Israel Active

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.

The Israel Antiquities Authority has discovered a Byzantine era mosaic floor under the fields of Kibbutz Beit Kama in the Negev. The red, black, and yellow mosaic was found prior to the paving of the highway 6, just below the soil along with structures, pools and a system to move water.

Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem honored Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman, who is dedicated to combating racism and promoting knowledge and education worldwide. The event raised $2 million for the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada.

Jerusalem Day celebrated the 46th anniversary of the reunification of Israel’s capital city. Jerusalem is the largest city in Israel with 804,400 residents. There was an 11% increase in tourists last year and a 300% increase in cultural events and festivals.

While celebrations went on above ground, new excavations underneath and around the Old City are continually being uncovered and opened to the public. Each site is peeling back the layers and expanding our understanding of key events in Jewish history.

Whoever it was that lost a door key on the way to the Temple in Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago, will be pleased to know that it has been found during the construction of Jerusalem Road 21. The key will be available for collection at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Here is a guide to some of the exciting events happening in Israel during the week that encompasses the Jewish festival of Shavuot (Pentacost). It includes the 13th annual Jezreel Valley Shavuot Milk and Honey festival, which features agricultural fairs, circus activities and organized valley tours.