Israel Active

Ben-Gurion University researchers are developing solar-powered microgrids to meet the needs of Orthodox religious Jews, while cutting pollution. The microgrids store renewable energy (e.g., solar power) during the week and then distribute electricity during Shabbat without human intervention.

I mentioned previously (see ) about Israelis who wanted to dance after suffering severe injuries. Here is a detailed article about Michelle Rukovicin, the most injured survivor of Oct. 7 2023, who came out of a coma to walk to the chuppah and marry her boyfriend of five years.

Manchester UK’s Yoel Levy is “Marathon Batman,”. He runs marathons in honor of Shiri Bibas and her sons, murdered by Hamas.  He also supports Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. His sister has Down syndrome.

Eli Sharabi, a former Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, is featured on the cover of TIME magazine that hit newsstands on Oct. 27. An excerpt of his memoir, documenting his survival of 491 days of captivity in the Strip, was published online on Oct. 1.

Non-profit Planetherapy provides free therapy sessions to Israelis and Jews affected by Oct. 7 2023. 300+ volunteers from 35 countries, have provided 4,000+ therapy sessions in 22 languages. A dozen therapists are in Israel, counseling first responders, trauma therapists, Nova festival survivors and others.

Since Oct. 7 2023, Israeli non-profit Livnot U’Lehibanot (“To build and to be built” – see previously) has focused on restoring homes damaged in border communities in the north and south. Livnot has completed more than 320 projects in dozens of these communities, with many more underway.

Israeli pop star Yoni Bloch created the music video “Sof Tov” (Happy Ending) in Jan 2025 using AI & Virtual Reality to depict the hostages returning from Gaza.  9 months later, Bloch remade the viral video with real-life scenes of the hostages returning, to mirror the previous scenes of hope. (Original AI VR Jan 2025) (New real-life Oct 2025)

Most of the ex-hostages were completely secular before being kidnapped, but conducted Jewish practices during their ordeals. Some kept Shabbat; some refused food on religious fast days. Bar Kuperstein simulated putting on tefillin; others prayed. And most have maintained those practices since.

At his graduation ceremony, an IDF soldier stole the spotlight with a heartfelt proposal—dropping to one knee before his girlfriend as his fellow soldiers erupted in dance and cheers around them.

Officially the 10th of the Hebrew month of Nissan (when the Israelites entered the Land), Aliyah Day is celebrated at this time of year - on the 6th or 7th of the Hebrew month of Marcheshvan to coincide with the Torah reading of Lech Lecha, when Abraham was commanded to go to the Land of Israel. (celebration at Tel Aviv’s ANU museum)