Reopening Paraguay’s Jerusalem embassy
Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña called the return of his country’s embassy to Israel’s capital a “tipping point” in the South American country’s history. Israel’s President Herzog thanked Paraguay for the move and for its history of support for Jews and the Jewish State.
History unfolding before our very eyes
The events of the past few weeks have been literally earth-shattering. All of Israel is hoping and praying that it will all turn out for the best. Some relevant articles here.
Birthright raises age limit to 50
Birthright Israel is raising the age limit for its subsidized volunteer program in Israel to 50 (was 40) starting in 2025. The aim is to encourage more people to visit the Jewish state and help rebuild Gaza border communities impacted by the Oct 7 2023 Hamas invasion.
From TikTok to sem
TikTok sensation Ellie Zeiler, who boasts over 10 million followers, traded the hustle of Los Angeles for a life of purpose, spirituality and discovery of Judaism in Israel.
Mazal Tov
The granddaughter of the Gerrer Rebbi was married in Jerusalem in front of a crowd of thousands. The Chupah (wedding) ceremony was held on the rooftop of the old wing of the Great Beit Midrash on Yirmiyahu Street in Jerusalem, and was broadcast on screens for all participants.
Where religious public worship began
A pre-historic ritual complex has been discovered in the Manot Cave in northern Israel. According to researchers, the siting of an engraved rock deep inside the cave, ashes and fine acoustics signifies the transition from unstructured worship to the dawn of institutionalized public rituals.
500-year-old Torah scroll found in Syria
A 500-year-old Torah scroll has been discovered hidden in the basements of Bashar Al Assad’s palace in Damascus. As only three Jews remain in Syria, it is hoped that the scroll will be brought to Israel for the descendants of some of the 30,000 pre-1948 Syrian Jewish community.
Baby shower for 40 pregnant army wives
Forty wives of IDF reserve soldiers gathered in Modi’in, between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, recently for a collective baby shower (pre-birth party). They received hundreds of gifts from companies and individuals, including essentials for the hospital. Most of all, they made new friends.
Teen Oct 7 survivors play basketball in L.A.
15 Israeli high-schoolers from Gaza envelope kibbutzim went on a week-long trip to Los Angeles to watch NBA games, tour Universal Studios and play against a local Jewish day school. The program was organized by Project 24, connecting Israeli and North American communities.
NIS 200 million for victims of Hamas
Israel’s Merit Spread Foundation has raised over NIS 200 million in US-tax-exempt donations since the Oct 7 2023 Hamas invasion. It advertises as having unprecedented zero cost overheads and the fund has financed various projects covering multiple social benefit causes relating to the war.