Northern hospitals come up for air
Several hospitals across northern Israel have spent 14 months in fortified underground bunker-like facilities. Now, since the ceasefire, they are leaving the crowded and dark conditions and returning to normal. Staff and patients are delighted to be breathing fresh air again.
Rehabilitating tourism in the North
The Jewish Agency for Israel is establishing a fund to rehabilitate the tourism industry in the north of Israel. Businesses impacted by the war - mainly those in tourism - can receive a low cost loan up to NIS 650,000. Since Oct 7 2023, the Agency has lent NIS 350 million to 8,000+ businesses.
Better than before
On Oct 7 2023, homes, fields and vehicles at Kibbutz Nirim were destroyed by Hamas terrorists and their supporters. Almost immediately afterwards, rebuilding and renovating began. Kibbutniks and external contractors are busy making Nirim bigger and better, safer and stronger than ever before,
US students cheer up wives of reservists
The NGO Israel Resilience together with the OU-JLIC (Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) has given US students volunteering in Israel the task of giving support to the wives of IDF reservists. They visit, hand them gift cards, and offer them thanks.
150 lone soldiers join the IDF
Over 150 young immigrants from the US, Canada, UK, and other countries are currently arriving in Israel as part of the Garin Tzabar Scouts program. After four months in an absorption program they will enlist in the IDF. Garin Tzabar has supported 7,000+ lone soldiers during its 33 years.
$150 million for PR
In the new budget, Israel’s Foreign Ministry will receive an extra $150 million for public diplomacy - more than 20 times that typically allotted in past years. One focus will be US college campuses, in cooperation with US Jewish groups and the Diaspora Affairs Ministry.
Don’t let the light go out
Peter Yarrow, the Jewish member of the 60’s folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, passed away last week at the age of 86. Remember “If I had a hammer”, “Where have all the flowers gone?” and “Puff the magic dragon”? Peter’s “Light one candle” recalls the Maccabees Chanukah fight to preserve Judaism.
(see awards)
New beginnings on Jerusalem streets
Israel’s capital city was full of Chanukah, construction and color, to welcome 2025. Thanks, Sharon, for including a link to .
From Jerusalem to Japan
Israel’s Foreign Ministry is to fly a stone from the Western Wall to the upcoming 2025 World Expo to be held in Osaka (Apr to Oct). Israel Antiques Authority representatives will assist with its (temporary) removal. Five years ago a stone from the Kotel was transported to a US exposition.
Device helps amputees put on tefillin
ALYN Hospital and Sheba Medical Center have developed a device enabling amputees to put on tefillin independently. It is already helping injured soldiers, restoring dignity and accessibility. “It gave me back my independence,” said one user.