King Solomon’s mines did not pollute
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found minimal environmental and health impacts at King Solomon's 10th century BCE copper mines in southern Israel's Timna Valley. Lead levels e.g., fell below 200 ppm just meters from the furnaces. They refute 1990’s claims that the mines polluted.
Building better defenses
Between Oct 2023 and Sep 2024, Israel's Defense Ministry placed NIS 601 million of orders with 86 startups and small companies - five times more than in the previous year. 58 startups joined the Defense Ministry’s INNOFENSE accelerator program, building AI, navigation and deep tech systems.
More Oct 7 survivors’ cafes to open
Israel’s Tamir Barelko is the founder of the Café Otef chain (see previously) run by Oct 7 2023 survivors. He will shortly be opening Cafe Otef–Sderot (in Rehovot), and also Cafe Otef–Kiryat Shmona, paying tribute to those evacuated from the northern town for 14 months.
Israeli tech rehabilitates the wounded
In this article from 6Degrees stops phantom pain in amputees. Sheba hospital repaired a soldier’s and also a dog’s. helped remove a bullet. located a bullet inside a Nova survivor’s brain. Also see (for PTSD) and (burns).
Mother of two IDF soldiers, enlists
Liora Lubovitz Batan has a daughter and a son in the IDF. Instead of sitting home and worrying, she enlisted in the IDF reserves, decades after completing her army service. she has since served 14 months in logistics positions and in combat support in the northern sector.
Reopening Paraguay’s Jerusalem embassy
Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña called the return of his country’s embassy to Israel’s capital a “tipping point” in the South American country’s history. Israel’s President Herzog thanked Paraguay for the move and for its history of support for Jews and the Jewish State.
History unfolding before our very eyes
The events of the past few weeks have been literally earth-shattering. All of Israel is hoping and praying that it will all turn out for the best. Some relevant articles here.
Birthright raises age limit to 50
Birthright Israel is raising the age limit for its subsidized volunteer program in Israel to 50 (was 40) starting in 2025. The aim is to encourage more people to visit the Jewish state and help rebuild Gaza border communities impacted by the Oct 7 2023 Hamas invasion.
From TikTok to sem
TikTok sensation Ellie Zeiler, who boasts over 10 million followers, traded the hustle of Los Angeles for a life of purpose, spirituality and discovery of Judaism in Israel.
Mazal Tov
The granddaughter of the Gerrer Rebbi was married in Jerusalem in front of a crowd of thousands. The Chupah (wedding) ceremony was held on the rooftop of the old wing of the Great Beit Midrash on Yirmiyahu Street in Jerusalem, and was broadcast on screens for all participants.