Israel Active

‘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.

The collectives that have embodied Israel’s pioneering spirit for over a century are determined to emerge healthier from the Oct 7 2023 attacks. Neri Shotan, CEO of the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund said “We need to rebuild the kibbutzim stronger.”  20,000 global volunteers have helped.

Released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen posted a video of himself with his family, singing the Benaia Barabi song "Keren Shemesh" (Ray of Sunshine). He said, “The song is also a song of hope, the sunbeam dispelling the darkness, showing us the horizon, the light, the life."

The Western Galilee Now Association (See previously) is a lifeline for small businesses during times of war. Supported by JNF-USA, the WGN in one example, helped Shula, a chef and owner of a culinary business in the Galilee, to cook in Tel Aviv’s Carlton Hotel kitchen for Givatayim’s Winter Festival.

A horse born just over a year ago has been named Be’eri, after the kibbutz devastated on Oct 7 2023. Be’eri is part of a unique Jewish National Fund-USA-supported equine therapy program that uses horses to help adults and children deal with the emotional trauma of Israelis affected by Oct 7.

Naomi Shemer’s song “Al Kol Eleh” (for all these) sums up last week and a half. First, two miracles saved hundreds of Israelis from five bus bombs – an alert passenger, and terrorists set the timers wrongly. A week later, thousands took to the streets to honor the Bibas family (Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir).

Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has announced that the South Pacific nation of Fiji is set to open an embassy in Jerusalem later this year. “We are absolutely excited about coming to Jerusalem, and we most definitely will be there this year,” said Mr Gavoka.

I don’t usually share Instagram videos, but this one is superb.  As a platoon of IDF soldiers passed by these pre-school children during their tour of the Knesset, the kids recited the prayer for the success of the IDF by heart.  The soldiers were delighted.  Am Yisrael Chai!