Singer Shlomo Artzi performs in Gaza border community for first time since October
Israeli musician Shlomo Artzi performed at Ashkelon Park, kilometres from Gaza, to approximately 5,000 people in his first appearance in the region since 7 October. The concert featured songs that have become synonymous with Israel’s trauma and loss, alongside narratives of resilience and hope for residents to return to normal life. The event highlighted music’s role in processing collective grief.
Hebrew literature faces boycott pressure at Frankfurt Book Fair
Israeli author Alon Ard attended the Frankfurt Book Fair equipped with Israeli wine, security detail and psychological preparation for confrontations over the literary boycott of Hebrew writers. The author reported that while international pressure against Hebrew literature exists, the reality proved more complex than anticipated, with industry meetings, large venues, and ongoing efforts to amplify voices reflecting the current period.
Negroni week celebrations come to Israel
Over 45 bars and restaurants across Israel are participating in Negroni week, featuring leading chefs and special events celebrating the famous Italian cocktail, according to Israel Hayom.
Global initiative honours Jewish and Israeli humanitarians
A new international programme launched by Jewish News, Ynet Global, SID Israel and OLAM is spotlighting 18 Jewish and Israeli humanitarians making significant contributions worldwide. The initiative aims to recognise extraordinary individuals transforming lives through humanitarian work, innovation and compassion.
Israeli playwright confronts Holocaust memory in provocative work
Israeli-born playwright Noga Flaishon has created a new production titled Memoriam that examines and challenges conventional approaches to Holocaust remembrance. Writing from a place of anger and critical reflection, she explores how historical memory is preserved and interpreted in contemporary society.
Support initiative delivers comforts to isolated Israeli soldiers abroad
The ‘Strength to a Soldier’ programme assists Israeli troops whose families live overseas by delivering winter clothing, personal gifts and letters from relatives to military bases. Among beneficiaries is a female combatant who has not seen her parents in two and a half years but received a surprise birthday celebration at her base, highlighting efforts to maintain morale for geographically isolated service members.
Asia Eurovision to air on Israeli television despite no Israeli entry
Kan 11 will broadcast the new Eurovision Asia competition for the first time, which will take place in Bangkok. Although Israel is not participating with an entry, viewers will be able to vote via the official website.
International music industry shuns Israeli showcase over boycott concerns
A major Israeli music festival aimed at showcasing local talent to international scouts is facing significant headwinds due to funding cuts and boycott movements targeting the Jewish state. Industry professionals are reportedly spurning the event amid hostile attitudes toward Israel, threatening the festival’s ability to connect Israeli artists with global opportunities. The showcase reflects broader tensions surrounding cultural engagement with Israel in the international arena.
Jewish student tour brings influencers to UK universities
Aish UK has organised a week-long campus tour featuring social media influencers Adriana Rosie and Rudy Rochman visiting six major British universities including London, Cambridge, Manchester and Leeds. The initiative concluded with a sold-out Jewish Futures women’s event, aimed at engaging hundreds of university students with Jewish content and community.
Heatwave and strong winds forecast for Israeli weekend
Israel’s meteorological service expects a sharp rise in temperatures this weekend, with forecasts reaching 38 degrees Celsius in the Jordan Valley and over 30 degrees along the coast. Strong winds and dry conditions are expected, with no significant rainfall predicted for the coming week. Thursday will see cloud cover before conditions deteriorate further.