City Notes: Parachuting for Israel

CENTER The Israel National Parachuting Association, in cooperation with the Eilat Non-Olympic Sports Association, held a special parachuting event in honor of Israel's 68th Independence Day. Gal Peled and Daphne Morali, who hold the sixth place in the world of competitive parachuting, jumped from a plane holding the flag of Eilat decorated with Israeli flags between them as they fell. “I want to wish all of Israel a Happy Independence Day with blue skies and soft landings,” said Dar Nahum, the head of the Israel National Parachuting Association. “I invite the whole nation of Israel to experience the special feeling of excitement that comes from parachuting at one of the parachuting clubs in Israel.” According to statistics released by the National Parachuting Association, 20,000 people parachute together with an instructor each year in Israel and 30,000 people participate in competitive parachuting events annually. Olim celebrate independence in the White City TLV Internationals hosted their annual Independence Day mega event in Tel Aviv on Thursday last week for young internationals, new olim and lone soldiers from all over the world. Sponsored by the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality, TLV Internationals, Nefesh b'Nefesh, JNFuture Israel, and Buster's Beverages, participants were treated to all they could eat and drink and a lively party atmosphere, including music and dancing. TLV Internationals works to simplify the transition for new olim to Tel Aviv by advocating for the needs of the community with the local and national government and unifies the community of newcomers in the White City. Remembering haredi fallen soldiers The students of the Meir Harel Yeshiva in Modi'in went to visit the graves of the ultra-Orthodox Israeli soldiers who fell in war for their country. The graves of dozens of fallen haredi soldier are not visited on Remembrance Day, as many of them have been buried in non-military cemeteries at the request of their families. Many of gravestones of the fallen soldiers do not indicate that the deceased served in the IDF and are therefore not acknowledged among Israel's fallen. Students from the yeshiva visited the graves, lit candles and read psalms in the names of the fallen soldiers. “Remembrance Day is one of the holiest days of the year,” said Rabbi Eliezer Sheinvald, the head of the Meir Harel Yeshiva. “Many have fallen in the defense of this country and our enemies do not distinguish between the different sects that the soldiers come from. For us, visiting the graves of fallen ultra-Orthodox soldiers is a top priority.” SOUTH A hike in memoriam In honor of Israel's Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, in 12th-grade students of Hatzor's Amit High School last week embarked on a 22-kilometer hike on the Israel National Trail. The trip began in Kibbutz Ginossar and ended in Poriya Illit, the hometown of Oron Shaul, a soldier who fell during the summer of 2014 in Operation Protective Edge. The students joined the Shaul family to comfort them ahead of the Remembrance Day ceremonies, as the family has no grave to visit on the national day of mourning because Shaul's body remains in the custody of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. A small ceremony was held on Remembrance Day for friends and family in Poriya at a memorial erected in memory of Oron Shaul. Birthright experiences first Remembrance Day Taglit-Birthright participants from across the world took part for the first time in Remembrance Day ceremonies last week alongside their Israeli peers in memory of Israel's fallen soldiers. Thousands of Birthright participants visited six military bases in a program run in cooperation with the IDF to participate in the ceremonies held in memory of Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. “I'm so honored to be able to have the opportunity to take part in this ceremony,” said Shelby Gorstein, a 20-year-old Birthright participant from Florida. “In order to make this experience as full as it can be, I have to take every opportunity that comes to me, and I'm just honored to be here,” she added. NORTH Police showcase their work for the public The Israel Police invited the public to familiarize themselves with the work and operations of the police in an event held at a memorial site for fallen Border Police officers near the Irron Junction last Thursday in honor of Independence Day. Visitors were invited to enjoy various programs free of charge, including exhibits and showcases illustrating the work performed by the Israel Police and Border Police. Police horses and dogs showcased their anti-terrorism, warfare, and search and rescue training. Children visiting the site were treated to paintball target practice and camouflage paint training.

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City Notes: Parachuting for Israel

A catch-up from around the country.

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