Israel Active

A 1,900-year-old papyrus (the longest ever found in the Judean desert) recently deciphered for the first time reveals a Roman trial of two Jews (Saulos and Gedalias) in the land of Israel on the eve of the Bar Kochba revolt (132-135 CE). Saulos may have been a “rebel”, trying to redeem Jewish slaves.

Last year, Nefesh b’Nefesh helped 3,700 North American Jews make Aliyah. It launched IMAP (International Medical Aliyah Program) which helped 519 doctors and healthcare professionals make Aliyah. And it gave the Maor Youth Prize (see previously) to 9 exceptional young Olim.

A delegation of senior Thai government officials, including Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, plus Thailand’s military chief of staff, visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, after five Thai hostages were freed from Hamas captivity.

Israel’s Military Rabbinate has unveiled a portable Holy Ark containing a Torah scroll. Army rabbis designed it to be worn like a backpack, which can be converted into a small podium, or bimah, for reading scripture. It is weatherproof and designed to prevent damage from humidity.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir quoted King David’s Psalm 18 in his first speech after being nominated as the next IDF chief of staff. “I have pursued my enemies, and overtaken them; and did not turn back till they were consumed”. And, “Israel will produce its own weapons, enabling it to face any threat.”

The 3rd annual International Yael Foundation Conference in Limassol, Cyprus, attracted 200+ Jewish thought leaders from 37 countries to discuss advancing Jewish education. They heard from Israelis impacted by Oct 7 2023 and understood that Jews globally had strengthened their Jewish identity.

During an IDF operation in Jenin, a stray dog tugged at the leg of a soldier and led him to a blanket. He lifted the blanket to reveal a massive explosive device. The heroic dog is now living in Israel. (see photo of device and dog at link)

Ben Gurion University are holding several US-location events to describe how BGU faculty and students are leading the way forward for the Negev and Israel after October 7th. Hear them in Miami FL (Feb 25), Boca Raton FL (Feb 26) or Houston TX (Feb 27).

On Oct 7 2023, Bedouin Israeli Yunis Alkarnawi hid 8 Israelis and 24 Thai workers on the farm he manages and then convinced Hamas terrorists not to enter the farm. Yunis has three members of his family currently serving in the IDF.

Despite still suffering from broken ribs and a bullet wound in his hand, released hostage Keith Siegel refused a wheelchair, wrapped himself in an Israeli flag, and walked from the IDF helicopter to the hospital. His youngest daughter Shir, who got engaged before Oct 7, can now set the date for her wedding.