Return to Kibbutz Dafna
On 8 Oct 2023, Hezbollah rained rockets down on northern Israel, forcing hundreds of thousands of Israelis to evacuate. Today, 95% of the 1,000 residents who lived in Kibbutz Dafna before the war are back. And the secular kibbutz held a communal Shabbat to give a message of resilience, faith, & hope.
Oct 7 VR center
The new October 7 Education Center in the southern city of Sderot, aims to create an immersive experience using screens and other multimedia technology. The center, opened in April, since when a few thousand people have already visited, with a goal of 40,000 visitors per year.
I lost my leg but not my future
Three IDF soldiers endured trauma, yet their resilience shines through as they rebuild their lives. Through the support of Belev Echad (see previously) they have received advanced prosthetics, therapy, and a community in Kiryat Ono that helped them reclaim their lives.
Hostages released
After 738 days, all living Gaza hostages are back in Israel. A timeline and videos and photos of some of the emotional reunions.
On Simchat Torah we dance
Israelis are determined to dance, even overcoming physical and spiritual barriers. And on the second anniversary of the Hamas invasion, the IDF danced at the Nova festival site.
50,000 Jews celebrate Sukkot in Hebron
50% more worshippers than last year visited Judaism's second-holiest site during the first days of Tabernacles. The Cave of the Patriarchs was bought by Abraham more than 3,000 years ago. and is the burial place of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and matriarchs Sarah, Rabecca and Leah.
Exciting times in Jerusalem
During Sukkot, Jerusalem was full of hope for the release of the hostages. The schools were on vacation so families were enjoying holiday activities.
Delayed passengers break into song
After a 4-hour delay on a Delta Airlines flight from New York to Tel Aviv, two musicians led passengers in singing “Adon HaSelichot” and then “Am Yisrael Chai”.
A home in Israel
Reminder - Marina Shear, wife of Newsletter subscriber Glen, can help any reader wishing to make Aliyah or purchase a property in Israel. She has teams of English-speaking lawyers, mortgage brokers, builders, property managers, inspectors and designers. Read her guide and see her website for more details.
Ancient Jewish synagogue unearthed in the Golan
Another historical Jewish link to the Land – in the Golan Heights recaptured by Israel in the 1967 Six-day War. Excavations at the Yahudiya Nature Reserve revealed lintels and basalt columns of a 1,500-year-old synagogue – the 26th discovered in the Golan.