Loads of building projects in Jerusalem, Israeli singers one of world’s best, and more!

By Michael Ordman

THE JEWISH STATE

Jerusalem builds

One day all the construction projects in and around Jerusalem will be completed. Sacher Park, the Jerusalem Gateway, the Light Rail extension. New projects include Sultan’s Pool and the Pool of Siloam excavation. Sharon even made a video of the final construction of the new Government.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/01/01/from-jerusalem-a-look-to-the-future/

Ofra Haza is one of the best singers ever

Israel’s Ofra Haza, who passed away in 2000, was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the best 200 singers of all time. It called her “The Madonna of the Middle East.” (But not “Israeli”) The Youtube is her rendition of “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav”.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/ofra-haza-1234642327/

The first new Israelis of 2023

Liel and Sergey of Rehovot celebrated the birth of their third son just after midnight on Jan 1st at the Shamir Medical Center (Assaf HaRofeh) near Tel Aviv. And see the second article for other babies born on the first day of 2023 – a microcosm of Israel’s population.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israels-1st-baby-of-2023-born-just-after-midnight/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-726326

Surge in demand for Masa journeys

Hundreds of Jews aged 18 to 30 from the former Soviet Union have joined Masa Israel Journey’s two-to-12-month study, service, and career development programs.  The demand for pre-Aliyah programs was so great it had to be funded by a $3 million donation matched by the government.
https://www.jns.org/3-million-raised-to-let-more-fsu-jews-join-masa-israel-journey/

CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEK’S GOOD NEWS FROM ISRAEL ARCHIVE