Israel Active

Good news for anyone who misunderstood the Mayan calendar. (The Hebrew calendar has some way to go yet.)

The latest video from Kinetis highlights the truth about the Jewish State. The vibrant non-profit organisation shows world influencers (and reminds Israelis) how wonderful our country is.

Delegates at the Protestant Consultation on Israel and the Middle East declared, “We are committed to stand with Israel and the Jewish people.” They criticized other Christian groups for recent comments against Israel.

Israeli students came 18th of 42 countries in the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, up from 25th in the last test in 2007. In math alone, scores went up from 24th in 2007 to 7th in 2011 and top of the western world. In reading, Israel is now 18th (was 31st).

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a community from time of the Hanukkah story, around 2,200 years ago. The excavation in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood has yielded a perfume bottle, wine press, bread oven and the remains of houses and agricultural buildings.

“And if we’re looking for other countries that can help inspire us in this global race, there’s no doubt in my mind that one of them is Israel.” (There were some poor words too!)

The British Prison Officers Association, Bakers Food and Allied Workers’ Union, GMB and USDAW, sent 17 delegates on a four-day trip organised by Trade Union Friends of Israel (Tufi). Perceptions were changed, as many only knew previously what was portrayed in the media.

300-400 Filipinos gathered in a busy Manila business district in support of Israel. They carried huge signs, Israeli flags, white and blue balloons, loudspeakers and sang songs in Hebrew, and even blew shofars.

(Thanks to Eli) A team of Israeli and International archaeologists have discovered the remains of a fleet of early-19th century ships and ancient harbour structures from the Hellenistic period (third to first century B.C.) at the city of Akko.

The Economist Intelligence Unit - a sister company of The Economist (no lover of Israel) has published a study measuring which country will provide the best opportunities for a healthy, safe and prosperous life in the years ahead. Israel (20th) beats most European countries.