Israel Active

Despite the war and the anniversary of the events on Simchat Torah last year, Jews joyously celebrated the festivals of Simchat Torah and Sukkot in Jerusalem in defiance of the evil plans of our enemies.

My home city of Netanya was the destination that took most Olim (immigrants) this year with over 4,700 new Olim becoming residents here. It surpassed Tel Aviv (4,480), Haifa (3,870) and Jerusalem (2,260).

Birthright Israel brought 12 adult volunteers to Israel, all either on the autistic spectrum and/or with other non-physical disabilities. In addition to agricultural work, the group’s 10-day visit included volunteer activities where they helped pack up food and supplies.

Native American couple Chief Joseph and Amb. Dr. Laralyn RiverWind understand that Jews are indigenous to the land of Israel. They say the Jews are an example to them for how a people should stay strong and defend their land. Joseph even discovered his ancestors were Jewish.

A 5,000-year-old settlement, providing a view of the beginning of the urbanization process in the Land of Israel, was discovered in the Israel Antiquities Authority excavations near Beit Shemesh at the site of Hurvat Husham.

120 Israeli archeological sites were excavated last year, uncovering tens of thousands of historical relics. Countless artifacts, from the Second Temple era and the Late Roman period, were uncovered across Israel in 2024, including a ship, roads, rings and stone seals.

The Western Wall Elevator project will make the holy site more accessible by saving visitors the effort of negotiating 142 steps or taking a long walk around the city walls. Two elevators, will each carry up to 30 visitors between the 85-foot gap separating the Jewish Quarter from the Kotel.

US Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu performed a concert titled “One Day” in New York City. It was part of a Ben Gurion University event that raised $1 million to help the rebuilding and recovery of Israel’s southern communities. “There’ll be no more wars, and our children will play. One Day!”

Israel has deployed the Israeli-upgraded M61 Vulcan cannon along its northern border, to combat suicide drones launched by Hezbollah terrorists. An older version of the M61 Vulcan was originally provided to Israel by the U.S. during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and saw action in Lebanon in 1982.

ChatGPT was asked the question, “What would life, culture, and the economy be like in Gaza if Hamas were not  in control?”  ChatGPT also was also asked to generate a visual image of Gaza without Hamas.  I expect “Lebanon without Hezbollah?” might generate a similar response.