Israel Active

The emotional rollercoaster of the Hebrew month of Av was more noticeable this year. Positive Jerusalem events included Summer Nights at the Tower of David, the Puppet Festival, “Infinity” near the Pais Arena, Jerusalem of Gold, plus Tu b’Av itself - the “holiday” of love.

Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists, excavating a drainage channel in Jerusalem, have uncovered relics of life prior to the sacking of the city by Roman legions in 70 CE. A glass vial, grape pips, eggshells and ceramic lamps still with soot in them.    

Some 500 Tel Aviv University 1st-year students beginning their studies in the coming academic year who have served at least 30 days in the reserves since the beginning of 2024 will be entitled to a tuition discount of NIS 2,500, covering about 25% of total tuition fees.

Russell Robinson, CEO of JNF USA, describes how his organization is building a community center 2km from Gaza. Self-funded volunteers on JNF-USA trips are cleaning up schools so that children can resume their studies. In the north, JNF-USA is building culinary and medical centers.

Another article publicizing the work of volunteers from America. They include some 3,500 who came on missions organized by JNF-USA since Oct 7, helping repair, rehabilitate, and rebuild Gaza border communities and giving vital motivational support.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) is donating $1 million to the Tzafon Medical Center (Poriya) to bolster its Trauma Unit. It is also funding $620,000 worth of new equipment and medical supplies at the Italian Hospital in Nazareth.

While regular IDF soldiers have modern weapons, reservists lacked precision scopes for their Negev guns. So, several Israeli civilians voluntarily developed the Tomer Adapter, named after Tomer Nagar - a “Negevist” who fell while bravely defending the Kissufim military post on Oct 7.

While Israeli citizens in the South are returning to their homes, many in the North have never left. The residents of this region - Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze alike - have become the guardians of their homeland, refusing to abandon the land they love, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

On Oct 7, residents of Kibbutz Magen fought off dozens of invading Hamas terrorists (video link below). They were then evacuated to the Dead Sea, from where 90% have since returned to their Kibbutz. Their stories of resilience give strength to Jews everywhere.

The Israeli Police has inaugurated its first bullet-proof ambulances. They will enhance the safety of search and rescue forces, particularly in high-risk areas. They were funded and supported by non-profits Israel Friends and Let's Do Something (LDS) which have both raised millions since Oct 7.