111 orphans are Bar-Mitzvah’d
Kollel Chabad held a Bar Mitzvah celebration in Jerusalem for 111 boys who have lost either one or both of their parents. The event was planned originally for the 11th Nissan – the 111th birthday of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, but was rescheduled due to the visit of US President Obama.
With a little help from our friends
The Christian organisation “Bridges for Peace” works through Israel’s social services network, soup kitchens and charities, as well as direct distribution to provide 70 tons of food each month to 28,000 poor, hungry people in 52 communities across Israel.
200,000 people write Torah scroll
A new Sefer Torah (Torah scroll) was dedicated at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on the first day of the Jewish month of Nissan. 200 thousand people from all continents (including 100 thousand soldiers) wrote letters in the scroll over a seven-year period.
Elijah’s flaming chariot?
Israelis watching the skies just after sunset may see a fiery object just to the right of the setting sun. Dr. Igal Patel, chairman of the Israeli Astronomical Association, says it is the comet Panstarrs C/2011 L4. But Passover is when Elijah is supposed to announce the final redemption - so who knows?
One of the best countries to retire to
A report, by Natixis Global Asset Management (NGAM) puts Israel as the 12th best place in the world for retirees. Using UN and World Bank data, Israel comes ahead of Canada, the USA and the UK in the “safety net” the government provides to pensioners, to live better and healthier lives.
A British Muslim’s view of the Middle East
The founder of www.theisraelcampaign.org Kasim Hafeez writes about the double standards used by human rights activists in relation to Israel and any other country. Kasim ran in the Jerusalem half marathon to raise funds for the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center.
Israel destroys landmines
Israel has begun a project to rid the area of Eilat of over 10,000 defensive landmines placed near the city in clearly marked minefields during the sixties and seventies. The recovered land will be returned to the city for use in housing and agriculture.
Israel to build nationwide cycling grid
Israel’s Transportation Ministry has approved a new project to pave 400km of cycling trails across the country. The project's main goal is to minimize accidents involving cyclists on interurban highways. The ministry also hopes more people will use this eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Study the Jewish State – in DC
The Israel Institute opened its doors in the US capital last week with a novel mission: to advance the scholarly study of modern Israel in the United States and around the world.
Going “up” in the World
David Brent is a NASA engineer who will shortly become an American Israeli. It is a lot easier than becoming an Israeli American. He explains that in Israel, the laws of physics are reversed. It is easier to go “up” (Aliyah) than to go down. David is coming home.