1600 years since the last bath
Israeli archaeologists have uncovered remains of an ancient bathhouse dating to the Byzantine period during work being conducted on the modern water infrastructure near Moshav Tarum in the Judean coastal hills.
MDA Diaspora volunteers save lives
Bnei Akiva, the religious- Zionist youth movement, has launched a new “Hachshara” (training) program that allows young Diaspora Jews to spend 8 months in Israel rotating between MDA, the IDF and other organizations. 160 people are set to participate over the next seven months.
The City of David – where it all began
This new video, with musical-style accompaniment, features views of the site of Jerusalem’s original Jewish settlement, some 3000 years ago.
Bringing the Dead Sea back to life
Two bills setting up funds for resurrecting the Dead Sea passed their first reading in the Knesset. It also voted in favour of harvesting salt that has built up over the years and now threatens nearby hotels with flooding.
“Latkes are healthy” (-ish)
The traditional high-fat potato and onion fried delicacy for Chanukah is not as bad for you as you may think. The potato ingredient fights colds, reduces cancer, heart and anaemia risks, helps digestion, lowers blood pressure, calms stress and protects bones. So go on – have one and enjoy it!
Ancient Iraqi Torah scroll smuggled out to Netanya
A Torah scroll, estimated to be 400 years old, has been secretly smuggled into Israel from Baghdad’s Beit Zilcha yeshiva. It is to be ceremoniously inducted to the Be'er Chana synagogue in Netanya.
The IDF diet
In order to be accepted into a combat unit, Haman Kemerman lost 29 kg in weight. "I am so happy the IDF had faith in me and helped me realize my dream of being a combat soldier," Kemelman said. "I want to tell every soldier not to give up. If you have grit and determination you can achieve your goal."
Ready for whatever comes next
Not really good news, but an article highlighting how Israel prepares for the worst whilst hoping (and praying) for the best. It also gives medical examples of how Israel treats friend and foe alike.
The first female pilot of an IDF helicopter gunship
Maj. Maya spent 10 years at the cockpit of her “Cobra” and fired her first missile during the Second Lebanon War. Now in the reserves, she gave her first interview.
Turning trash into energy
Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry and local authorities will be collectively investing about NIS 600 million over the next three years in establishing waste-treatment plants that will generate bio-gas, fertilizers and traditional recycled materials.