Israel Active

A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute found 33% of Jewish Israelis ages 25 and under report observing more religious traditions since the war began. Among young Jews who identify as “traditional, somewhat religious,” 51% said they’ve increased religious practices.

Rabbi Gershon Litt received the 2025 Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. It recognizes an exceptional Jewish communal professional who has made a profound and lasting impact on the Jewish journeys of young adults on Birthright Israel trips and through his professional work.

Many news outlets are saying that immigration to Israel has fallen. True, the flood of Russians and Ukrainians has slowed, but Aliya from North America is up 12% to a 4-year high of 4,150. Chief reasons are heightened feelings of Zionism and solidarity since the outbreak of the war. z

Until recently, Jewish worshipers were only allowed to visit the tomb of Biblical Joseph in Shechem (Nablus) at night and under strict military escort. In future, they can remain at the site until 8 a.m., marking a return to early morning access that has not been permitted since the early 2000s.

The Great Isaiah Scroll, the oldest nearly complete book from the Hebrew Bible, dating back to the second century BCE, was originally created as two separate scrolls. The first 33 chapters were written on a different parchment to chapters 34 -70. And the scribes were different too.

A rock-hewn mikveh (ritual purification bath) dating to the final days of the Second Temple period was discovered recently during excavations beneath the Western Wall Plaza. It bears ash remains that testify to the destruction of the Temple by the Romans.

Marlene Kolangi founded “Israel Orphans of 10/7” to provide financial aid, therapy and support to children shattered by the events of Oct 7 2023. The charity supports 151 children with $500 to $750 Tav Hazahav gift cards per child each month, non-invasive play therapy, and personal contact.

Tickets for the Feb 9 concert at Hangar 11 at Tel Aviv port, featuring recently released captive Alon Ohel, sold out within hours after the pianist announced the event on social media, underscoring the public response to his return and recovery.

Former Gaza hostages Matan Zangauker and Ilana Gritzwesky have announced their engagement. Matan endured 738 days in Hamas captivity and was one of the last hostages to be released. Ilana survived 55 horrific days in Hamas captivity. They were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Two rabbis from Israel have quietly joined a Jewish delegation in Aleppo, entering synagogues and a former Jewish school that have been locked for decades - a scene that would have been unthinkable under the old Assad regime.