Israel Active

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a descendant of Lithuania’s Vilna Gaon.  But at the opening of the new wing at Beit Hatfutsot – the Diaspora Museum in Tel Aviv – he revealed that DNA tests showed he has Spanish roots.  He said “it shows that all Jews are intertwined”.

Although Israeli Independence Day was over two weeks ago, Israeli flags are still displayed everywhere.  Maybe it’s because Jerusalem Day is approaching – but many say it’s deeper than that.

Lag B’Omer at Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s tomb on Mount Meron is a unique experience.

A Haredi soldier was involved in a bus crash in which a female soldier died.  In hospital, doctors discovered a tumor in the brain of the Haredi soldier but a pre-operation scan kept being cancelled.  On Memorial Day, the soldier visited the grave of the female soldier and chanced upon Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot. Shortly afterwards, a taxi arrived to take the soldier for his scan.

Brave Tunisian brothers Mohamed Faleh Boughdiri and Ibrahim Boughdiri have converted to Judaism. Now named Josef and Jacob, they are not afraid to show their support for the Jewish State even though they have received serious threats and bullying.

More than 800 Jewish mothers from 14 countries celebrated a life-changing journey to Israel this month, at a Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) Mega Event.  It launched the JWRP’s specialized “Momentum” trips for 2600 women from 26 countries.

Researchers in the USA and at Tel Aviv University have produced genetic proof of the Jewish roots of the Bene Israel community from western India. 70,000 Bene Israel made Aliya and always considered themselves descendants of 14 Jews who were shipwrecked on the Indian shore.

With Israeli temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius the animals at Ramat Gan safari park keep their cool in various ways.  Some manage by themselves, whilst others need help.

Israel’s Bryan Meadan produces gluten-free beer made from chickpeas and buckwheat all year round.  But for the Jewish festival of Passover he brings out a date ale which is certified Kosher for Passover by Badatz Beit Yosef.  (3rd link is to a USA site that brews KfP honey beer.)

Jerusalem Post’s Barbara Sofer lists 68 reasons to be proud of Israel as it celebrates its 68th Independence Day.  And an article showing how Israelis journey from Yom HaShoah to Yom Ha’Atzmaut.