The most wounded soldier forges on
On Oct 7 2023, Alon Kaminer’s life changed forever when a premature explosion in combat left him clinically dead and with devastating injuries. He lost his leg, right arm, left hand, and an eye. He was clinically dead but he survived, and with unshakable courage and resilience, he fights on.
Shot in the back but recovered
Female IDF soldier Stav Bachar survived Oct 2023 despite Hamas terrorists shooting her in the back, abdomen, and pelvis, and leaving her for dead. If you can access X, see her now.
Gadi returns to Turner stadium
This scene was too emotional not to include in this newsletter. Ex-hostage Gadi Moses was welcomed back to Turner stadium, the home of his favorite soccer club Beersheva. Also read his latest interview.
Israel’s baby boom
In the midst of war, Israel is experiencing a baby boom. Unlike post-war birth surges, Israel had a 7% increase in births since Sep 2023, with 181,000 babies born in 2024. Maternity wards are overflowing even with economic and security challenges. And the highest increase is in front line towns.
The altar of Joshua
Video of 3,000-year-old Joshua's Altar on Mount Ebal in Israel, by General Avivi (Res) founder of Israel's Defense and Security Forum. Hear what was found at the site.
(intro by Yishai Fleisher and video – 10 mins)
(5 min video only by Gen Avivi)
(35 min full archeological video)
Converting in the IDF
Some consider that those who complete the IDF’s conversion to Judaism program are not sincere. This IDF soldier’s behavior seems to refute that criticism.
Prayer shawls in IDF unit colors
Mishkan Hatchelet, Israel’s leading manufacturer of prayer shawls (tallitot) is customizing them in the colors of IDF units. For example, a purple design for Givati Brigade soldiers, green for the Nahal Brigade, maroon-red for paratroopers and brown for Golani Brigade soldiers.
Ship of the desert
A clay jug estimated to be 1,200 years old, bearing distinctive camel decorations, has been unearthed at the archaeological site of Horvat ‘Anim in the Yatir Forest near Hebron. The site also includes a Byzantine synagogue, showing the area was the religious center for the Jewish population living there.
Ancient Syrian-Greek site discovered
A huge, 2,200-year-old pyramidal structure from the Ptolemaic and Seleucid period is being unearthed in the Judean Desert, north of Nahal Zohar. The findings include papyrus documents in Greek, bronze coins of the Ptolemies and of Antiochus IV, weapons, wooden tools and fabrics.
Former hostage opens pancake house
Before Oct 7 2023 Keith Siegel would make pancakes for his family. Now he has been freed from his hostage ordeal, he has opened Keith Siegel’s Pancake House, at Sarona Market in Tel Aviv. And it’s certified kosher.