Local evidence of Babylonian exile
Just north of Netanya, Israel, a cuneiform tablet has been discovered documenting the sale of slaves, in the Biblical Land of Israel. The Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) fell to the Assyrians around 722 BCE and the ten northern Tribes of Israel were exiled as slaves to Babylon.
Kosovo would move its embassy to Jerusalem – if it had one
Kosovo’s president, Hashim Thaci, said that were his country to have an embassy in Israel, he would put it in Jerusalem. Israel and Kosovo (a majority Muslim country) have warm relations but currently do not have formal diplomatic ties.
Jerusalem’s Yemenite synagogue
In 1885, Jews from Yemen built a synagogue in the village of Shiloah (Silwan), right outside Jerusalem's Old City. The British evacuated the Jews during the 1936-9 Arab riots and the Jordanian army destroyed the synagogue in 1948. It is now being rebuilt and discoveries are being made.
Haifa’s Reali School celebrates 105 years
This leading prestigious educational institution boasts graduates of the highest caliber who have shaped the State of Israel. Students from the Hadar branch chose the project of translating VeryGoodNewsIsrael in fulfillment of the school’s vision which is about encouraging caring and involvement in Israeli society.
בית הספר הריאלי העברי בחיפה חוגג 105 שנה. לבית הספר שורה רחבה של בוגרים שתרמו ומשפיעים על עיצוב דמותה של מדינת ישראל. תלמדי הראלי בסניף תיכון הדר, בחרו להשתתף בפרויקט תרגום של "חדשות טובות ישראל" כהגשמת חזון בית הספר – "להיות מוסד חינוכי איכותי, מוביל ומתווה דרך, המכוון את תלמידיו להיות בני אדם מעורבים ומשפיעים בחברה הישראלית".
Excavating Biblical Judean town
During an excavation in Khirbet Qeiyafa near Beit Shemesh, Hebrew University Professor Yosef Garfinkel uncovered the Biblical city Sha’arayim. Using carbon dating, he proved that the fortified city (in books of Joshua and Samuel) was part of King David’s Kingdom of Judah.
Czech President opens first stage of Embassy move
During his recent official visit to Israel, Czech President Milos Zeman inaugurated Czech House - a cultural center - as the first step in his 3-stage plan to move the Czech Republic embassy to Jerusalem.
Roman Abramovich’s beautiful new home
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is building a 1,500-square-meter mansion in Tel Aviv. The $27 million purchase picturesque Neve Tzedek neighborhood, will be developed from its original boutique hotel into a courtyard complex in the historical elegant Tel Aviv style.
Fancy a donut – or 360,000
To celebrate the Jewish festival of Hannukah, Israel’s Defense Ministry has purchased 360,000 donuts to give to IDF troops, including those at Air Force and Navy bases. It has also bought 16,000 packages of Chanukah candles, 30,700 tin menorahs and 200 large menorahs.
Haredi enlistment at all-time high
Over 3,000 haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, Israelis enlisted in the IDF in 2017 – the highest ever in the history of the State. It represents roughly a third of 18-year-old haredi Israelis eligible for military service.
Israel Rail workers find volunteer’s lost $2000
Sarah had been teaching English to Israeli children as part of a US volunteer program. During her train journey to catch her flight back to the US, Sarah lost her wallet containing $2000. Israel Rail workers found the wallet and a friend of Sarah’s collected it later.