“And you shall choose life”

This article explains the simple reason why Israel has been sending rescue missions and humanitarian aid across the world for the past 60 years. It gives examples from the Greek earthquake of 1953 to the Philippines in 2013.

Never seen before

This video was taken 10 days before Uzi Narkis passed away. Uzi commanded the Israeli forces that re-captured the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967. The video was released on Jun 1st 2011.

Majorca’s master chef returns to the Jewish people

For centuries the family of Tony Pina practiced Judaism secretly in Majorca. Now, 500 years after forced conversion to Christianity, Tony has returned to his roots in Jerusalem, defying history, logic and the impossible.

Biblical altar discovered at Shiloh

Archeologists have found the first physical evidence that the ancient city of Shiloh (in Judea and Samaria) was a religious center before the First Temple was built in Jerusalem. An Iron Age stone altar was accidentally exposed during a recent archeological dig.

Happy Hanukkah from Israel’s Technion

Direct from the Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, five talented Technion students perform their version of Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages) created in the lab.

Masa’s 10 year journey

Israel’s Masa (Hebrew for “journey) brings young Jewish adults from around the world to Israel for five months to a year. This year Masa celebrates its 10th anniversary when a record 11,000 young Jews from 62 countries will take part in Masa’s programs.

Hot off the press

I was listening to a BBC interview last week where the BBC presenter accused Israel as being one of the countries where Christians were under threat. I would like to point out that Israel is the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population is on the increase.

Barmitzvah signifies a coming of age

Israel-born Arik met and married Indian-born Bat Chen – a member of the Bnei Menashe sect of Indian Jews – soon after Bat Chen immigrated to the Jewish State in 1999. Now their son Benayahu is celebrating his Barmitzvah and Bat Chen feels that she is now a fully integrated Israeli. www.breakingisraelnews.com/bnei-menashe-israeli-couple-celebrate-oldest-sons-bar-mitzvah-jerusalem/ Thousands at GA in Jerusalem. 3000 Jews from North America, Europe and Israel from across the political spectrum are attending the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly held in the historic homeland of the Jewish people. They will hear 140 speakers - half of them women - and discuss issues facing Israel and the global Jewish community.

Mini-golf thru the Bible

Newsletter subscriber Grant Crankshaw has had a great idea - a project to build a Bible-themed mini-golf park in Raanana. Grant is using Crowdfunding to raise funds - another great Israeli idea. Please support him by pledging to buy discounted tickets. Your contribution is only withdrawn from your bank if the campaign reaches its investment target. Please watch the video at the headstart crowdfunding site.

The legacy of the Bielski brothers

400 people gathered in New York to honor the legendary Bielski brothers, the partisan leaders who saved more than 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. The Bielski grandchildren included an Israel Defense Forces battalion commander. Surviving brother Aron urged them all, “Supporting Israel is the most important. If they don’t, some day they will pay for it.”