Israel Active

On its 72nd birthday the State of Israel has 9.19 million citizens (up from 806,000 in 1948). 74% Jews, 21% Arabs.  The approximately 6.8 million Jews represent 45% of the world’s Jewish total. 180,000 new Sabras were born in 2019, vastly exceeding the 44,000 citizens who passed away.

Aliya organization Nefesh B’Nefesh has awarded its 2020 Bonei Zion prizes to seven outstanding Anglo immigrants. They are David Blatt (sports), Debbie Gross (non-profit), Dore Gold (global impact), Deborah Rund (science & medicine), Reuven Asch (education) and Zo Flamenbaum (leadership).

Captain Shelah, is a third-generation pilot in Israel’s air force. His grandfather, Col. Ehud Shelah, was shot down in the 1973 Yom Kippur war. Captain Shelah flew his jet in formation over the military cemetery in Jerusalem where the annual Memorial Day ceremony was taking place.

Ruth Cohen, 16, from Gedera won the 2020 World Bible Quiz for Jewish Youth. It was broadcast live on Israeli TV. Education Minister Peretz said, “For the first time in 10 years, we have a female Bible quiz winner. You’ve brought pride to our country.”

Magen David Adom paramedics Yoel Glatt and his son Menachem who recovered from coronavirus (see previously) have now donated their blood plasma. It should contain antibodies that can be used to treat patients critically ill with COVID-19.

This is a recording of the live broadcast from Jerusalem on Sunday 26 April 2020 on the 100th anniversary of the 1920 San Remo Resolution. The treaty is the recognition in International Law of the rights of the State of Israel, recognizing its Biblical legitimacy and historical links.

On 25th Apr 1920, the San Remo Conference of the Supreme Council of the Principal Allied and Associated Powers signed the treaty that established the international right of the Jewish people to a national home. It was enshrined in the 1922 League of Nations Mandate and the 1945 UN Charter. - live broadcast from Jerusalem on Sunday 26 April at 15.00 CET 14:00 GMT

Israeli laboratory workers Orit Zamir and Peter Katchker were going to postpone their wedding because of the coronavirus. However, the health of Orit’s mother deteriorated, and they contacted MDA’s “wishing ambulance” who brought her mother to attend a small but happy wedding ceremony.

Hundreds of Israeli volunteers from an online community called COVID-19 Open Source are using their own 3D printers to produce protective visors for healthcare workers. Other volunteers take the equipment direct to needy hospital departments across the country.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi said on Yom HaShoah, “The current reality (corona) does not allow us to meet with the survivors, to support them and be inspired by them. At this time, our mission is to protect them.”