Hiking is very popular in tiny Israel and you have the potential to find things almost everywhere at its 37,000 registered archaeological sites, and an act of Filipino hospitality – opening the Philippines to Jews fleeing the Holocaust – earned Israel’s gratitude, which now welcomes Filipino pilgrims, tourists and even skilled workers, and much more.

By: Michael Ordman

THE JEWISH STATE

Where anyone can make an historic discovery

Hiking is very popular in tiny Israel and you have the potential to find things almost everywhere at its 37,000 registered archaeological sites. Israel Antiques Authority chairman Yisrael Hasson has used educational programs to engage schools in archaeological activities.
http://www.israel21c.org/why-do-hikers-in-israel-keep-stumbling-upon-ancient-relics/

Visa-free access to Filipinos

An act of Filipino hospitality – opening the Philippines to Jews fleeing the Holocaust – earned the gratitude of Israel, which now shows it by welcoming Filipino pilgrims, tourists and even skilled workers.

http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/201576

Increased rent subsidy for Olim

In February, the Israeli government nearly doubled the rental assistance benefit given to immigrants aged under 49, in the 2nd to 5th years after Aliyah.
http://www.nbn.org.il/aliyahpedia/government-services/government-benefits-new-immigrants-oleh-chadash/rental-assistance/

2nd Temple tools discovered

A 2000-year-old incense shovel and jug have been discovered at Magdala, a 2nd Temple Jewish town in the Galilee region. The Israel Antiquities Authority has been leading extensive excavations at the site and has uncovered Jewish ritual baths and a synagogue with a mosaic floor.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210361#.VwPBw0fn95Q

Honoring Italian cyclist who saved Jews

On 20th March, Israel’s pro cycling team set out on the route from Florence to Assisi that Italian champion road cyclist Gino Bartali took secretly during World War II to save Jews escaping from Nazi persecution. He hid forged documents in the handlebar and seat of his bicycle.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-cycle-team-to-retrace-path-of-italian-champion-who-saved-jews/

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