Israel Active

Shellie Grafstein tells the dramatic story of how her house in Bet Shemesh went up in flames and all the miracles that saved their lives.

Ten Cuban-Jewish women visited Israel for their first time on a trip sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) and Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.  New life has recently been infused into Cuban Jewry, especially since the release of Alan Gross.

Asael Shabo barely survived the deadly Itamar 2002 terrorist attack that killed his mother and 3 brothers.  But thousands of fans cheered as Asael stepped out onto the court at half-time in the Israeli basketball semi-final between Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Eilat to propose to his girlfriend, Saray Cohen.

Assaf Bar - one of the dozen injured in the deadly Sarona Market terrorist attack - clearly described events that evening when a gunman shot him twice in the head.

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.”