Yitzhak Rabin assassination conspiracy theory. What do you believe?
On the eve of the 26th anniversary of his death, the Yitzhak Rabin assassination conspiracy theory is back in the headlines. Was it Yigal Amir who fired the fatal bullet, at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, or did something else happen in the ambulance when Rabin was rushed to the hospital? Was it a Shin Bet agent perhaps?
Rabin Square, Tel Aviv, Israel – Image credit: Yoav Aziz, Unsplash
Prof. Mordechai Kedar, a Bar-Ilan University professor and scholar of Arabic culture claims that Rabin was the victim of a political conspiracy and that someone else with the initials “Y.R.’ is responsible for Rabin’s murder.
In the meantime here are some links to a few interesting articles that have appeared in the Israel and Jewish press about the Rabin assassination conspiracy theory.
An entire generation of youth has grown up since Rabin’s assassination and many of them have little idea about Yitzhak Rabin’s personal life.
Yitzhak Rabin had an illustrious career as an Israeli politician, statesman and general. He was the fifth Prime Minister of Israel, serving two terms in office, 1974–77, and 1992 until his assassination in 1995.
His parents were originally from the Ukraine
Rabin’s father changed his surname from Rubitzov to Rabin in 1917
Rabin spent 2 of his high school years at the Kadoorie Agricultural School as originally he aspired to being an irrigation engineer. He was a good student but hated studying English as it was the language of the “British enemy”.
Many cities and towns in Israel have named streets, neighborhoods, schools, bridges and parks after Rabin. The country’s largest power station, Orot Rabin, two government office complexes (at the HaKirya in Tel Aviv and the Sail Tower in Haifa), the Israeli terminal of the Arava border crossing with Jordan, and two synagogues are also named after him. Outside Israel, there are streets and squares named after him in Bonn, Berlin, Chicago, Madrid, Miami, New York City, and Odessa and parks in Montreal, Paris, Rome and Lima. The community Jewish high school in Ottawa is also named after him.
Jewish blessings for food. Which bracha or prayer should I be reciting?
If you are mostly secular in your religious beliefs, or not Jewish, you may not know that in the Jewish religion there are many blessings for food. Not only do Jews bless bread and wine and give thanks and bless the meal they have just eaten with a prayer known as ‘Grace After Meals’ (Hebrew: Birkat HaMazon), they also have blessings for many other types of food. Blessings on food are recited daily, on the Sabbath and on Jewish Festivals.
Image credit: Unsplash – There are separate blessings for food – fruit grown on trees and vegetables grown in the ground
There is a blessing for fruit that grows on trees, for vegetables that grow in the ground, for bitter herbs on Passover, for pomegranates and fish over the New Year. It is traditional to bless every type of food before you put it in your mouth – even water. There is a separate type of blessing for cereal, a blessing for apple strudel, for apricot preserve and for dried fruit. There aren’t thousands of blessings but every type of food fits into a category and the appropriate blessing for that category is recited.
Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth
My good friend Leah, on Olah Hadasha (English: new immigrant), a Liverpudlian a.k.a a ‘Scouser’ living in Haifa, often has ideas for helpful website content – this topic – blessings for food was her idea. Thanks Leah.
Since Israel’s independence in 1948 about 3.3 million people have immigrated to this country. The figures released by the Israel CBS show that 43.7% of them made Aliyah from 1990 onward.
In 2018, 29,800 immigrants made Israel their new home reflecting an increase of 6.6% over 2017. The immigrant placement rate stands at 3.2 immigrants per 1,000 residents.
The largest number of immigrants by country
Aliyah by Country by www.gov.il
The largest number of immigrants came from Russia. In 2018 there was a 46.6% increase (10,460 immigrants in total) compared to 2017 (where there were 7,135 immigrants).
In 2018, the number of immigrants from France decreased by 23.5% compared to 2017. French Aliyah peaked in 2015 – when 6,628 people immigrated to Israel.
Most of the new Olim chose to settle in the big cities;- 11.1% settled in Tel Aviv – Jaffa, 9.5% settled in Jerusalem, 8.5% in Netanya and 7.9% in Haifa.
The level of education among immigrants aged 15 and over was relatively high – 74.3% of them had studied for 13 years or more and about half of them (54.4%) had studied for 16 years or more.
Israel Aliyah statistics for 2020 as published by the CBS.
Seventy three years since statehood, the population of Israel nears the 10 million mark and these are the official Aliyah statistics for 2020 as published by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
In 2019, 33,247 immigrants arrived in Israel – 18.1% more than in 2018. The largest number of immigrants came from Russia (15,821 immigrants, 48.2% of all immigrants), an increase of about 50% compared with 2018.
Immigration to Israel during the period of coping with the Coronavirus epidemic, March-June 2020:
According to preliminary data from the beginning of this year, there was a decrease of 65.5% in the number of immigrants compared with the corresponding period last year. Tourists who changed their status from tourist to immigrant were about 42% of all immigrants in 2020 compared with about 17% in 2019.
From 1948
Since Israel’s establishment as a State, about 3.3 million immigrants immigrated to Israel, about 44.3% of whom immigrated from 1990 onwards.
In 2019, about 33,000 immigrants immigrated, 18.1% more than in 2018. The rate of immigrants was 3.7 immigrants per 1,000 residents.
Of all immigrants in 2019, 73.8% came from the USSR (former), mainly from Russia and Ukraine, 7.6% came from the United States and 6.8% came from France.
In 2019, the decrease in the number of immigrants from France continued (2,227 immigrants), a decrease of 7.8% compared with 2018. (The peak of the current wave of immigration was in 2015 – when 6,628 immigrants arrived).
Places of residence and destination communities
The new immigrants made their first residence mainly in the large cities (with 100,000 residents or more): 13.0% of all immigrants in 2019 settled in Tel Aviv-Yafo, 12.2% in Netanya, 8.9% in Haifa, and 7.9% in Jerusalem.
Brush up on road safety, traffic and driving laws for Israel.
Driving above the speed limit, bad road conditions, missing road signs, irate and irresponsible drivers, cyclists without helmets, cars that crumple into nothing upon impact and a host of other road safety reasons contribute to the situation of an increasing number of deaths on Israel’s roads.
Image credit: Unsplash
Israel’s National Road Safety Authority is responsible for planning actions to increase the safety for vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. According to the Road Safety Authority’s daily report, in 2018, 237 people were killed on Israel’s roads. Between 1 January 2019 – 22 December 2019, 345 individuals have been killed in road accidents in Israel.
In 2018, 76 senior citizens were killed in road accidents in Israel. They form 24% of all road-accident fatalities. About a third of pedestrians who were injured (killed or seriously wounded) – were hit on a pedestrian crossing. The 65-year-olds and over are the most vulnerable group of pedestrians.
Do your part in making Israel’s roads safer for us all
Turn the clock back and then turn your headlights on!
Turn your headlights on. Road safety requirement: In Israel, from November 1st when the winter months officially begin, it is mandatory for all drivers to turn their vehicle headlights on…
Your opinion really matters to us and in order to give you our best, we ask you to please take a moment to fill out our visitor satisfaction survey and provide us with valuable feedback.
If you are planning a trip, you might be asking when is the best and cheapest time to visit Israel. The answer to this question is multi-faceted.
Best and worst weather conditions when planning a visit to Israel.
Image credit: Unsplash – St James’ Cathedral in Jerusalem
Shoulder seasons – from April to May and September to mid-October is generally the very best time to visit Israel. June, July and August are hot, hotter and the hottest months of the year. Temperaturesin Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Haifa can reach 37°C with high humidity levels. Mercury levels in Eilat, the Negev and the Sea of Galilee regularly break 40. There is far less humidity however.
Expect the occasional light rains in October and November. For the brave ones, December, January and February are the coldest and wettest months of the year – so be sure to pack a warm jacket. Winter offers some perks like major attractions with fewer tourists, more affordable prices, and Christmas atmosphere in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.
Spring is an excellent time to visit Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, as it sees mild comfortable weather. Early autumn thins the tourist crowds – replacing the sun’s rays with a host of fun festivals in October (especially during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot – The Feast of Tabernacles) . Expect crowds of sightseers and tourists in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during the peak summer months. You might have to wait in line at popular restaurants but an abundance of street food certainly makes up for it.
Most expensive times to visit Israel
The answer to this is simple – whenever there is a Jewish high holiday accommodation in Israel is at a premium especially in Jerusalem, Eilat and the Dead Sea.
A 10 day, tailor-made, Christian pilgrim tour to the Holy Land during Easter and Christmas time will include visits to sites like the Seal of Galilee, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitudes, Jordan River, Nazareth, Bethlehem, a walk along the Via Dolorosa and significant churches and places of worship in Jerusalem can cost in the region of $2,000 (flights not included).
Bahai holy sites are open to the public but for members of the Bahai community pilgrimages to Haifa, Akko and other Bahai holy sites in Israel are arranged via the Bahai World Center.
Cheap hotels and accommodation in Israel
There is plenty of cheap accommodation in Israel. Hostelsare an excellent option for budget conscious travelers and backpackers.
Camp sites, especially in Northern Israel are close to nature parks, waterfalls and many historical sites. The Matmon Card offers tourists free entrance into selected parks.
You can find cheap accommodation in Jerusalem for as little as $14/night. The average hotel price is upward of $200/night, but of course, there is plenty in between. Luxury accommodation costs more.
Cheap accommodation in Tel Aviv starts at around $25/night and a night’s accommodation in well known, luxurious, 5 start hotel chains can cost upwards of $500/night
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics 4.4million tourists visited Israel in 2018 which reflects a 14% increase over 2017. This may not seem like a huge number compared to other countries but because of its ancient history and access options, it is impossible to make improvements at many of the ancient sites.
Whenever you decide the best time for you to visit Israel, make sure to book your trip a few weeks in advance and remember that High Festival days are religious holidays and many shops and amenities are closed.
Image Credit: Akko Festival – The Tongliang Dance Company from China are performing during the Festival
BIRKAT HAKOHANIM
When: October 16th
8:45 am: shacharit prayer
9:30 am: birkat kohanim of shacharit
10:00 am: mussaf prayer
10:15 am: birkat kohanim of mussaf
Where: The Kotel HaMaaravi – The Western Wall
TOURS
Jerusalem
The Heichal Shlomo Tour – October 15, 11 a.m.
The King David Street Tour – October 16, 11 a.m.
Urban Art and the Shuk – October 17, 11 a.m.
Along the Old City Walls – October 17, 3 p.m. & October 18, 10 a.m.
Where: Heichal Shlomo, Hutzot Hayotzer, YMCA, Old City, Mahaneh Yehuda and more
Price: NIS 90 Adults, NIS 70 Child (Sukkot Tours)
Info: jerusalembiennale.org
Ein Yael Sukkot Harvest Festival
When: October 15-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Ein Yael Living Museum
Price: NIS 49 Child, NIS 39 Adult
Info: einyael.co.il, 02-645-1866
Derech Beit Lehem Street Fair
When: October 15, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Derech Beit Lehem, Baka
Price: FREE
Yvel Jewelry Factory & Ethiopian Craft Center Open House
When: October 15-17, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., October 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Motza, just outside Jerusalem
Price: FREE for tourists with passport
Info: yvel@funinjerusalem.com
Kakadu Family Sukkot Art Festival
When: October 15-18, 20 & 22, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
Where: Moshav Tzafririm, near Beit Shemesh
Price: NIS 50
Info: kakadu@funinjerusalem.com, 052-862-5271
Taste of the World Festival
When: October 15 to 17, 4 p.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Habonim Park (near Jaffa Gate), Old City
Price: Admission FREE – Average price per dish
NIS 35
Valley of the Kings Festival
When: October 15-17, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: Kidron Valley, City of David
Price: NIS 35 family ticket
Info: cityofdavid.org.il/en
Saharna in Sacher Park
When: October 15, 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Gan Sacher
Price: FREE
Moshav Country Fair
When: October 16, 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Moshav Mevo Modi’in
Price: NIS 25 Child, NIS 50 Adult, NIS 150 Family ticket
Info: www.moshavfair.com
Sukkot Hayotzer Festival & Yonina Concert – Kol Haot
When: October 17, 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Concert 8 p.m.
Where: Kol Haot Gallery, Hutzot Hayotzer
Price: Free
Info: kolhaot.com
Jerusalem March
Groups from Israel and around the world will march in Jerusalem, Gan Sacher Family Happening (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Where: Official march 4 p.m. from Bezalel St. to First Station.
When: October 17
Old City Scavenger Hunt
When: October 18, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Jaffa Gate
Price: NIS 95 Adult, NIS 85 Child
Info: scavenger@funinjerusalem.com
052-835-8072
Season Opener – Hapoel Jerusalem
When: October 19 at 8:15 p.m.
Where: Jerusalem Arena
Price: NIS 70-NIS 1000
Info: hapoel@funinjerusalem.com
Tel Aviv Icon Festival – science fiction, fantasy and role-playing games
When: October 15 -17
Where: Cinamatheque Tel Aviv
Info: http://2019.iconfestival.org.il/
MUSEUM ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Bible Lands Museum – Festival of Writing
When: October 15, 16, 17 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Bible Lands Museum
Price: NIS 32 Child, NIS 44 Adult, First Graders enter FREE
Info: blmj.org, 02-561-1066
Biblical Museum of Natural History Meet the Beasts Interactive Tour
When: October 15-18 by reservation
Where: Beit Shemesh
Info: biblicalnaturalhistory@funinjerusalem.com
Botanical Gardens Tropical Greenhouse Tours & Workshops
When: October 15-17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., October 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
Info: www.botanic.co.il
Herzl Center Interactive Sukkot
When: October 15 to 18 (times vary per activity)
Where: Herzl Museum
Info: herzl.org.il, *2843. Call to reserve an English-language tour.
Israel Museum 34th Annual Kite Festival
When: October 15, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Kite Flying starts 4 p.m.
Where: Israel Museum
Info: imj.org.il
Jerusalem Bird Observatory
Morning Bird Walk – October 15 & 16, 7 a.m.
Bird Ringing – October 15, 16, 20, 8:30 a.m.
Distant Jaguar Lecture – October 15, 6:30 p.m.
Night Safari – October 16, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jerusalem Bird Observatory
Info: birds.org.il/jbo
Tower of David – The Band’s Visit
When: October 15, 16, 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Concert
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Tower of David Museum
Price: NIS 30, NIS 125 (family ticket: 2 adults +
3 kids)
Info: www.tod.org.il *2884
On a farm in Tel Aviv
Fun for the whole family, a perfect way to celebrate Sukkot. There will be olive harvesting, an animal zoo, a spice corner, and many more activities, especially for kids
When: October 14, 21 and 28 in the Farm at Rosh Bird Complex,
Where: Gane Yehoshua Tel Aviv
Price: NIS 39 per child, NIS 10 for adult, or NIS 39 for child and adult together.
NIGHT SHOWS & THEATER
Hallelujah Night Show
3-D show on the Old City walls.
When: October 10, 15, 16, 17 & 22, 9:45 p.m.
Where: City of David. Free shuttle from First Station parking lot
Price: NIS 51 Child, NIS 62 Adult
Info: cityofdavid.org.il
Night Experiences at the Tower of David
When: October 10, 12, 14-17,
7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m.
Check website for specific show times.
Where: Tower of David Museum
Price: NIS 55 Child, NIS 65 Adult
Info: 02-626-5333, tod.org.il/en/
Train Theater Children’s Shows
When: October 15, 16 & 17, 10 a.m.
Where: Train Theater, Liberty Bell Park
Price: NIS 45 Child or Adult, NIS 36 with Yerushalmi Card
Info: traintheater.co.il
HAIFA V.R A.R – An International Virtual Reality Exhibition
When: 15-16-17 October, 19:30 – 23:30 Every Evening, Films are available throughout the exhibition hours – No Screening Hours!
• Jerusalem
BLOC Climbing
300 sq.m. of climbing for all ages and levels! Shoes available for rent.
When: October 13, 18 & 20: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
October 14, 16, 19 & 21: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
October 15, 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
October 17, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 7 Yitskhak Elisar St (near Ben Yehuda)
Price: NIS 65
Info: 052-539-8991, bloc@funinjerusalem.com
Glass-Blowing Workshop
When: October 15-18
Where: Derech Beit Lehem, Behind the Paz Gas Station
Info: glass@funinjerusalem.com
Hadara Ceramic Workshops
Create your own ceramic pieces w/stencils, stamps and laces. Great for all ages.
When: October 15 to 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Emek Refaim – Across from Aroma
Price: NIS 90
Info: hadara@funinjerusalem.com
Modstylista Fashion Tour of Jerusalem
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Center of town
Info: fashiontours@funinjerusalem.com
Jerusalem Ropes Course at Ammunition Hill
Conquer the Omega zipline, climb the rope ladder and swing in the sky swing.
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Ammunition Hill
Info: ropes@funinjerusalem.com, 052-893-8921
Studio Kliche Workshops
Various workshops in an artists’ co-op in Baka.
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Derech Beit Lehem – Behind the Paz Gas Station
Info: studiokliche@funinjerusalem.com
Team Karting
Race around the indoor go-karting track. Ages 8+.
When: Daily 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Where: Lev Talpiot Mall – Haoman 17
Info: karting@funinjerusalem.com
• Adumim
Ptil Techelet Factory Tour
Make genuine techelet, see a dyeing demonstration, enjoy a VR underwater experience searching for the chilazon.
When: October 15-17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Kfar Adumim
Price: NIS 35 Adults, NIS 25 Child
Info: techelet@funinjerusalem.com
Tour Adumim
An exciting tour with Shelley includes various lookouts, meeting local Bedouin, Good Samaritan Mosaics Museum, Stained glass art studio of Gila Koppel, ATV in the Desert, and Moshe Castel Museum scavenger hunt.
When: By reservation
Info: 054-527-5404, adumim@funinjerusalem.com
Uri Kalfa Mezuzah Workshop
Design, carve and decorate your own mezuzah case.
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Ma’aleh Adumim
Info: urikalfa@funinjerusalem.com
• Beit Shemesh Area
Dig for a Day Archaeology Experience
Look for artifacts, sift through dirt from the Second Temple period and go caving.
When: October 15-18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (October 18 till 1 p.m.)
Where: Beit Guvrin National Park
Info: 02-586-2011, dig@funinjerusalem.com
• Gush Etzion
ATV Gush Etzion – Regush
Off-roading in the hills and valleys of Gush Etzion with an experienced tour guide.
When: October 15-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (October 18 till 4 p.m.)
Where: Alon Shvut
Info: regush@funinjerusalem.com
Exotic Animal Experience
Enjoy seeing exotic animals from around the world. No reservations required.
When: Contact for hours
Where: Sde Bar Farm, Gush Etzion
Price: NIS 25
Info: 055-666-0897, animals@funinjerusalem.com
Gush Etzion Wineries (The Yekev)
Learn about wine-making and enjoy a delicious dairy meal and wine-tasting in the large sukkah.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Gush Etzion Junction
Info: yekev@funinjerusalem.com
Holy Cacao Factory Tour & Workshop
Learn how to make your own chocolate bars at this gourmet chocolate factory. Tasting encouraged.
When: October 15-17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Pnei Chever
Price: NIS 50
Info: holycacao@funinjerusalem.com
The Workshop Gush Etzion
Create Judaica with a Sukkot theme at this incredible wood workshop!
When: October 15-18, 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Where: Rosh Tzurim, Gush Etzion
Price: 230 NIS
Info: theworkshop@funinjerusalem.com
• Jerusalem Hills
ATV in the Jerusalem Hills
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Yearim Hotel, Ma’aleh Hahamisha
Price: NIS 350-1 hour, NIS 550 NIS-2 hours (discount for tourists with passport)
Info: atv@funinjerusalem.com, 050-773-3335
Horseback Riding & Pony Rides
Family horse riding trails in the Jerusalem hills. Pony rides in the stables for younger kids.
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Yad Shmona
Info: kdstables@funinjerusalem.com
Galita Chocolate Workshop
Learn to make special chocolate treats. Great for all ages. Mehadrin.
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Kibbutz Tzuba
Price: Depends on items chosen
Info: galita@funinjerusalem.com, galita.co.il
Kif Tzuba Amusement Park
For kids of all ages with climbing, play zones, bumper cars, a roller coaster, game arcades and more.
When: October 13-22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (till 5 p.m. Friday & erev chag)
Where: Kibbutz Tzuba
Price: NIS 89 Child (age 1-14), NIS 54 Adult, NIS 360 Family (up to 5 people)
Info: tzuba@funinjerusalem.com, kiftzuba.co.il
• Near Modi’in
Artesana Hot Glass Fusing Workshops
Discover the magical world of glass and create beautiful art.
When: October 15-18, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (October 18 till 4 p.m.)
Where: Mevo Horon
Price: NIS 150
Info: 052-388-1654, glassart@funinjerusalem.com
Falcon Laser Tag in Latrun
Enjoy laser tag or water tag. Open at night! Ages 8+.
When: Daily by reservation
Where: Latrun
Price: NIS 90 per hour
Info: 052-645-3158, lasertag@funinjerusalem.com
Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles) is a week-long Jewish festival. Sukkot in Israel is a time when families take vacations, enjoy cooler days as the summer ends. In Israel, the week of Sukkot is a fun-filled time. Music and art festivals, storytelling, film-festivals and outdoor activities are just some of the more popular activities.
The iconic symbols of the festival are 1) the Sukkah (Tabernacle) and 2) the four species which includes the Etrog (Citron), myrtle (hadas), willow (arava) and palm branch (lulav).
A man carefully inspects a Citron – one of the Four Species, for blemishes, prior to purchase
Sukkot basics
How do things work in Israel over the Sukkot holidays? What public services are open? What are my employment rights? What about public transport – is it available?
First thing to remember that in Israel, only the first and last day of Sukkot is Chag unlike in the Diaspora where two days of Chag are celebrated on either end of the festival. During the Chag – the holy days – shops and offices are closed and services are limited.
The intermediate days are referred to as Hol Ha’Moed and regular holy-day festival restrictions and laws do not apply on these days of Moed (the intermediate days of Pesach are also called Moed).
For salaried employees, the day of the Eve of Sukkot, is now a paid vacation day. The following day, which is the first day of Sukkot, is also a paid holiday. Jewish owned businesses and shops, in Israel, are closed.
The following week, at the end of the festival, which is the eve (erev) Simchat Torah, the same laws apply.
If, for some reason, your employer has asked you to work you have the right to refuse based on religious observance.
If your employer has asked you to work and you have agreed, you are entitled to 50% more than your usual rate for that day.
The KolZchut website has details of all overtime rates, for all sectors and services
Giving of gifts
It is common for an employer to give employees a gift prior to the Pesach holiday and the Tishrei festivals (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot & Simchat Torah). However, there is no law that states that an employer is required to do so. Gift giving is common practice in some companies but it is at the discretion of the employer alone. Nice if they do, and a bit of a bummer if they don’t.
On the first and last days of the festival there is generally no public transport but some cities or towns may operate limited services. Check with your local bus service, municipality or regional council for transport options that might be operating on the festival days.
On the festival eve trains operate as per the regular Friday schedule and trains the following day (at the end of the day) will run according to the end-of-shabbat schedule.
It is wise to check the English websites of the major municipalities for Sukkot parking instructions. If you are planning to be in any of the big cities; Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa, where parking is at a premium, please check before you go for road closures, parking restrictions and similar information.
Hannah Senesh – the spy and poet to be honored by a Japanese-American artist.
Hannah Senesh mural by artist JUURI
A giant mural of Israeli WWII hero Hannah Senesh (also: Hannah Szenes) is being painted by Japanese-American artist JUURI for the all-female Ladies Who Paint festival in downtown San Diego. Hannah Senesh was a pioneer in Israel around the time of the Jewish State’s founding, a celebrated poet, and WWII paratrooper and spy who was caught and killed by the Nazis when she was infiltrating Nazi occupied Hungary to free Jews and Allied prisoners. The non-profit Artists4Israel, an organization that combats antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment through urban art brought JUURI to the country twice to paint murals at the volatile border between Israel and Lebanon and to beautify the bomb shelters of Sderot outside of Gaza. JUURI, an Evangelical Christian, was left with an abiding love for the Jewish state. On her trips she learned of the story of Hannah Senesh who became a personal hero.
JUURI is a Tokyo-born muralist and artist currently working from Oklahoma City. She is one of 11 female artists invited to paint downtown San Diego for the Ladies Who Paint festival. Her work is inspired by her Japanese heritage and explores the themes of beauty and luxury; ethnic cultures; and war and peace. By layering beautiful faces with flora and paradoxical themes, JUURI achieves an instantly recognizable aesthetic.
