Behind the Scenes
Talia Eckstein
Christina Johns
Hear the truth about the latest events from on the ground in Israel — even when news stations aren’t reporting it. Make sure you stay informed. Information is live as it happens so be sure to check back frequently.
Read more
First Alert
When critical situations arise in Israel, be among the first to know by signing up with First Alert. First Alert will send you a text message only when the most important events occur that have an impact on Israel’s safety. The situation in the Middle East can change very quickly — support Israel by staying informed with First Alert, and then share that knowledge with others! Text ALERT to 877877 to opt-in to these messages.
Recent Tweets
Recent Photos
Learn
The first official Israeli exhibit debuts today at the Louvre Museum in Paris – a 1,700-year-old mosaic discovered in Lod, Israel.
The impressive artwork was discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority during an archaeological excavation in 1996 and fully excavated and removed in 2009. The well-preserved mosaic floor measures about 180 square meters and is composed of colorful stones that depict in exquisite detail mammals, birds, fish, flora and the sailing and merchant vessels that were used at that time.
Archaeologists believe this flooring was part of a villa belonging to a wealthy person in the Roman period.
The Lod mosaic, which has already been shown in five U.S. museums, will be on display from May 23 through August 19 in the Sphinx Courtyard of the Louvre’s Roman wing.
Israel Antiquities Authority director Shaka Dorfman says of the mosaic’s…
For the Shavuot (Pentecost) holiday, which was celebrated worldwide this past Wednesday, I decided to go with my family to Jerusalem. Although we moved away from Jerusalem three years ago to less-populated and nature-oriented northern Israel, my heart still remains in Jerusalem. Prior to each holiday my soul yearns to return to this city that has always been at the center of religious experience.
Fortunately, my father lives in Jerusalem, so my family packed into his tiny apartment to celebrate the giving of the Torah, which Jews remember on Pentecost. I joined my father in the synagogue with my two older kids while my wife and our baby stayed home, where she celebrated on her own, lighting lots of holiday candles and filling the apartment with the light of the Pentecost. After dinner and a short study group with my father, his…
“The LORD has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.”—Psalm 118:24
There is a story shared about a 92-year-old woman as she entered the nursing home where she would spend the rest of her life. After waiting patiently in the lobby, she was told that her room was ready. An attendant escorted the lady to her room, and as she slowly edged her walker toward the elevator, he described the room to her. “I love it!” she exclaimed with the enthusiasm of a child who had just received the most wonderful birthday gift. “But Mrs. Jones, you haven’t even seen it yet!” the man replied. “That has nothing to do with it,” she said.
The elderly woman continued: “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture…
As temperatures in Israel have climbed past the 90s, many people are either nesting within their air-conditioned homes or searching for some cool outdoor comforts. I prefer cooling off outside in whatever refuge from the heat God has blessed me with. One of my favorite places to seek shelter during Israel’s long summer months is in the water of an ice cold spring.
Fortunately, Israel has been blessed with many natural springs, some of which are only a short drive from my house. At any time of year, you can find freezing cold spring, hot springs, and springs that will match the temperature of the season, as if they have a built-in heater for the winter and a cooler for the summer.
While swimming in a spring is great fun and pleasant for the mind and body, it also has benefits…
Today is Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967. Let’s reflect on the Jewish people’s unbreakable bond with this sacred city that combines diversity with harmony, and modernity with history.