Israel Active

Despite the war, 600 students from 64 countries have come to Israel to study at Ben-Gurion University. BGU's International Academic Affairs Office offers personalized support for students worldwide, from visa assistance to organizing social activities.

NFL legends Nick Lowery (ex-Chiefs & Jets) and Tony Richardson (Cowboys, Chiefs, Vikings & Jets) touched down in Israel last week on a solidarity visit. After meeting hostage families, Lowery told President Herzog, “We’re here to say we love and support you - no matter what.”

A delegation of some 800 French teenagers traveled to Israel, thanks to the Jewish Agency’s Israel Experience program and Mosaic United’s Shalom Corps. They have been packing food packages for the poor, helping MDA and Yad Sarah, volunteering at IDF bases and working in agriculture.

The New York Post describes many of Israel’s rehabilitating innovations created as a direct result of the war with Hamas and Hezbollah. It focuses on Israeli reservist and New York native Aaron Bours who was shot in both legs but is now well on the road to recovery.

A hoard of coins which once belonged to the Hasmonean King Alexander Jannaeus (103 – 76 BCE) was discovered in Israel’s Jordan Valley on the second day of Hanukkah. Alexander Jannaeus was the great-nephew of Judah Maccabee.

Birthright Israel marks its 25th anniversary by bringing 6,500 participants this winter to support the recovery of Israel’s tourism sector. More than 300 international groups will engage in volunteer programs and diverse internships across Israel.

A rare 1,700-year-old oil lamp has been discovered, depicting the Temple menorah. Other articles include six other Chanukah-related archeological discoveries, and a Chanukah tour of Jerusalem.

The largest Hanukkah menorah in the world cannot be lit. It is made of 25,000 balloons and stands in Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petach Tikva. It was constructed by a team of 100 volunteers from the Tikva Umarpe organization, and a rappelling crew.

Israeli police constructed a unique Chanukah menorah from pieces of rockets fired into Israel by Hezbollah over the last year. The symbolic project, dubbed “Lighting up the North,” was carried out by two police sappers who defused thousands of rockets, missiles and drones.

Hadassah Medical Center announces a major improvement in the condition of policewoman Hodaya Halperin, who was shot in the head about a month ago in Pisgat Ze’ev (see ).  She has regained full consciousness and is communicating with her family and the medical staff.