Israel Active

Israeli archaeologists have discovered a trove of artifacts from 2,700 years ago in Jerusalem. The 120+ jar handles with seal impressions, inscribed “to the King” in ancient Hebrew, indicate a key administrative site of the 1st Temple Kings of Judah - close to today’s US Embassy.

Many Jews and former Israeli residents have decided that if they have to deal with Covid-19, they will be better off doing so in Israel. This June, 3,000 North Americans opened Aliya files versus 480 in June 2019. Demand for new apartments is at an all time high.

The film "I Am Israel" is a soaring journey through the Land of the Bible. It introduces Jewish men and women whose very lives are a testimony to divine promises. "I Am Israel" is narrated by award winning actor John Rhys-Davies, best known for his roles in the Indiana Jones and Lord of the Rings series. (inspiring trailer) (film clip – City of David)

Two paramedics from Israel’s Magen David Adom delivered their first babies during their recent shifts. One paramedic was nervous with his first delivery in 3 years but was more confident delivering the second one 4 hours later. The baby delivered by the second paramedic was his wife’s!

Bird Rides Inc. is providing free access to its fleet of scooters to volunteer paramedics of Israeli non-profit United Hatzalah. The paramedic locates the closest available scooter, opens the Bird app, enters the code they received from United Hatzalah and rushes to the scene in seconds.

Nice article about Rabbi Ami Pykovski - the Israeli Chabad Lubavitch rabbi and former soccer player - who has been nicknamed “The Soccer Players’ Rav” across the Israeli sports scene.

Israel in Ireland tweeted that Israel stands for Inspirational, Stunning, Radiant, Ancient, Eclectic and Lively.  My version is Inclusive, Spiritual, Revolutionary, Accessible, Exciting and Limitless. Send your suggestions to . I hope to publish the best one next week.

Excellent lecture by Rabbi Dr Jonathan Lieberman. He suggests that Ezekiel’s prophecy of the return of the lost tribes of Israel is becoming a reality.

On 18th July 2010, the very first issue of the VeryGoodNewsIsrael newsletter was emailed only to some 30 family and friends.  Current editions now reach many thousands every week. For information in the newsletters, search by subject or keyword.

Last year, in his “Covenant and Conversation” essay on this week’s Torah portion (Masei), ex-UK Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks wrote “Only in Israel can the Jewish people construct a political system, an economy, and an environment on the template of Jewish values.”