Despite enduring decades of overwhelming challenges and tragedies, Israeli society is remarkably hopeful, resilient and compassionate. This tiny nation, founded by Holocaust survivors and refugees from around the world, never hesitates to extend its help and knowledge to other people and countries in need. The Jewish principle of tikkun olam, repairing the world, through personal and national acts of generosity, love and moral leadership is why Israel will always serve as a light unto the nations.
Forty ZAKA rescue and recovery organization volunteers assisted thousands of Johannesburg residents after severe storms ripped through homes in different parts of the city between December 31 and January 2. The team took part in relief and clean-up efforts together with city officials and several other NGOs.The organization said that its headquarters in Jerusalem received … Read More
Israeli tourism hit an all-time high in 2017, earning ₪20 billion in revenue from incoming tourism alone thanks to new flight routes and marketing efforts led by the Ministry of Tourism. A total of 3.6 million tourists were recorded, a 25 percent increase over 2016. “The all-time record number of tourists visiting Israel this year … Read More
Past and present collided last week when an extremely rare seal impression discovered in Jerusalem’s Western Wall plaza and bearing the inscription “Belonging to the governor of the city” was presented to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. According to site excavator Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah, “This is the first time that such an impression was found in … Read More
The remains of a 1,500-year-old Byzantine monastery and church decorated with mosaic floors and imported marble elements are currently being uncovered during large-scale excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in Beit Shemesh with the help of more than 1,000 teenagers. “We were surprised by the wonderful state of preservation of the ancient remains, and … Read More
As the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah comes to a close, the discovery of an ancient tomb door with a stunning menorah carving is providing a fascinating glimpse into Israel’s rich history. The basalt tomb door, which is undergoing preservation work, was recently put on display by the Institute of Archaeology at Hebrew University, in Jerusalem. … Read More
If you’re a Raptors fan, you may remember a 2005 exhibition game in which Toronto became the first NBA team in 27 years to lose to Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv. Star guard Anthony Parker nailed the go-ahead jumper with less than a second remaining, and the two-time EuroLeague MVP later parlayed that performance into a multi-year contract with the … Read More
RIO DE JANEIRO — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted a message of gratitude to Mexico following its announcement that it would not vote against the Jewish state in upcoming votes at the United Nations. “Thank you President of Mexico @EPN and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Videgaray for refusing to go along with one sided … Read More
A total of 162 members from the Bnei Menashe Jewish community of northeast India arrived in Israel this week, marking the latest wave of so-called “lost” Jews to immigrate to the Jewish state. The new immigrants arrived at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport in two groups and were greeted by jubilant family members and supporters, who … Read More
Thousands of Ethiopian Jews gathered in Jerusalem Thursday to celebrate the festival of Sigd, marking the community’s centuries-old aspirations to return to the holy city. On a sunny, warm winter’s day, busloads of people came from all over the country to participate in ancient prayers led by the kessim, the religious leaders of the community, … Read More
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday spoke with the head of the Israeli rescue delegation in Mexico, hours after the country was struck by a second earthquake. In his phone call with David Mizrachi, the head of the IDF mission, Netanyahu wished the soldiers a happy Jewish new year and said they were doing a … Read More