4 Inspiring Things You’ll Find in the IDF

The IDF is a special army in many regards. Here are 4 reasons why the IDF is not like any other army in the world

1) Incredible Technology

The IDF features some of the most amazing and cutting edge technology in the world. Whether it’s unmanned vehicles, highly-advanced defense systems, robots, simulators or innovative battle solutions; IDF soldiers get to work with the most modern technology available. Not only do these technologies allow IDF soldiers to stay on top of their game, they actually save lives.

"The most amazing weapon in the IAF today" - Delilah's eye can spot you from over 15km away

2) Amazing People

The IDF is full of people who go the extra mile and even further to defend their country, its citizens and their fellow soldiers. Whether it’s people who leave everything behind to enlist, or folks who overcome incredible obstacles so they can volunteer; it’s lone soldiers, army heroes or even reservists who won’t leave the field. Their incredible motivation gives the IDF its internal strength and makes it one of the most successful armies in the world.

Oren Almog, left blind after surviving a terror attack  volunteered for service in the IDF

3) Gender Equality In The Field

Over the years, the IDF has put in great efforts to enable women to serve in almost all positions available. Combat soldiers, instructors, high-ranking officers, pilots and field intelligence soldiers–without women the IDF would not be the army that it is today.

Female soldier of the co-ed Caracal Battalion

4) Helping Out Worldwide

In the last 26 years the IDF has sent over 14 aid delegations to countries around the world that were struck by disaster. Most of the delegations were staffed with reserve soldiers from the Search and Rescue Unit and IDF doctors, who established field hospitals upon arrival. Israeli medical personnel saved more than 417 people from certain death, provided medical care to more than 3,700 injured patients and delivered more than 47 babies. Wherever disaster hits, the IDF will send its soldiers to help people in need.

IDF reserve soldiers rescue a Haitian man from a government building.

Paper out, smartphones in

Public Diplomacy Ministry implements paperless meetings protocol, aims to cut paper use even further

Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein has decided to run a greener office, and has instated paperless meetings protocol, Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

The first step, put in place in February, saw the minister order all senior staff meeting be conducted electronically: A staff member now uploads the meetings’ schedules and agenda to a secure website, and those participating in the meeting can observe it by scanning a special barcode that downloads the information to their smartphones.

The initiative has so far saved he ministry hundreds of kilograms of paper, and Edelstein is reportedly considering expanding it to include all professional meetings, on all staff levels.

“Government ministries have been striving to decrease their environmental impact for years, by implementing electronic signatures, installing fax software, using computerized archives and more,” Edelstein said
“On top of not being environmentally friendly, I think it’s practically immoral to use paper in meetings,” he added. “I hope other companies and private businesses adopt this method, which is efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.”

Some two years ago, the Government Secretariat did away with its “weekly envelope” protocol – which saw every minister get an envelope containing hundreds of printed briefs to review ahead of the weekly government meetings. the “envelope” now comes in the form of an email, and the ministers print out only the pages they deem necessary.

Source: Ynetnews.com

IsraAID's impact in Tohoku Japan

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Tohoku Japan | one year later.

Israeli Lee Korzits wins gold medal at Sailing World Cup, secures spot at 2012 London Olympics

Israeli windsurfer secures spot in 2012 Olympic Games after winning first place in Cadiz. Last day of sailing canceled due to weather conditions

Israeli windsurfer Lee Korzits won the women’s RS:X title at the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Cadiz, Spain on Wednesday after weather conditions prevented organizers from holding the medal race.

This marks the third time Korzits wins the world championship, the first being in Cadiz in 2003, and the second in Perth, Australia last December.

The Israeli windsurfer, who recently celebrated her 28th birthday, has known a turbulent career during which she had left the sport, been injured and underwent a surgery that left her inactive for almost two months. However, she made a swift recovery evident in last week’s race.

Kortzis achieved an almost perfect record in the Cadiz World Cup, winning four sails and being in the lead throughout the competition. The gold medal now secures her a spot at the London Olympic Games.

This will be her second appearance at the Olympics, after competing in Athens in 2004. Her recent win in Spain will award her with a NIS 100,000 grant. Her coach, Ben Finkelstein will receive half of the amount.

Source: Ynetnews.com

Destination: Love. Thailand to Israel. Taaky

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Destination: Love. At home they were successful. They had friends, apartments, dogs and jobs. They belonged. Now, they're immigrants who must begin again from square one. New language, new culture, new traditions, new religion. Strangers in a strange place who came for just one purpose: Love.

Israeli woman is ‘Europe’s top young researcher’

L’Oreal and UNESCO have named a Weizmann Institute biologist working in the field of probiotics for the award.

Multinational cosmetics firm L’Oreal and UNESCO have named a Weizmann Institute biologist working in the field of probiotics, commonly referred to as beneficial bacteria, “Europe’s top young researcher.” For her work in researching probiotics to treat disease, Dr. Naama Geva-Zatorsky will receive a two-year $40,000 postdoctoral scholarship.

During the past three years, young Israeli women have been able to apply for the program, which began 14 years ago and aims at promoting research among women starting out their scientific careers. There are only 15 annual fellowship winners around the world.

Among the members of the Israeli judges’ panel who selected her to compete with others in Europe are several senior Israeli women scientists, including Israel Science Academy president Prof. Ruth Arnon, Nobel Prize for Chemistry laureate Prof. Ada Yonath, Ben-Gurion University president Prof. Rivka Carmi (who is also a renowned pediatrician and geneticist) and Prof. Ephrat Levy- Lahad, head of the medical genetics department at Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

L’Oreal Israel CEO Nava Ravid said her company regards helping young women scientists as vital to their work. In the last century, 95 percent of all Nobel laureates have been men, she said.

“The world needs science, and science needs women, especially now,” she added.

Science and Technology Minister Prof. Daniel Herschkowitz said Geva- Zatorsky is living proof of the scientific power of Israel and the rising force of women in science. He said he hoped this was one in a chain of top prizes that she would receive for her work.

Knesset women’s lobby chairman MK Rachel Adatto, a physician by training, said the winner is an example of the growing number of Israeli women who contribute to science.

“I hope that her research will lead to an improved quality of life in Israel and in the world,” Adatto said.

Geva-Zatorsky arrived on Wednesday in Paris to receive her award and discuss her work, which aims at using “good bacteria” to treat diseases from gastroenterological disorders and diabetes to immune disorders and cancer. She noted that the body contains 10 times more bacteria than human cells, adding that “the bacteria that grow in the body from birth have a vital influence on our bodies and our health.”

Story via JPost

Equality Forum 2012 to Feature Israel

Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit.

Equality Forum produces these innovative events in collaboration with learning institutions, professional associations, research centers, for profit companies and nonprofit organizations.

Israel will be this year’s featured nation, speakers to include: 

Tuesday, May 1st to Sunday, May 6th

• Israeli photographer David Adika featured at 13th annual Gay and Lesbian Art Exhibit

Wednesday, May 2nd

• Israeli Delegation to be recognized at VIP Kickoff

Thursday, May 3rd

• Israel: Featured Nation Panel includes Israeli Moderator and Panelists
• Sister Cities Event

Friday, May 4th

• Israeli Speaker at Congregation Beth Ahavah Shabbat Service
• Tel Aviv Drag Performer/Singing Sensation Osher Sabag entertains at Drag Show at Tabu

Saturday, May 5th

• Israeli Panelist on National Same-Sex Marriage Panel at Doubletree Hotel
• Israeli Tourism Panel at University of the Arts
• Ambassador of Israel to the U.S. Michael Oren as Keynote Speaker at  International Equality Dinner
• Tel Aviv DJ Maya Jakobson at Sisters
• Tel Aviv DJ Yoav Arnon at Voyeur

Sunday, May 6th

• Israeli Pop Star Shorty Performs at SundayOUT! at The Piazza
• Israeli DJs Spin at SundayOUT! at The Piazza
• Tel Aviv Drag Performer Osher Sabag Entertains at SundayOUT! at The Piazza
• Israel Tourism booth at SundayOUT! at The Piazza

 For Schedule and more info click here

 

 

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World DJ Day… Check out the TOP 5 Israeli DJs (According to DJlist) and some of our favorites…

What is World DJ day?

World DJ day observed March 9.
It's the professional holiday of sound producers and hosts of dancing grounds. This youth holiday was initiated by UNESCO 10 years ago. In Belarus DJs not only hold parties, but also collect resources for helping children’s organizations.

In the spirit of World DJ Day… Below the Top 5 Israeli DJs according to DJlist.com

INFECTED MUSHROOM (Holon, Israel)

 


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BORGORE (Tel Aviv, Israel)

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SKAZI (Jerusalem, Israel)

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GUY GERBER (Tel Aviv, Israel)

 


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OFFER NISSIM (Tel Aviv, Israel)

 


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And of course, some of our favorites…

Erez Ben Ishay (Tel Aviv, Israel)

 


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Aron (Tel Aviv, Israel)

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Top 5: Archaeology experiences in Jerusalem

With such a rich and fascinating history, there’s no shortage of historical sites to check out in Jerusalem.

With its long and turbulent history, Jerusalem is a fascinating place for those interested in archaeology. Below are just some of the top archaeology hotspots to get you started.

1. City of David 

The City of David is believed to be where King David laid the foundations for the city of Jerusalem around 1000 BC. Situated deep below ground in the Arab village of Silwan outside the Old City’s Dung Gate, the City of David holds the remains of the once-grand citadel where a dynasty of Judean kings once ruled.

Visitors will enjoy the tours that reveal up-to-date archaeological finds, and end at the Gihon Spring, where according to tradition Solomon was anointed king. Don’t miss out on wading through the waters of the 2,700-year-old Hezekiah’s Tunnel.

Address: Silwan, east Jerusalem
Phone: (02) 626-2341

2. Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Center 

Adjacent to the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, the Jerusalem Archaeological Park features remains of the various periods throughout Jerusalem’s history. The Davidson Center in the Park offers computerized virtual models and films and provides context to the findings.

Bear in mind that guided tours of the Park and the virtual models must be reserved in advance.

Address: Temple Mount Excavations, Old City
Phone:  (02) 627-7550

3. Rockefeller Archaeological Museum 

The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum is found in a beautiful building housing a brilliant collection of antiquities unearthed in the Holy Land during the British Mandate period.

The artifacts are displayed chronologically, the oldest dating back two million years. Some of the more exciting finds include original 8th-century wooden panels from the al-Aqsa Mosque and 12th-century marble lintels from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Israel Museum runs a shuttle to the Museum and a guided tour on Mondays and Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Address: 27 Sultan Suliman Street
Phone: (02) 670-8011

4. Bible Lands Museum 

Situated in the heart of Museum Row in Givat Ram, the Bible Lands Museum offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore the history of the cultures of the Bible. The museum’s galleries display thousands of artifacts documenting the various peoples that occupied the region in Biblical times, including the Canaanites, ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Persians and Philistines.

Objects on display include coins, idols, pottery, weapons, statues, seals and documents. The Museum offers several fun and educational tours and programs for children.

Address: 25 Granot Street, Givat Ram
Phone: (02) 561-1066

5. Tower of David 

The Tower of David, also known as David’s Citadel, rests on the ruins of fortifications made by David, the ancient King of Israel. Today’s tower, located near the Jaffa Gate to the Old City, was originally built in the second century BC to strategically strengthen the city’s defenses and was destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly over the following centuries.

The Tower of David brings to life Jerusalem’s history and offers exhibitions and activities for all ages. Its courtyard houses significant archaeological ruins, some dating back almost 3,000 years.

Address: Jaffa Gate, Old City
Phone: (02) 626-5333

iTravelJerusalem.com is a new online international travel portal offering all the latest information on things to do, places to eat and places to stay in Jerusalem.

IDF Elite Unit Combats Hamas Smuggling Tunnels

 

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Between March 9th and March 14th, terrorists from the Hamas ruled Gaza Strip fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli population centers. These rockets are smuggled into the Gaza Strip through a vast network of smuggling tunnels, often hidden under residential structuers. The IDF Combat Engineering Corps' elite unit 'Yahalom' (Diamond) detects and destroys these tunnels, in order to cut off the weapons supply to terror organizations such as Hamas.

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Yahalom (Hebrew language: יהל"ם - יחידה הנדסית למשימות מיוחדות) is a special elite combat engineering unit of the Israeli Engineering Corps of the Israel Defense Forces. The name "Yahalom" (Diamond in Hebrew) is an abbreviation of "Special Operations Engineering Unit".
Sayeret Yahalom specializes in special engineering missions that include:

• Commando and Counter-Terrorism missions.
• Accurate demolitions and planting of pinpoint explosives.
• Defusing bombs, landmines and unexploded ordnance (Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)).
• Maritime sabotage and obstacles breaching.
• Searching and destroying smuggling tunnels.
• Developing advanced methods and tools for demolitions and EOD.
• Teaching and training engineering corps soldiers and other Special Units in demolitions and EOD.

Sayeret Yahalom is a classified unit and almost none of its special activities are exposed to the public.Public accounts of its activities usually just credit a "combat engineering force"; a term that can equally describe regular Engineering sappers, IDF Caterpillar D9 operators and infantry engineering companies. Jane's Defence Weekly has claimed that Sayeret Yahalom are working closely with Sayeret Matkal and Shayetet 13, by providing them with demolition, explosive and sabotage skills. Most of the equipment that Yahalom has developed for its missions is classified. Yahalom maintains secrecy to make it more difficult for enemies to develop countermeasures.

Best Beatbox in the Field

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An IDF paratrooper beatboxing during a break in an exercise conducted in the Golan Heights, March 2012.

Turns out IDF soldiers aren't only elite fighters, but also elite beatboxers!

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New Film Presents Israelis - from Pioneers to Entrapenuers

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