Israel News for 8-15-17
Terror Payments
The Shin Bet and police have uncovered a network run by Hamas to transfer money to the families of convicted terrorists. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered the funds seized and overnight Monday, security forces raided the homes of families receiving the funds. More than NIS 100,000 in cash was seized along with one vehicle. The raids were carried out in Ras al-Amud, Beit Hanina, Isawiya and Wadi al-Joz in east Jerusalem.
For further reading click here.
New Citizens
The daughter of US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman immigrated to Israel along with 232 other Jews from the US and Canada yesterday on a chartered flight organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh. Included in the group were 70 young men and women who will be joining the IDF. Around 2,000 Jews will be making aliyah (immigrating) to Israel from North America this summer out of an estimated 4,000 this year.
Regarding his daughter Talia, who is a nurse, Ambassador Friedman said, “I hope she will bring aid to those who need her here in Israel.” He added that Talia “always wanted to move to Israel. She is fulfilling her dream and the whole family is proud of her. We’re here to welcome here, to hug her and wish her the best of luck in Israel.”
To read more and watch a video click here.
Israel Basketball
The 16th edition of Basketball without Borders (BWB) Europe is for the first time being held in Israel. BWB Europe brings together 60 top male and female players born in 2000 from across Europe to learn directly from NBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches.
Basketball star Omri Casspi — the only active NBA player from Israel — is involved in this year’s BWB program, which includes a variety of NBA Cares and Jr. NBA clinics and workshops for Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze youth in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in partnership with local community organizations. BWB will dedicate a new “learn and play” center at Jerusalem’s International YMCA as part of the program.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met at his residence on August 10 with NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum, NBA club owners, chairmen, board members, and NBA Hall of Famers David Robinson and Wayne Embry. Rivlin said, “Sport has the great power to break down barriers between people from different communities. In Israel, we are working to build this understanding.”
For further reading click here.
Chocolate Israel
If you love chocolate (who doesn’t?) and want to try your hand at making some, there are places in Israel where you can fulfill your dream.
For a list of 7 Israeli chocolate making experiences, click here.
Music Video
Here’s a beautiful music video of female singer Ofir Ben Shetrit singing a song taken from a verse in Genesis on the Israeli version of The Voice.
To watch the video click here.
