Sorrow and Hope

Dispatch from Jerusalem

A Stunning Mosaic Appears

A 1500-year-old mosaic, depicting a map with streets and buildings, was discovered in Kiryat Gat by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Buildings shown on the mosaic floors are a rare phenomenon in Israel. These are arranged along a main colonnaded street of a city, in a sort of ancient map. A Greek inscription indicates that

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Maccabean Mausoleum in Modi’in?

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), together with local residents, has been conducting an unusual archaeological excavation in search of the real location of the Tomb of the Maccabees (Tomb). The Maccabees, from the ancient city of Modi’in, led the uprising against Greek rule and were responsible for cleansing the impurity from the Second Temple. The

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Ancient Podium in the City of David

An intriguing find consisting of an impressive pyramid-shaped staircase constructed of large ashlar stones was uncovered in an archaeological excavation currently conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The excavation is located in the City of David, site of ancient Jerusalem. This structure, situated alongside the 2,000-year-old Second Temple stepped street, carried pilgrims on their

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ISIS: “We’ve Smuggled 1,000s into Europe”

As Europe staggers under the influx of the largest refugee crisis since World War II, affected countries might soon face a threat far more serious than a migrant question. According to an unnamed Syrian operative, more than 4,000 clandestine Islamic State (ISIS) fighters have infiltrated Europe under the guise of asylum seekers. These jihadists, the

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IDF’s Strategy for Defending Israel

The navy, airforce and infantry work in cooperation to protect Israel. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot has released a document highlighting the changing threats facing Israel and the IDF’s evolving approaches in dealing with them. Entitled “IDF Strategy,” the 30-page document offers the public its first glimpse into the IDF’s defense doctrine

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Russia Moves In

Russia has swept into the Middle East. In a matter of weeks, it has established a daunting military presence in Syria. That presence includes some 1,500 troops along with artillery, tanks and fighter jets. According to intelligence news service, DEBKA, Russia’s presence also includes the arrival of the world’s largest nuclear submarine, Russia’s Tycoon-class Dmitri

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‘I Am an Arab Muslim and a Proud Israeli Zionist’

Sarah Zoabi has always believed that food brings people together. With a passion for all things edible and a natural talent for dishing up delectable delights, it was hardly surprising that the Arab mother from Nazareth would try her hand at becoming Israel’s next MasterChef. But it was not her culinary skills that launched her

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Jews and Christians Study Scriptures Together

The Land of Israel is the stage on which the majority of events in the Bible play out. In June, the first International Bible Study Week brought Jews and Christians to the Land where it all began; to study the Scriptures together in its natural arena of origin. The week, which included a number of

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Israel Shines at Special Olympics

The Israeli Special Olympics team returned home from the World Games hosted in California carrying some extra luggage: a whopping 61 medals. The athletes, who raked in 25 gold, 18 silver and 18 bronze, arrived in Israel to a hero’s welcome.

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Life-Saving Cardiac Surgery

An Israeli medical team recently returned home from Tanzania after performing life-saving cardiac surgery on ten children and treating hundreds more, according to The Jerusalem Post. “An Israeli delegation of 20 doctors, nurses and medical technicians has returned from Tanzania after performing lifesaving heart surgery on more than 10 local children and examining hundreds more

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