Gearing up for Iron Beam
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is preparing to launch Israel’s Iron Beam laser missile defense system, It has established a new administration to manage high-power laser systems projects, led by a woman, known only as Dr Y. – a graduate of Israel’s Technion Institute.
Filipino ex-hostage names baby “Israela”
Released Filipino hostage, Gelienor “Jimmy” Leano Pacheco, has welcomed a new daughter – and named her Israela, as a tribute to the people and the State of Israel. Pacheco was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7 2023 and released after 49 days in captivity.
High demand for Israeli homes from Diaspora Jews
It’s not surprising that the recent huge increase in global antisemitism has prompted large numbers of diaspora Jews to invest in Israeli property.
Masa doesn’t pause – it adapts, supports, and grows
Whether in wartime, pandemic or peace — Masa’s programs empower Jewish young adults from 60-plus countries to live like locals in Israel and shape a shared future.
$5 million for new Zionist village
Massachusetts philanthropist and author of Finding Happiness, Todd Patkin, is to invest $5 million in JNF’s $350 million World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva (see previously), the first global hub for Zionism.
Where the Canaanites made their knives
A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Kiryat Gat has revealed a 5,500-year-old flint blade manufacturing workshop - the first of its kind found in southern Israel. The excavation uncovered long, finely-crafted blades and their source from large flint cores.
Drone fixes eruv before Shabbat
High Tech Halacha: During a routine Friday inspection, a council worker in the Israeli city of Ofakim noticed damage to the city’s eruv (the wire boundary that permits religious Jews to carry on Shabbat). Consulting the local Rabbi, a drone was sent to re-stretch the wires, repairing the eruv.
Rare “redemption of Zion” coin unearthed
A bronze coin minted by Jews in Jerusalem during final year before 2nd Temple's destruction in 70 CE has been discovered during excavations in Jerusalem. It is inscribed, “For the Redemption of Zion”. Tisha b’Av on 3rd Aug commemorated the destruction of both Jewish Temples.
Parents of fallen soldier make Aliyah
After their son Ben was killed while saving lives at the Nova Festival, his Canadian-Israeli parents made Aliyah to walk the path he chose, turning tragedy into a living tribute.
Young community hubs
As part of the post Swords of Iron War recovery, KKL-JNF is launching community hubs for young Mechina (IDF prep school) graduates in Israel’s northern and southern periphery. In the pilot, subsidized housing will be developed in Yeruham, Dimona, Arad, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, Acre and Nahariya.