Israel Active

Israeli superstar actress Gal Gadot met Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai and Ilana Gritzewsky - five survivors of Hamas captivity in Gaza. Gadot told them, “You’re going on with your lives and fighting for others. You are strength. You are inspiration.”

US charity La’Aretz Foundation has donated $2,500 directly to each of the 500 families impacted in the Bat Yam missile attack by Iran. Some 2,000 people have moved into hotels, temporary apartments, or with family, while their homes are repaired.

20 months after his grandfather was murdered by Hamas on Oct 7 2023, Gal Pauker is expanding his grandfather’s work, transforming Pauker Winery into a commercial venture. He is helped by other Israeli boutique winemakers, and some 1,000 bottles of wine stored in the kibbutz’s underground bomb shelter.

One personal story of heroism by a United Hatzalah EMT, during the Am Kalavi 12-day war with Iran. And another video showing many other examples.

As Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles toward Israel, the operators of the Arrow missile defense system stood as the last line of defense. Each night, under immense pressure, they intercepted deadly threats aimed at civilian areas.

Former hostage Yelena Troufanov, spends her days gathering clothing and other supplies for those who have been injured or lost their homes and possessions during Iran’s missile attacks. So many items were donated from Israelis, which “reflects the spirit of our people,” she said.

Following the US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, some senior Israeli Rabbis instructed their communities to replace the daily Tachanun prayer with Mizmor Letodah - the prayer for thanks.  On Rosh Chodesh Tammuz many Israeli communities recited full Hallel rather than the usual half Hallel.

Birthright Israel plans to resume summer programs just two weeks after Birthright evacuated some 2,800 participants from Israel during the war with Iran. “… now we’re opening the gates to Israel once again,” stated Gidi Mark, CEO of the group, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Researchers in Israel have uncovered two handwritten biblical manuscripts from the 15th century that belonged to Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community - the oldest known sacred texts of their kind. They comprise the Five Books of Moses, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth.

Winner’s of Jerusalem is auctioning the iconic top hat worn by Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac HaLevi Herzog, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. Bids are expected to start at $800. Rabbi Herzog was Chief Rabbi until 1959 and recovered Jewish children hidden by Christians from the Nazis.