Israel Active

Israeli jeweller Alon Mesika has donated over 100 engagement rings in tribute to his son Adir, murdered by Hamas on Oct 7.  Each ring, valued up to 8,000 shekels, went to an IDF soldier planning marriage. “Adir is not going to build a family in Israel, but because of him, a lot of people will”, said Alon.

In a poignant ceremony, a visually impaired grandfather had the unique honor of presenting his grandsons, who serve in the IDF, with their hard-earned berets. Warning - video may cause excessive eye moisture!

Amina Alhasoni, the 7-year-old Bedouin Muslim girl critically wounded in Iran’s April 13 missile attack on the Jewish state (see previously) has been released from Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. Amina underwent numerous neurosurgeries during her three months in hospital.

The Rebbes of the Belz and Sanz Hassidim are forgoing their vacation this year. Both sects encourage their followers to serve in the IDF. "How can I travel for rest and vacation when we are fighting a battle on all fronts and soldiers are sacrificing their lives”, said the Belz Rebbe.

The shawarma spit is still turning in Toby Abutbul’s fast-food restaurant, Baguette Shlomi in Kiryat Shmona. Toby is determined to remain in the Northern Israeli town and keep his restaurant running - a reflection of the resilience of many Israelis during the war.

Shlomi, a former IDF soldier wounded in the Lebanon War, rises at 5 a.m. to buy the freshest ingredients for his food truck, now based at the ill-fated Nova dance party location. Shlomi  feeds 250-400 soldiers every day since the Gaza war began. The IDF provides sustenance, but Shlomi provides soul food.

On Oct 7, Lt Yehonatan Skariszewski fought Hamas terrorists and guided over 100 Nova festival survivors to safety. He now works for NGO “For the Home, For Tomorrow,” training ex-combat soldiers in manual skills as therapy to counter anxieties following their active service.

A massive 2nd Temple period stone quarry from the time of King Herod is being excavated in the Har Hotzvim Industrial area in Jerusalem. Archaeologists have uncovered stone slabs, many 2.5 meters long and 40cm thick. Also a stone implement and a stone vessel, likely used by workers.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews arranged an El Al flight to bring 148 men, women, and children, seven babies, and one small dog to begin new lives in Israel. They will take up residence in Netanya, Raanana, Hadera, Givat Shmuel, and Ashdod. More will certainly follow.

Israel is to issue temporary licenses to lawyers, accountants, and teachers, enabling new immigrants to work in their professions immediately on arrival in the country. More than 10,000 Aliyah case files have been opened by North Americans since Oct 7 plus nearly 6,500 from France.