March 13, 2013 | 12:35 pm

This conflict CAN end!

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

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In the past couple of weeks, I have encountered a record number of hateful messages, written by Palestinians, calling me a terrorist and a killer and wishing for my immediate death. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I thought that the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was the decision makers on both sides. I thought it all revolved around the "peace conversations" between Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas, and that it is the only way for this complicated, everlasting conflict to end. I thought it was all about the agreement between the two on a proper division of this small, yet coveted piece of land. Turns out, I was wrong. In the past couple of weeks I slowly came to the understanding that in order for this conflict to end, it takes more than two leaders to want to solve it, it takes two communities to want to solve it.

In order for this conflict to be solved, both Israelis and Palestinians must come to the full realizations that this is, in fact, a conflict, which means that both sides take an equal part of it. It takes two to tango, and only the realization of that by both sides, the ability to stand up and admit that there is not one victim and one aggressor, will push our leaders to end this more quickly.

In case I did not make it clear in previous posts, I believe that Israel has a part in this conflict. Israel is not a sole victim, and not an angel. In fact, Israel makes up a whole 50% in this conflict. Surprisingly, the same goes for the Palestinians. If you think you got an article from a paper or a website to prove me wrong, I encourage you to think about where the article is being taken from, and how it is most likely that there is another article, written by a different person, that will show the exact opposite point of view on the exact same matter. Media on both sides constantly tries to make "them" seem like the ultimate criminals/terrorists/ lowlifes, etc. That is why we all need to put these articles aside and just talk.

I truly believe that if instead of always searching for "facts" to prove the other side wrong, instead of insulting and wishing bad things for each other, we must try and listen,  and everything will change. We must not only open our mouths, but also our ears, being truly prepared to take criticism, and also say ours. We must take into account not only our personal experiences, and instead of trying to insult and hurt, try and come up with a solution.

Both sides must understand that they are also hurting, and not only defending. Deaths occur on both sides. But instead of counting which side has more bodies, we should try and celebrate life in order to make this area a better place. It probably won't happen today, or next week, or even a decade from now, but if this message will slowly sink into all of our hearts, we might find out the solution is more possible than we think.

I don't hate Palestinians, and I truly wish for them to live properly in a land of their own. But I also love Israel, and strongly believe it had the right to defend itself against those who wish to destroy it and spread all the Jews back all over the world. It is not Palestinians that try to destroy us, it is a small group of haters within them, just like there is a small group of haters within us who wish there will be no Palestinians. What we must do, is don't let these haters take over social networks and public opinion. When they do that, they make us believe that the other side, as a whole, is an aggressor and hater and that "there is no one to talk to."

I believe there is someone to talk to. More than one. It was only a year ago when we learned that most Iranians and Israelis actually love each other and wish no harm to one another. Who says we won't find that fact true in this case as well? It is not an easy process, I know. I am not a conflict expert, but I don't think it takes one to realize that all conflicts can be solved. This conflict is very complicated and has many layers, and true, the only ones who can really put an end to this are our leaders. However, right now, they have no true encouragement to truly solve the problems.

Our leaders are afraid that their people will not support any compromise, which will be needed in ending the conflict. This is where we step in. This is where we take a deep breath, put our pride aside, and admit: "my side is also to blame on this, just like the other side is." After that, the road to an honest, open, patient conversation is a short one. But while it may be short, once we will get on it, there will be no shortcuts. We must understand that as well.

I am a stubborn person.  Always have been. I find it extremely hard to admit I am not a 100% right. But right now I am in a place where I think I am ready to try and open my ears, not only my mouth, and listen. I want a better future. I want this conflict to end. Who's with me?

March 11, 2013 | 12:15 pm

This week from Israel

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Expanding "Insights"

The Israeli "Insights" project, which includes a special production of a song made entirely from Holocaust survivors' messages to the next generation, keeps growing. The Israeli Students Union and the Ministry of Senior Citizens has announced their cooperation with "Insights", in finding holocaust survivors who wish to share their wisdom and students who will visit the survivors, document them and help them realize their legal rights. 

Another big organization who joined the project is Taglit (Birthright), which is bringing young Jews to Israel for a free of charge ten-day tour, in order to connect them with Israel and Israelis and help strengthen their Jewish identity. Taglit will pitch in in collecting testimonies from Holocaust survivors around the globe. Taglit will also assist in finding the artist who will perform the finished "Insights" song, and will host him or her in one of its big yearly concerts.

Read more here and here.

 

Goodwill gestures to Palestinian Authority

Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly consider providing the Palestinian Authority a package of goodwill gestures, including transferring responsibility for areas of the West Bank, approving building plans for Palestinian villages,  releasing many of the 123 Fatah prisoners arrested by Israel before the Oslo peace talks, and providing small arms ammunition to the Palestinian security forces.

Read more here.

 

Izzy Ezagui- an Israeli role model

One of the participants at this year’s AIPAC policy conference was Izzy Ezagui, a 24-year-old combat reserves officer, who lost his arm in a mortar shell explosion but continues to serve as a reservist in special forces for the IDF’s Paratroopers Brigade.

Ezagui shared his inspirational story with AIPAC audience, and later interviewed with Arutz Sheva. Take a look:

Read more here.

 

House of the rising sun
Students at Israel's Shenkar College of Engineering and Design invented an innovative energy-saving house, which is self-sustainable. The plans and a model of the one-level, 70 sq.m house with a 100 sq.m yard will be presented in the upcoming Solar Decathlon - an international sustainable architecture competition, which will be held in China in August.

Read more here.

 

Israeli Apartheid Week- even at Harvard

Jewish students in freshman and upper class dormitories in the prestigious Harvard University, received mock eviction notices in light of “Israel Apartheid Week”, which is currently being organized on college and university campuses worldwide. The notices, which read: "We regret to inform you that your suite is scheduled for demolition in the next three days," were hung by the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee . “We’re considering it a hate crime. The flier promotes hate; it doesn’t promote peace. People were scared by it. People felt threatened by it," said one of the Jewish students.

Read more here.

 

Barcelona honors Israeli academic program for female academics

The city of Barcelona, Spain, has decided to honor a program by the Weizmann Institute for Science, which provides a financial boost for female academics to help with their household needs while they work on their research. Weizmann will receive one of Barcelona's most important marks of recognition: the Maria Aurèlia Capmany Award for Women’s Advancement.

Read more here.

 

A new Israeli international star is born!

Actor Yoav Levi plays the role of senior al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Faraj al-Libbi in the award winning film, Zero Dark Thirty. In an interview for Ynet, Levi tells about the secrecy revolving around  the project at early stage, the experience of playing an Muslim terrorist and the Hollywood experience.

Read more here.

 

Two Israeli women on the windsurfing World Championship podium

On Wednesday, two Israelis stood on the podium of the windsurfing World Championships in Buzios, Brazil. Ma’ayan Davidovich won the bronze medal, and Lee Korzits took first place, holding the gold medal for the fourth time. 

Read more here.

 

Rita- singing for peace at the UN

Under the banner, "Tunes for peace," the Israeli, Iranian born singer performed at the UN headquarters in New York in the presence of the UN secretary-general, the General Assembly president, ambassadors, diplomats and Jewish community leaders.

Read more here.

 

Israel-India relationship- who knew?

Here is a little bit of new and interesting information about the India-Israel relationship…

Read more here.

 

Ethiopia joins the Miss Israel celebrations

A couple of weeks ago, Yityish (Titi) Aynaw was crowned Miss Israel, and became the first Ethiopian- born woman to ever earn that title. Joining the celebrations in Israel was the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who is planning posting Aynaw's pictures on billboards across Ethiopia. In addition, the Embassy intends on inviting Aynaw to the traditional Independence Day reception as the guest of honor from Israel.

Read more here.

 

Fighting Israeli Apartheid Week

As we all, unfortunately, know, the Israeli Apartheid Week is now at its peak. It is the time for us to share the truth, and help preventing lies and twisted truths from spreading. Here is a video and an article I found, explaining the consequences of boycotting Israel. Feel free to read and share! 

Read more here.
 

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March 8, 2013 | 12:15 pm

One Israeli Creation for the Weekend

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Rona Kenan was born on 26 July 1979 to the late author and journalist Amos Kenan and scholar Nurith Gertz. At the age of 18 she was spotted as a "discovery" in the Israeli music industry and ever since, her influence on our music scenery just kept growing and growing.

In 2004 she released her debut album, Breathing Down to Zero. In early 2007 she released her second album, Through Foreign Eyes, where, again, all tracks are original. In 2009 she released her third album, Shirim Leyoel ("Songs for Yoel"), a concept album inspired by her father's life story. In 2011, she released her fourth album, Hamraot VeNechitot (Takeoffs and Landings). She writes her own melodies and lyrics, and sings both in Hebrew and in English. All four albums were a major success, and won her several music awards, as a creator as well as a singer. In 2005 she became a "chosen artist" of the Israel Cultural Excellence Foundation. Kenan is openly gay, and is also considered an icon for the Gay and Lesbian community in Israel.

In my opinion, Kenan has the most beautiful female voice in Israel. A tender, touching, unique voice, which I never stop enjoying. A big part of our mainstream music, yet so different than the rest. Now, you can share the enjoyment with me…

Black Tiger

 

Ata Mitorer (You Wake Up)

 

Harikud Hamuzar Shel Halev (The Strange Dance of the Heart)- a duet with singer Gidi Gov, which she also plays guitar for

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March 6, 2013 | 12:08 pm

Joan Rivers and the consequences of Holocaust jokes on broadcast television

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

On the February 25th episode of the E! Entertainment's  television show "Fashion Police", comedian Joan Rivers made a remark on Heidi Klum's Academy Awards dress, saying: “The last time a German looked this hot was when they were pushing Jews into the ovens.”  The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), demanded that Rivers apologize for her "vulgar and hideous" remark, but the comedian refused. According to CNN, Rivers told HLN's "Showbiz Tonight" that: "It's a joke No. 1. No. 2 it is about the Holocaust. This is the way I remind people about the Holocaust. I do it through humor."

Joan Rivers' vulgar remarks are not new. In fact, I assume that the first word that comes to mind to most people when they hear Rivers' name is "vulgar."  I ,personally, admire that. I think that Joan Rivers speaks for the kind of women who are powerful, confident, and not afraid to grab any man's private parts. She is a strong woman, and she is a part of prime time television, which is what makes her a feminist icon, in my opinion. When she makes my jaw drop in shock with her very non politically correct comments and remarks, I want to stand up and clap my hands in honor of her confidence and bravery (right after I finish digesting that her words were actually said on television.)

However, some things are not a laughing matter. The holocaust is at the top of that list. The holocaust, under any circumstances, is not a joke, even 70 years later. A joke about the holocaust is not like a joke about Jews, or gays or women or Israel. It is not "offensive" or "so-not-funny", or a taboo and it is not Anti-Semitism, it is way beyond that.

The way I see it, when Rivers said that it is a way to remind people about the holocaust, she was wrong. I don't think that a joke about the ovens Jews were pushed into is a way to make people remember one of the darkest times in the world's history. Making jokes about the holocaust on broadcast television is letting people believe that it wasn't really that bad, and that at the end of the day, it was actually pretty funny, all that oven-shoving...

It took me a trip to Poland to truly understand just how terrible this genocide was. It took me seeing a building full of shoes, small chambers colored with Zyclon-B gas and covered with nails scratches, and one big pile of ashes to truly understand how there was no chance for the 6 million, who their only crime was being different than the ideal type that someone decided should be the only one to live on this planet. It  gave me an understanding that all of this was performed not by monsters, but by human beings to realize how important it is to remember and never forget.

Many people will live a lifetime without that visit to Poland, and probably won't put too much effort in reading and learning more about the holocaust. Those people will only rely on what they see and hear, and that is how they will remember the holocaust. My worst fear is that someday, decades, maybe centuries from today, all that will be remembered from the holocaust is jokes. I fear that in this day, the claim that many of the pictures and videos that were taken during the holocaust were being edited andphotoshopped will become the mainstream opinion, and that most people will think that "it actually wasn't that terrible." I fear that in this time, a leader will rise and convince everyone that a certain group of people is the source of all problems, and that it would be best for everyone to just place them apart from the rest. I fear that no one will remember what truly happened last time, and that everyone will nod in agreement…

You may say I am exaggerating. After all, it was just one harmless joke, and no one will take is seriously. You are right. It was just one joke. But the fact that this story did not make much of a noise, means that many people were light-headed about it, and just let it pass as "a bit offensive," just like all of Rivers' jokes. Many people, who don't take much of an interest in the holocaust, heard this joke, were shocked for a few seconds, but then just went back to enjoying the show. Next time, they may also laugh at such jokes, slowly forgetting that it WAS that horrible…

I, personally, don't laugh at holocaust jokes, but many of my friends do. I can understand that, because sometimes it helps to laugh about things that are difficult to handle. Within the Jewish community, and especially in Israel, we are surrounded by the holocaust. We read, we hear, we ask questions and always want to learn more. We understand the importance of remembering and never forgetting, and amongst ourselves, we sometimes tend to make jokes. We don't tell them in public, and we don't tell them to people who don't have enough knowledge of the holocaust, because we don't want them to take it light-headedly. Joan Rivers may also understand the importance of remembering the holocaust, but she must take responsibility and understand that her many viewers do not.

Unlike jokes about Jews or gays or women or Hispanics or any minority in today's society, jokes about an historic event, that many cannot currently look at and understand that the matter of the joke was not really true, have serious repercussions. It is not "offensive" or "not-so-funny", and it's not Anti-Semitism. It is being indifferent about the holocaust, which is something we cannot let time turn us into…

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March 4, 2013 | 12:17 pm

This week from Israel

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Joan Rivers jokes about the holocaust and refuses to apologize

On the Febuary 25th episode of the E! show: Fashion Police, Joan Rivers made a remark on Heidi Klum's dress, saying: : “The last time a German looked this hot was when they were pushing Jews into the ovens.” The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), demanded that Rivers will apologize for her "vulgar and hideous" remark, but the comedian refused.

Read more here and here.

 

CamMe- bringing gesture tech to smartphones

Israeli 2D gesture technology company Pointgrab, developed the first full-fledged gesture app for iPhones and iPads. CamMe, which was unveiled this week at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, lets users take time-delayed photos using gestures.

Read more here.

 

And the Israeli Beauty Queen of 2013 is…

Yityish (Titi) Aynaw, 21, a former IDF officer, was crowned Miss Israel 2013 on Wednesday night. That night, besides from earning the title of a beauty queen, Aynaw also made history by becoming the first Ethiopian-born woman who has won the beauty pageant.

Read more here.

 

Jerusalem's icy spectacular!

I hope you are planning on visiting Jerusalem in the next couple of months, because the second International Ice Festival has started, and it is even more impressive than last year's. With the creations of sculptors from all over the world, this icy spectacular is a must see!

Read more here.


Israeli start-up to minimize the danger on the roads

The Israeli company, Accel Telecom, came up with a way for us drivers to drive a bit more safely, even in the "smartphone age". The new car-smartphone device, according to Accel, will enable drivers to use their smartphones while on the road much more safely than with regular smartphones.

Read more here.

 

The Maccabiah's torch continues its journey across Israel

The torch relay began at the Maccabi tombs near the city of Modi’in on December 13 and will end at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on July 18 with the lighting of the Maccabiah flame at the opening ceremony. This week basketball legend Tal Brody and former pole vault European champion Alex Averbukh celebrated Purim while carrying the torch.

Read more here.

 

Israeli parking app comes to New York

The app, named Pango, is used by almost every Israeli who parks in parkless Tel-Aviv. Now, it is only reasonable for this invention to make its way to USA's busiest city, enabling drivers to reserve a parking spot and have their car paid for and prepared by valet at the end of the night.

Read more here.

 

Harlem Shake is taking over Israeli students
Just like the rest of the world, Israel was taken over by Harlem Shake. Here are some of Israel's finest University students'' performances:
 

The modern Orthodox version:

The IDC version:

The Tel-Aviv University version:

 

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March 1, 2013 | 12:38 pm

One Israeli Creation for the Weekend

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Srugim is a successful Israeli television drama (sold on Amazon with English subtitles). So far, three seasons were aired, in Israel and in the U.S (on The Jewish Channel on cable television).

The title of the series, "Srugim", comes from the type of Kippah often worn by members of the Religious Zionist group the series depicts, the "Kippah sruga" (knitted yarmulke).

Srugim follows five Modern Orthodox Jewish single men and women, living in Jerusalem. Yifat and Hodaya are two 30 year old friends, sharing an apartment in Katmon neighborhood in Jerusalem. Natty, Yifat's childhood friend, rents an apartment with a roommate, Amir, who is recently divorced. Another member of the group is Reut, a successful accountant. The five become good friends, and spend Shabbat nights together, overcoming their personal loneliness in the community where there are hardly any single 30 something men and women.

 

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February 27, 2013 | 12:15 pm

Israeli Apartheid Week- bigger than ever. Can we fight the hatred?

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

The first time I heard the combination of the words "Israel" and "Apartheid" was a year ago. I just started writing Israelife and was only at the beginning  of my learning process of how different people worldwide see Israel.

It was when I encountered "the Israeli Apartheid Week," and I was in  a bit of a shock. Something in the words "Israel" and "Apartheid" put together simply didn't  add up. I couldn't believe that people actually allow themselves to use this very intense, horrible word, which links to history's darkest times, to describe Israel.  I couldn't believe  that people sat at home, watched some imbalanced news, and allowed themselves to simplify the complex situation here by simply attaching the word "apartheid" to my country.

It has been a year now  since that blog post I wrote about the Apartheid Week. In this period of time, I grew to learn a lot about the ways people worldwide see Israel. Unfortunately, I realized that neither my posts at Israelife nor others’ posts online and in traditional media, did not have the massive impact I thought they would have. In fact, in this year, the crusade aimed to make us look like the animals Jews were once haunted by, has just grown bigger and bigger.

Nowadays, 200 cities worldwide take part in the 9th annual Israeli Apartheid Week. This is one scary fact. There is a formal, worldwide event, named "Israeli Apartheid Week." Take a moment, let those words sink, and tell me you didn't just get the biggest chill of your life.
The IAW (yes, it also has formal initials)  "is an annual international series of events (including rallies, lectures, cultural performances, film screenings, multimedia displays and boycott of Israel’s actions) held in cities and campuses across the globe. Last year’s IAW was incredibly successful with over 215 cities participating worldwide. IAW seeks to raise awareness about Israel's apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing “Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel “  campaign. This quote came from the IAW's website (yes, it has a website, too), which calls people to join the "battle" against Israel's apartheid against Palestinians.

I know things around here are complicated. In fact, I think the situation in Israel can replace the existing dictionary definition of the word "complicated." But the way from "complicated" to "apartheid" is just as far as the way from "reason" and the people "fighting" this so called Israeli agenda.

I must state that even within Israel there is a certain amount of criticism on the way Palestinians are being treated, even I have some criticism, but once again, it is a very complicated situation. On the one side, Palestinians are after this small piece of  land. They had the chance to get half of this country, but refused, because they wanted it all. Now, they are under not-so-equal conditions, and yes, it is very unfair for those who weren't even born in 1947. On the other hand, Israel also exists here, and is willing to fight for its existence, especially while some Palestinian leaders have stated before it is not peace they are after, but the entire land and the death of all Jews. And this is just the tip of the iceberg of complexity.

As for the Israeli-Arabs, I agree that there are some problems with their status as equal citizens, which reflec mostly in the way some people which I have zero respect for, think of them less than they think of themselves, but  these people are minority. According to the law, they Israeli-Arabs are as much Israeli citizens as any one of us. They work in the same places as the rest of Israelis, they ride the same busses, they study in the same classroom, and I think you got the point.  Moreover, try and show me an Arab country that treats women, for instance, as Israel does. Show me one Arab country where Arab women serve in various roles in the army, where Arab women sit in the parliament, where Arab women reach the finals of reality shows, where they are allowed to vote.

Is this Apartheid? No, it's not. It is a complicated situation being flattened and simplified by narrow minded people who refuse to have a proper conversation or open their eyes and ears. I am angry with these people, because they convince others who are confused and unaware of the truth, but I also feel sorry for them. They will never know what a beautiful place Israel really is. They will never know the truth. They will spend years of their lives fighting something that does not exist, struggling  against windmills, trying to change a non-existing reality. I will never be able to understand those people, because when I want to fight for something, I usually try and learn the facts. All of the facts.

I try and listen to the other side,too. I know that Israel has problems when it comes to Palestinians and Israeli-Arabs. I know that some things must be changed and that the situation here can sometimes be unfair to them. I can honestly say I don't have all the answers, and that even after a year of hearing many opinions on the subject from both sides, I don't own the objective truth, because there is none.  It is a conflict, another gray area where there is  an upside and a downside to every decision.I understand that the reality has many shades of gray, and I understand that there are haters here as much as there are haters there. The people who stand behind the IAW see the world in black and white, which is why they will never truly accomplish anything.

Unfortunately, our haters will not change their minds. They will always refuse to listen or have a proper conversation, because deep in their hearts they know that if they will have one, they will understand that there IS a bigger picture, which is very far from apartheid. However, there is a group of people who are unaware and still confused and not sure which way to go. More and more people of this group are being influenced by Israel's haters, which outnumber Israel's supporters, who speak their mind in public.

We, Israelis, cannot speak at your universities, and be a counter voice to the IAW advocates. But we can provide you, Israel's supporters abroad, with more information, which will allow you to be Israel's voice.  It is you who can be the voice of the truth, stand in opposition to our haters and talk to the confused, and help them realize the complexity of the situation, rather than  believe the easy lies. I guess this is why I wanted to write this blog so badly-to show you the Israel I know; to  give you a different perspective of everything that's going on here and eventually  to show what is being twisted into accusations that break my heart.

I had the incredible opportunity to take part in an international conference held in Israel last year and hear Malcolm Hoenlein, one of the most famous Jewish figures in the United States. He said something that I carry with me every day, in every conversation I have with my American friends. He said that the only way we can put an end to this twisted hatred is to work together: Israelis and Jewish Diaspora. Only by cooperating we can help mitigate the misunderstanding about the situation in Israel. If  we, Israelis, put everything on the table for you to get a better understanding, without hiding a thing, and you will spread the word and rationally debate those who make false accusations towards us- only then- we may be able to show the world a different, more correct, perspective.

Nowadays, a powerful counter-force to Israel's haters  in the States hardly exists. There are few against many. Israel is a remarkable example for a few against many. We've won many battles against bigger, greater armies, just like David was able to beat Goliath. But now we play a different game. We are fighting the Media War, where the recognition you get depends directly on the amount of people supporting your cause. We can still win this war. All we have to do is unite. This is our chance to show the world something different. This is our chance to stand up to false accusations instead of hiding behind them.

My friends and I are powerless  against the Israeli Apartheid week and similar events, but you and your friends are not. Standing still and keeping quiet is agreeing. Disagree. SHARE THE TRUTH!

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February 25, 2013 | 12:10 pm

This week from Israel

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Messi to visit Israel

Israeli President Shimon Peres and the president of FC Barcelona, Sandro Rosell,  announced that Barcelona football team will arrive in Israel on July 31st to face a mixed-team of Israelis and Palestinians, as a part of a peace initiative.

Read more here.

 

 

"Green GPS"

The Israel Union for Environmental Defense is now introducing "Svivati" (my environment)- a new online venture meant to offer information that could help eco-conscious Israelis practice environmental responsibility. The website contains information about recycling centers, air and water pollutions, and also about urban "green lungs,” public parks and more.

Read more here.

 

Mishloach Manot to thank our volunteering soldiers

"Gesher" (bridge) group for religious-secular unity in Israel has decided to say  special "thank you" to Israel's volunteering Haredi and Bedouin soldiers. Last week, the young members of "Gesher" handed out Purim baskets of sweets (Mishloach Manot) to the soldiers, who have the choice of whether to serve in the IDF. The soldiers, on their behalf, expressed their gratitude for the unexpected gift. 

Read more here.

 

And another Mishloach Manot, this time from Samsung

Even though the Israeli market is just a small bit of Samsung's income, the super successful company has decided to show its gratitude to their Israeli customers by sending Purim baskets of sweets (Mishloach Manot) to the lucky 10,000 Israelis which a friend of theirs signed them up for on the Samsung Mobile Israel Facebook page. Each basket, full of sweet goodies, will be delivered personally today, the last day of Purim.

Read more here.

 

Israeli musician Shmulik Kraus died at 77 from Swine Flu

Singer and composer Shmulik Kraus was born in Jerusalem in July 1935. He began his musical career during the 1950's, and became one of Israel's most influential musicians.  Kraus has lived according to the full, stigmatic definition of a rock star, and also had a history of violence, which got him hospitalized in a mental institution several times.

Read more here.

 

The new research program which will advance Israeli research

A new British program, which was announced last week, will grant Israeli scientists the chance to work at state-of-the-art medical facilities in Britain. The program will grant up to 30 fellowships over the next three years to researchers who will work on a project to develop advanced regenerative medicine therapies, to cure ailments like heart disease, diabetes, and diseases of the central nervous system.

Read more here.
 

 

The Diplomatic Seminar for Young Jewish Leaders is looking for young Jewish leaders

The Diplomatic Seminar for Young Jewish Leaders is a study program conducted annually by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for young Jewish men and women of outstanding leadership potential. The coming seminar will take place between June 30th - July 11th, 2013 and is open to participants aged 26-37 from Jewish communities around the world.

Want to apply? Read more here.

 

An Israeli app – the new star of Apple's campaign

The Israeli "Look and Cook" app, presenting Chef Meir Adoni's recipes, has been selected by Apple to star in its latest ad campaign which will highlight the company’s iPad.

Read more here.

 

Lady GAGA's climbing wall

On 2/21, Lady GAGA's perfume, FAME, launched in Israel, in one of the most extravagant, unique, ways: a giant climbing wall in the middle of Tel-Aviv port, and a flashy event. 

 

 

Another Israeli film wins at Berlin's Film Festival

After, "The Gatekeepers,"  the Israeli film "Rock the Casbah" also won over the judges at Berlin's International Film Festival, while winning the prestigious International Confederation of Art Cinemas award last week. "Rock the Casbah" tells the story of a young Israeli soldier in the midst of the First Intifada in 1989. The film's leading actors are Yon Tomarkin and Angel Bonani and it was produced by United King.

Read more here.

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