Israel Active

The La’aretz Foundation (see previously) gala raised funds to help reservists rebuild livelihoods, support families in financial crisis and establish an emergency grant fund. It will also assist families affected by post-war trauma and continue to provide education scholarships to ex-IDF.

SafeHeart, a nonprofit mental-health organization created to support survivors of the music-festival massacre, was founded that very day. Since then, it has reached more than 2,500 survivors, and currently provides long-term therapy for about 1,000.

Ditza Or, mother of ex-hostage Avinatan tells how her son was strengthened when he heard his Hamas captors praising the Biblical “Joseph The Righteous”. Ditza uses this episode to urge Israelis to unite in the same way that Joseph united his family and built a nation.

After discovering 150,000 shekels hidden in a wall during renovations, a Slabodka Kollel student in Bnei Brak sought halachic guidance. He then returned the money to the unaware, but extremely grateful, non-religious seller from whom he had bought the apartment. B”H.

At DefenseTech 2025 in Tel Aviv, Defense Ministry’s Col. Yishai Kohn said over 100 startups have integrated their products into Israeli combat operations over the past 2 years.  Defense exports increased by 13% to $14.7 billion, of which 50% were with European countries.

Robel Innovation and Israel Defense unveiled the “30 Young Promising in Defense for 2025” list. Many of them played pivotal roles during the Iron Swords war, highlighting the direct impact of their innovations on Israel’s security.

The Hungarian Academy in Jerusalem, a cultural center located next to the YMCA in Jerusalem’s Talbiyeh neighborhood, will officially open its doors early next year as a new embassy branch. The Czech Republic and Slovakia also have embassy branches in the same street.

IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Dan Tolkowsky, who just passed away at 104, served in the Israeli Air Force in the 1948-49 War of Independence and commanded the IAF from 1953 - 1958. When he left the military, he led the Defense Ministry’s Planning and Scientific Research Administration.

The IDF is extending its “iPhone-only” policy to Lt Col rank and above. Apple devices are seen as less “hackable”. Android devices will be banned for all officers, except for private (non-military) use. The decision stems from lessons drawn after the Oct 7 2023 attack and an internal review of security.

The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Class Action Foundation have launched a $15 million grant program to support businesses owned by the spouses of IDF reservists. One-time grants of up to 20,000 shekels plus a package of business and consumer assistance, including workshops. .