IFCJ donates $2 million to fight coronavirus in Israel
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) has approved $2 million in special grants to 15 Israeli hospitals for respiratory equipment and other lifesaving machinery. It has also purchased 20 special testing devices for Magen David Adom.
One million potential donors
Israeli NGO Ezer Mizion has celebrated an historic milestone of one million registrants for its Bone Marrow database. Before the founding of the registry in 1979 a patient had only an 8% chance of finding a match. Today it is 76%. Israel has the highest number of registered of donors per capita.
Celebrating Life
Even a virus epidemic can’t stop an Israeli religious Jewish wedding. The Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem conformed to Ministry of Health restrictions by using its balconies for the guests of the bride and bridegroom. The video conveys some of the joy of the celebration.
Another Canaanite city conquered by the Israelites
Archeologists have unearthed the Canaanite city of Lachish , that was conquered by the Israelite army, led by Joshua. “And the Lord delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel,” (Joshua 10:32).
Caves where Jews fought the Romans
Dr. Yinon Shivtiel, senior lecturer at Safed Academic College, has identified hundreds of caves in the Galilee used by Jews during the Great Revolt against the Romans almost 2,000 years ago. Described by Josephus, they contained coins, jars, lamps and parts of arrows.
Serbia to open diplomatic mission in Jerusalem
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced at the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC that his country plans on opening a Chamber of Commerce economic office and a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
The 400th anniversary of the US-Israel alliance
From 1620 to 2020 Americans have cemented their ties to the Land of Israel. In the US there are 18 Jerusalems, 32 Salems (the original Biblical name of Jerusalem) and 83 Shilohs (where the tabernacle stood).
Superheroes bring Purim parcels to sick children
Israeli volunteers dressed as superheroes brought some Purim cheer to kids hospitalized at Sourasky (Ichilov)’s Dana Dwek Children’s Hospital in Tel Aviv. Spider-Man, Iron Man, Superman, and Batman, among others, rappelled down the hospital’s windows, giving out treats and toys.
Ancient prayer book restored
The National Library of Israel has completed the restoration of the 15th Century Moskowitz Mahzor and has been put online for the first time. The manuscript was written on parchment by Joel ben Simeon, considered by many to be the most important Jewish artist of the Middle Ages.
Some important facts about Purim
The Jewish “crazy” festival of Purim is uniquely celebrated in Israel. Even secular Israelis put on fancy dress, buy “hamantaschen” (triangular cookies) and enjoy parties.