Israel Active

The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization hosted some 8,500 people at Shavuot learning-together sessions at 22 different venues in major cities throughout Israel.  The Tel Aviv program included discussions on social issues, halachic challenges, cultural and personal growth.

Israeli archaeologists in Modi’in have unearthed a hoard of 16 silver coins from the Hasmonean period (126 BCE).  The shekels and half-shekels - the property of a Jewish family - were minted in the city of Tyre and bear the images of king Antiochus VII and his brother Demetrius II.

On Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) David Sarel was mourning his brother Maj. Benaya Sarel, who was killed in Operation Protective Edge in 2014.  Then he got a call from Ezer Mizion.  His DNA matched a patient who needed a bone marrow transplant.  David agreed to donate.

I reported previously about Rabbi Avraham Sinai and his amazing journey from Hezbollah terrorist to Israeli Rabbi.  Now his son Amos, who was born in Lebanon, has received a citation for distinguished service in the IDF’s Golani Brigade.

A recent Sabbath in Yeshivat Birkat Moshe in Ma’ale Adumim was extra special when the boys invited the members of Ezer Mizion’s Matan Club for Young Adults with Special Needs to join them.  Even those with severe Cerebral Palsy were an integral part of the celebrations.

I reported previously about Ron Evans the leader of Canada’s Norway House Cree Nation who leads youth missions to Israel.  Now Ryan Bellerose, a Métis aboriginal from Northern Alberta, has co-founded Calgary United with Israel, which advocates “for the wellness and security of Jews and their national homeland.”

Around 130 individuals found themselves drawn to Israel after rescuing Jews during the Holocaust. 13 are still alive, rarely telling their stories to the media. All of them were born non-Jews and therefore free from persecution by the Nazis. But they put their lives at risk by helping Jews and later immigrated to the Jewish State where they receive the country’s average salary as a monthly stipend.

An amazing sight of the huge numbers of Jews gathered to celebrate Yom Yerushalayim at the Western Wall.

During the Six-Day War that culminated in the unification of Jerusalem 49 years ago, one particular hour was critical.  As almost the entire Israeli air-force set off to attack Egyptian airfields, all of Egypt’s sophisticated jets and anti-aircraft guns went off-line.  And then even more miracles occurred. (Video has received 26,000 views in one day)

Israeli PM Netanyahu quoted from the Prophets and Psalms in his Jerusalem Day address to Israel’s Parliament.  “Judah will exist forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.” “For he has strengthened the bars of your gates, and blessed your children in your midst.”