Israel Active

Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, donated another $40 million to the Birthright Israel Foundation. Their overall donation to the program is now $180 million. Birthright brings Jews aged 18 to 26 to Israel to help broaden their awareness and deepen their cultural identity.

Thirteen years after discovering his Jewish roots, 64-year-old Moshe Lederman Cohen celebrated his bar mitzvah at Jerusalem’s Western Wall. Born Mariusz Robert Aoflko in Poland, his mother told him he was Jewish just before she died. Israeli organization Shavei Israel brought him to Israel. Moshe said, “This is the most important day in my life. I feel like I’ve come home”.

The family of Zehava Elias set out from Ethiopia in 1989 to walk to Israel, carrying only a little bit of food, money and their Torah scroll. Zehava was born on route. Lieutenant Zehava Elias is now an officer in the IDF who have awarded her with the citation of excellence.

Two lottery stories to report. In March, A woman from the Tel Aviv suburb of Herzliya won in the Israeli lottery for the third time, bringing her total winnings to NIS 625,000 (some US $170,000). And last week a couple won NIS 28 million and said they are going to …. invest it in a textile business. http://www.timesofisrael.com/woman-cant-stop-winning-lottery/

More ancient Jewish archaeological remains have been discovered in Judea, providing additional proof of the unbreakable connection between the Jewish people and the land East of Jerusalem.

You mustn’t forget your camera if you visit any of these 10 sites.

Some young friends in New Jersey are sending out Israel’s positive message.

Jacob Richman has “posted” images of Israel’s new stamps issued during May. They include the Israel National Trail, (10 stamps make up a map), Australian Light Horse Beersheva 1917 and the late Yitzchak Shamir – the Israeli Prime Minister who helped make Israel into an economic success.

For eligible residents who don’t already have a “Dude Shemesh”, the Israeli government will pay NIS 900 (at least 25%) towards the cost of changing from an electric water heater to a solar powered one. A new eco-friendly heater saves an average of NIS 1000 a year.

The UK (Jewish and non-Jewish) community is holding a street parade on June 2nd to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. The “Closer to Israel” event also includes many other activities and projects designed to promote Israel to the British public.