Israel Active

Philanthropist Rabbi Shai Graucher (see previously) heard that ex-hostage Emily Damari needed a car to help her rebuild her life. So he surprised her with the gift of a brand-new BMW. She will be able to drive it more easily once her restorative hand surgery has healed.

Watch IDF troops stationed on snowy Mount Hermon affix a mezuzah to the entrance of their base.

The National Library of Israel is displaying a 15th century copy of the Province manuscript Mezukak Shivatayim, written by Rabbi Yosef Kimchi around 1380. It is a commentary of Maimonides Mishnah Torah and quotes Jewish sages whose names are unknown and works have been lost.

Ecuador is set to open an innovation office in Jerusalem that will have diplomatic status. Israeli Foreign Minister called his Ecuador counterpart, Gabriela Sommerfeld, and praised Ecuador’s decision.

Released hostage Agam Berger visited Joseph's Tomb alongside Samaria governor Yossi Dagan. Dagan said, “You are here with us, in this holy place, at the Tomb of Joseph the righteous, who came out of the pit to kingship.” He wished “all the captives out of the pit with a great victory”.

Yarden Bibas received a personal Torah scroll dedicated to the memory of his family. Yarden wrote three letters in the Torah scroll, - Shin, Alef, Kuf. for Shiri, Ariel and Kfir. The scroll was donated by Rabbi Moshe Scheiner at the initiative of businessman and Hasidic rabbi Shai Graucher.

Since its inception 42 years ago, Sar-El has brought in more than 240,000 volunteers from over 40 countries to help on IDF bases, with over 36,000 just since Oct 7 2023. 25% of the workers are not Jewish. Tasks can be vital, such as refurbishing medical kits for frontline troops.

‘From the Ruins to a Shared Israeli Future’ is the title of the newest photo exhibit outside of Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence. The new photos show scenes of resilience and work since the start of the October Iron Swords War.

A luxury rural-style hotel is set to be built in Kibbutz Nir Am, near the Gaza border, in a project valued at 80 million shekels. The hotel, the first of its kind in the region, will feature 55 rooms, a spa, and a high-end restaurant (for guests and visitors) led by celebrity chef Eyal Shani.

The UJA-Federation of New York is building the “UJA New York Nova House” - a permanent community center for 10,000 Nova community members and survivors, near Netanya, Israel. It will offer long-term recovery, sports, cultural activities, workforce development and other activities.