for his son’s enlistment in the IDF. At midday, he noticed a bright light on the horizon, but the wrong place for the Sun. He was told it was not a mirage. It was the Ashalim Solar Power station . 500,000 mirrors to power up to 120,000 homes.

A particularly exciting wedding took place on the beach of Rishon LeZion. Dor Shachar was born Ayman Subah 40 years ago in Khan Yunis, Gaza. He fled to Israel and later converted. Last week he married Edith, also a convert. A very moving story.

Israel’s Jacob Richman has compiled a site containing 70 links about Rosh Hashana, ranging from laws and customs to games and recipes. Site languages include English, Hebrew, French, German, Italian, Portugese, Russian and Spanish. Also, over 780 Rosh Hashana cool videos. Something for everyone.

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered in Jerusalem, dozens of stone artifacts dating to 7th century BCE when First Temple King Hezekiah ruled Judea. They included sections of lavish window frames plus decorated pillar capitals identical to today’s 5 Shekel coin. Even the BBC reported the discovery.  

The leaders of Serbia and (95% Muslim) Kosovo have signed economic normalization deals with Israel. As part of its agreement, Serbia will relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by next summer - the first European country to do so.

Rabbi Yissachar Krakowski, head of Israel’s Orthodox Union kosher department. supervised Dubai caterer Elli’s Kosher Kitchen in preparing 300 kosher meals for Jewish members of the US and Israeli delegation to the UAE. Ellis will now also supply kosher food to guests at Dubai hotels.

An everyday example of an Israeli soldier helping an elderly Arab down steps in Jerusalem.