Hasmonean brigade starts on Chanukah
The new IDF combat unit for haredi Israelis, (“the Hasmoneans”), will formally be inaugurated on 25 Dec – the first day of the Jewish festival of Chanukah. The festival celebrates the victory of the Jewish Hasmonean army (the Maccabees) over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 BCE.
Where Herod’s great-grandson entertained
The latest excavations at Banias national park in the Golan Heights has revealed a cave used by the late 1st century CE by Agrippa II, the great-grandson of King Herod, as an ancient event hall in the Roman style. It reinforces the accounts of his contemporary - the historian Josephus.
Bonei Zion prize-winners
The 10th annual Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize ceremony honored 12 inspiring Anglo Olim who have made exceptional contributions to Israeli society. Winners included Eylon Levy (see previously) and and Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (see previously).
Christians support olive harvest
NGOs Genesis 1-2-3 Foundation and NewPersia.org have brought a group of American Christians to Israel as part of the “Root and Branch” initiative, which brings Christians and Jews together to rebuild livelihoods in Israel. They are currently involved in harvesting olives from century-old trees.
Respite in San Diego
The San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) has just welcomed 95 students from the Israeli region of Sha’ar Hanegev, which suffered severely from the Oct 7 2023 Hamas onslaught. The Israelis receive respite and the San Diego students build connections to Israel.
Therapeutic farm for treating trauma
Before Oct 7 2023, Sivan Shefer founded “Dialog with Animals”, just 4 miles from Gaza, training dogs and their handlers to treat people with disabilities. She now runs “Dialog for Life” – one of 15 initiatives of the Restart NGO, designed to help wounded IDF soldiers restart their lives.
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From MSG to Sheba hospital
Ishay Ribo performed to thousands at Madison Square Gardens (see previously). But he is just as at home playing to the wounded and their families in hospitals, or traveling to numerous military bases, and even funerals to use his talent for good.
Billionaire survivor gives message of hope
94-year-old Holocaust survivor Sir Frank Lowy gave a powerful and emotional Thanksgiving Day speech to ex-hostages and their friends. The Israeli-Australian multibillionaire drew from his life experiences to give them strength and resilience. (see previously).
Ari walks out of hospital
Ari Spitz was Israel’s most severely wounded soldier (see previously). Despite losing both legs and an arm, he was able to walk out of Sheba Medical Center (Tel HaShomer Hospital’s) rehabilitation department with three prosthetic limbs. Even non-Hebrew speakers can see how brave he is.
She picked up a 3,500 year-old amulet
12-year-old Dafna was hiking with her family near the ancient site of Tel Qana in Hod Hasharon. She picked up an unusual find a beetle-like stone that has since been identified as a 3,500-years-old Egyptian scarab amulet. Dafna was awarded a certificate of excellence for good citizenship.