Israel Active

Last year, Kfir Zar received a double lung transplant from fallen IDF soldier Dor Zimel (see previously). At the memorial to Dor, Kfir used Dor’s lungs to blow a shofar for him.

Israeli hospitals, such as Laniado in Netanya, have been applying many of the advanced methods developed by the IDF during the war. Whole blood is given to wounded soldiers before evacuation, and this technique is now used in Laniado if patients have insufficient platelets for surgery.

On Oct 7 2023, Alon Kaminer’s life changed forever when a premature explosion in combat left him clinically dead and with devastating injuries. He lost his leg, right arm, left hand, and an eye. He was clinically dead but he survived, and with unshakable courage and resilience, he fights on.

Female IDF soldier Stav Bachar survived Oct 2023 despite Hamas terrorists shooting her in the back, abdomen, and pelvis, and leaving her for dead. If you can access X, see her now.

This scene was too emotional not to include in this newsletter. Ex-hostage Gadi Moses was welcomed back to Turner stadium, the home of his favorite soccer club Beersheva.  Also read his latest interview.

In the midst of war, Israel is experiencing a baby boom. Unlike post-war birth surges, Israel had a 7% increase in births since Sep 2023, with 181,000 babies born in 2024. Maternity wards are overflowing even with economic and security challenges. And the highest increase is in front line towns.

Video of 3,000-year-old Joshua's Altar on Mount Ebal in Israel, by General Avivi (Res) founder of Israel's Defense and Security Forum. Hear what was found at the site.  (intro by Yishai Fleisher and video – 10 mins)  (5 min video only by Gen Avivi) (35 min full archeological video)

Some consider that those who complete the IDF’s conversion to Judaism program are not sincere.  This IDF soldier’s behavior seems to refute that criticism.

Mishkan Hatchelet, Israel’s leading manufacturer of prayer shawls (tallitot) is customizing them in the colors of IDF units. For example, a purple design for Givati Brigade soldiers, green for the Nahal Brigade, maroon-red for paratroopers and brown for Golani Brigade soldiers.

A clay jug estimated to be 1,200 years old, bearing distinctive camel decorations, has been unearthed at the archaeological site of Horvat ‘Anim in the Yatir Forest near Hebron. The site also includes a Byzantine synagogue, showing the area was the religious center for the Jewish population living there.