Israel Active

Following the US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, some senior Israeli Rabbis instructed their communities to replace the daily Tachanun prayer with Mizmor Letodah - the prayer for thanks.  On Rosh Chodesh Tammuz many Israeli communities recited full Hallel rather than the usual half Hallel.

Birthright Israel plans to resume summer programs just two weeks after Birthright evacuated some 2,800 participants from Israel during the war with Iran. “… now we’re opening the gates to Israel once again,” stated Gidi Mark, CEO of the group, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Researchers in Israel have uncovered two handwritten biblical manuscripts from the 15th century that belonged to Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community - the oldest known sacred texts of their kind. They comprise the Five Books of Moses, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth.

Winner’s of Jerusalem is auctioning the iconic top hat worn by Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac HaLevi Herzog, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. Bids are expected to start at $800. Rabbi Herzog was Chief Rabbi until 1959 and recovered Jewish children hidden by Christians from the Nazis.

United Hatzalah EMS Elhanan performed CPR in the intense heat of a Beit Shemesh house. Although the patient passed away, Elhanan returned to the shiva house the next day and installed two air-conditioners, free of charge. At least the mourners could breathe.

Combat navigators, identified only as “Yud” and “Bet” both attacked Iran during the 12-day war. “Yud” is the first female deputy commander of a fighter squadron. Husband “Bet,” commands an air squadron and will soon command a fighter squadron. They have 2 children.

Israeli reservists comprised the bulk of the troops largely responsible for Israel’s successes during the long multi-front war. They are all IDF veterans who completed their full service and then entered civilian life as students, members of the work force, spouses, and parents. Now they are on the front line.

Ohad couldn’t attend his medical graduation ceremony at Bar-Ilan University as he was in the IDF serving in Gaza. So the university brought the graduation ceremony to him. He put a hat and gown over his IDF uniform and recited the doctor's oath (Hippocratic Oath) to his fellow soldiers.

Karina Ariev, held by Hamas for over a year, has officially completed her service in Israel’s Defense Forces. All of Israel has recognized her courage for both the bravery she displayed during her captivity, and for her decision to return and honor her fallen comrades by completing her duty.

The U.S. State Department will provide $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The GHF has replaced the United Nations in delivering humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians and avoiding Hamas looters. GHF has delivered many millions of meals since its launch.