Purim in Israel
I hope you enjoy these scenes of the festival of Purim being celebrated all over Israel.
Jerusalem’s Shemitta Park: An Experience in Jewish Values
In Israel, every 7th year is “Shemitta” when the land “rests” and its population becomes more spiritual. Religious leaders, politicians, soldiers and children discovered more at Jerusalem’s Botanical Gardens newest attraction – its Shemitta Park.
Israel’s “gold coast”
Scuba divers have discovered the largest trove of gold coins ever found off Israel's Mediterranean coast. Members of a diving club in Caesarea uncovered nearly 2000 gold pieces dating back more than 1000 years. The Israeli Antiquities Authority said the find was "so valuable that it's priceless".
Jerusalem mayor tackles terrorism – personally
Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat stopped a terrorist, who had seconds earlier committed a stabbing in Tzahal Square. Barkat - an ex IDF paratrooper - saw the incident, got out of his car and when his bodyguard convinced the attacker to drop his knife, Barkat wrestled him to the ground.
The land of blue and white
The colors of the Israeli flag have been replicated in the recent weather of the Jewish State. Blue skies earlier in the week turned into dense white clouds, precipitating rain into blue rivers and lakes. And then white snow enveloped the country from the Golan, to Jerusalem and the Negev desert.
Leading lost Jews to the Promised Land
A detailed profile of Michael Freund, founder of Shavei Israel - an organization dedicated to returning to Israel, people with a tradition that trace their ancestry to Jews exiled from the Jewish homeland.
Bulgaria terror victim weds woman who helped him recover
Daniel Fahima, was critically wounded in the Burgas, Bulgaria terror attack two years ago, which killed five other Israeli tourists. He has just married the woman who sat by his bedside while he was in the hospital, helping him get through a long period of recovery.
Adversity inspires entrepreneurship
(Thanks to Israel21c) It was a chance in a million that Tel Aviv married couple Michael and Jessica would both develop Type 1 diabetes after the birth of their first child. They used their “misfortune”, however, to help them found the popular diabetes on-line magazine “ASweetLife”.
Borrow the book at the bus stop
A reminder that Israel’s bus stop libraries are still operating and expanding - such as the new library at Emek Refayim in Jerusalem. Borrowed books can be returned to any branch.
Above and Beyond
“Above and Beyond”, screened at the San Diego Jewish Film Festival, is the story of Israel’s Air Force. Produced by Nancy Spielberg (sister of Steven), it tells of the miraculous events involving volunteers who risked their lives in order to secure a Jewish homeland. Highly recommended.