Israel Active

Ohad couldn’t attend his medical graduation ceremony at Bar-Ilan University as he was in the IDF serving in Gaza. So the university brought the graduation ceremony to him. He put a hat and gown over his IDF uniform and recited the doctor's oath (Hippocratic Oath) to his fellow soldiers.

Karina Ariev, held by Hamas for over a year, has officially completed her service in Israel’s Defense Forces. All of Israel has recognized her courage for both the bravery she displayed during her captivity, and for her decision to return and honor her fallen comrades by completing her duty.

The U.S. State Department will provide $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The GHF has replaced the United Nations in delivering humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians and avoiding Hamas looters. GHF has delivered many millions of meals since its launch.

Foreign aid for Israeli victims has come from Taiwan, which donated $160,000 to the ZAKA emergency response organization. Meanwhile, the Jewish community of Foshan China is donating building materials. Their city is one of the largest suppliers of construction services in the world.

Colel Chabad, with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) and the Hatzinor Fund, are giving debit cards worth 3,000 shekels to Israeli families left homeless after missile attacks. The JDC (Joint) have also been deploying emergency aid and services to support vulnerable populations.

Israeli non-profit Ogen (see previously) has launched a NIS 30 million emergency aid program “Israel’s Financial First Responders,” to support small businesses and families impacted by Iran’s missile attacks on Israel during “Operation Rising Lion.” JNF-USA has also rallied to help.

Beer Sheba's Soroka hospital opened up maternity wards in bomb shelters to deal with the threat of rockets. Despite suffering an Iranian missile hit, Israeli women gave birth to 100 babies in the hospital during the 12 days of Operation Rising Lion.

Prime Minister Netanyahu declared a “historic victory” for the Jewish state following a 12-day conflict with Iran. The IDF had decimated Iran’s nuclear weapons program and its ballistic missile arsenal. “We rose up and stood like lions, and our roar shook Tehran and echoed around the world,” he said.

Among all the tragic missile impact sites, this one in Holon advanced the local urban renewal program. Thankfully, no-one was hurt and tenants were expecting to be evacuated – just not so soon!

A day after the ceasefire with Iran came into effect, 110 Olim (new immigrants) landed at Ben Gurion International airport.  Most are from France, along with some from the UK, Spain and the Netherlands. Since Oct 7 2023, over 45,000 new Olim have arrived in Israel, with about a third under age 35.