Dispatch from Jerusalem

Beehives at Tel Rehov

{image_1}A recent discovery at Tel Rehov near Beit Shean in the Jordan Valley shows that as far back as biblical times, Israel really was a “land of milk and honey.” Archaeologists from Hebrew University found three rows of beehives totalling more than 30 hives, all dating back to the 10th–9th centuries BC, the time of the biblical kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The hives are made of baked clay and straw and are about 15.75 inches (40 centimeters) in diameter. Remains of several bees, as well as pollen and beeswax, were found inside the hives and are being examined by experts.

“I Am Deeply Worried”

“There are thousands of people across this planet who get up every morning actively seeking to destroy the United States. They are spreading their poison by sermons, by the Internet, by a variety of recruiting devices. Tony Blair said it very well. The people who did the London subway bombings spoke English, were British citizens, lived in British housing and had jobs, and had decided, because of their relationships, that they were engaged in a war against the very country which had given them prosperity, freedom, and safety.”

—Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Israel/Middle East Friday Watch Fire, August 31, 2007

Temple Mount Drama

{image_1}In the September/October issue of the Dispatch, we briefly covered this issue on our Archaeology page. Since then, we have interviewed two archaeologists, who gave us more detailed information. The extent of the damage far exceeds what we previously understood.

Bar Mitzvah: A Boy’s Aliyah

{image_1}We non-Jews understand that the word aliyah (ah-lee-AH), literally “going up,” is used when a Jewish person immigrates to Israel, but it is also used in a Shabbat (Sabbath) service when a Jewish man is called “up” (uh-LEE-uh) to read from the Torah (Gen.–Deut.). This is one of the privileges a 13-year-old boy assumes at his bar mitzvah when he becomes a man and is deemed old enough to be held accountable for his actions. Hopefully, there is a spiritual aspect to his aliyah, as he “ascends” to a new plane in his personal relationship with God.

Bar Mitzvah: A Boy’s Aliyah

{image_1}We non-Jews understand that the word aliyah (ah-lee-AH), literally “going up,” is used when a Jewish person immigrates to Israel, but it is also used in a Shabbat (Sabbath) service when a Jewish man is called “up” (uh-LEE-uh) to read from the Torah (Gen.–Deut.). This is one of the privileges a 13-year-old boy assumes at his bar mitzvah when he becomes a man and is deemed old enough to be held accountable for his actions. Hopefully, there is a spiritual aspect to his aliyah, as he “ascends” to a new plane in his personal relationship with God.

IDF Keeps in Shape

{image_1}Armored and infantry units from the Israel Defense Forces’
Givati Brigade held a large-scale four-day exercise on the Golan
Heights recently. The declared aim of the exercise was to ensure full
combat readiness. It also included exercises in collaboration with
Israeli Air Force units. Such exercises have occurred repeatedly in
2007. It is no secret that Syrian troops are also
“practicing” war.

Israel’s Latest Spy in the Sky

{image_1}Israel launched its most advanced spy satellite in September. The
Tecsar spy satellite was put into orbit by an Indian rocket. Although
Israeli officials declined to give exact details of its expected
performance, they did say it is the most advanced in operation. Tecsar
uses advanced radar technology to produce very high-resolution images.
Israel has several spy and communication satellites currently in orbit.
In the coming months, Israel plans to launch the Amos 3 communication
satellite.

Market Enjoys Favorable Trends

{image_1}The positive trends in the Israeli market are continuing, said the
Central Bureau of Statistics [CBS]. Data show that the
market’s financial indicators for June, July, and August 2007
point to a continuance of annual growth in imports and exports,
increased proceeds in the service industry, and an accelerated
production rate in the general industries. Exports were up 12%; the
hotel business enjoyed a 17% increase in occupancy; and industrial
production was up by 6.2%. The CBS report also said that the
summer’s positive trend was also noted in the prior three
months: exports were up 18%, and industrial production went up by 3.6%.

New Arrival

{image_1}A baby rhino was born in Ramat Gan Safari Park and was a big draw for
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) visitors. With less than 12,000 white
rhinos in the world today, it is truly an important event when one
rhino is born in captivity. There are 450 rhinos in zoo parks around
the world today. This endangered species, hunted almost to extinction
for its horns, is the largest land animal after the elephant.

Summer Camp in Beit Shemesh

{image_1}July 12 marked the final day of a two-week summer camp at the Eliyakim religious school in Beit Shemesh, sponsored largely by our Bridges for Peace Feed a Child project. With this support, some 90 children, in grades one through five, from underprivileged families in Beit Shemesh, were able to attend the camp and take part in many learning activities and field trips.