By Michael Kuttner…
Two experiences this week once again provided what we usually call “only in Israel” moments.
What are the chances on a busy street that a dropped wallet containing cash, credit cards and ID would be found and returned unscathed? Having apparently fallen while getting into our car we returned home after a night out to find the wallet placed on our front door mat with no note from whoever found it. It must have laid there for more than 3 hours.
In what is definitely an only in Israel event we attended a musical show at a local community centre. Prior to the commencement an announcement was made that in the event of a siren alert the audience should remain seated as the venue also serves as an air raid shelter.
This exemplifies the true Israeli spirit of grit, faith and determination.
RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF TERROR
Discover how those facing rockets in the north are determined to carry on.
It is a perfect example of what makes Israelis unique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5yO41eBStU
FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA
The world’s oldest working journalist and Shoah survivor skydives on his 100th birthday.
He celebrates Israel from the river to the sea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnVVI7N_gIA
HEARTWARMING
Watch a heartwarming video of compassion and solidarity which gives a glimpse behind the headlines of tragedy and sacrifice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCYRxG-FQIk
SAVING AGRICULTURE
The ongoing war has had a serious impact on Israel’s agricultural sector with a flow on to fruit and vegetables for the local market.
Without thousands of local volunteers the situation could have been much worse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjGZ_Y4dEBE
THEY WANT TO GO HOME
Living in limbo thousands of displaced Israeli families from the north are impatient to return home.
Forgotten by the media and international politicians, here is a small glimpse into the realties that these families face and the support which they receive from groups, locally and overseas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQqPZvOvbIE
THEY KEEP COMING
Nefesh B’Nefesh celebrates over 2,000 Olim arriving from the USA and Canada in 2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUCVjChalw0
SELICHOT FROM JERUSALEM
Experience a taste of pre High Holy Days selichot (penitential prayers) from Jerusalem with the participation of the Capital’s mayor and a diverse congregation from various ethnicities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMACTX4gT9I
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel.
[This article was originally published on J-Wire and is reproduced here with permission from Michael Kuttner.]
