israel Archives – J-Wire

First Birthright Israel group since Iran war began arrives from Australia

J-Wire Newsdesk — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:29:31 +0000

A group of 120 young Australian Jews has landed in Israel, becoming the first organised tourist group to enter the country since the outbreak of war with Iran. The participants, aged 18 to 22, arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on April 21, marking the start of Birthright Israel’s summer season on the eve of Israel’s […]

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Seniors are gaming their way to sharper minds, Israeli scientist says

TPS-IL — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:24:33 +0000

The image of a gamer is often associated with young people immersed in virtual worlds for hours at a time. But a new Israeli study suggests a different and more complex reality: for many older adults, digital gaming is not a casual pastime but a meaningful, ongoing activity that shapes identity, cognition, and daily life. […]

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Israel Prize ceremony concludes 78th Independence Day with historic firsts

JNS — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:15:44 +0000

As 14 Israelis are honoured with the Jewish state’s top award, U.S. President Donald Trump becomes the first noncitizen laureate. Israel’s most prestigious civilian honour was awarded to 14 laureates on Wednesday evening in Jerusalem, closing the celebrations of the country’s 78th Independence Day. Held in the presence of President Isaac Herzog, Supreme Court […]

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Watch: PM Netanyahu’s Greeting for Israel’s Independence Day

J-Wire News Service — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:06:14 +0000

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a video address for Israel’s 78th Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) on Tuesday night, emphasising national unity, military strength and what he described as significant achievements in the war against Iran and its regional allies. “On Israel’s 78th Independence Day, we stand tall and we say to the world: Am […]

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Yom Ha’atzmaut message from Israel’s ambassador to Australia

J-Wire Newsdesk — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:20:04 +0000

This year marks my first Yom Ha’atzmaut in Australia, and it is a privilege to share it with the resilient Jewish community here. I know that the vast majority of the Jewish community in Australia acknowledge that Israel is an integral part of their Jewish identity, sharing in the belief in Zion and the shared […]

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Under the stars of Mount Herzl, Israel celebrates 78 years of independence

JNS — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:59:40 +0000

Nobody was entirely sure the ceremony would take place. Organisers had quietly filmed a full dress rehearsal days earlier in case renewed fighting with Iran made a live public event impossible. A fragile ceasefire with Iran and Lebanon was holding—barely. Last year’s ceremony was cancelled due to wildfires in the Jerusalem hills. This year, thousands […]

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Lebanon truce begins, Trump says Iran war over ‘soon’

Reuters — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:21:32 +0000

President Donald Trump claims the US is close to a deal to end the war with Iran, as a 10-day ceasefire starts between Israel and Tehran-linked Hezbollah. US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement could soon be reached to end the Iran war and urged the Tehran-aligned Hezbollah group to hold its […]

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Australia’s ambassador visits MDA

J-Wire Newsdesk — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:51:16 +0000

Australia’s ambassador to Israel, Neil Hawkins, was a member of a delegation of ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives who toured Magen David Adom’s national headquarters in Ramla, in a visit aimed at gaining a closer understanding of Israel’s emergency medical system and its role in national resilience. Envoys briefed on Israel’s emergency backbone The delegation, […]

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Court rules NZ Super Fund policy unlawful — but stops short of ordering divestment

Greg Bouwer — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:09:47 +0000

A New Zealand High Court ruling on the country’s sovereign wealth fund has found its ethical investment framework unlawful, but stopped short of requiring divestment from companies linked to Israeli settlement activity. The case challenged decisions by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund to retain investments in four companies — Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia and Motorola Solutions […]

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Auckland Council passes Israel-linked procurement motion on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Greg Bouwer — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:22:34 +0000

Auckland Council has passed a motion requesting staff advice on whether its procurement policies align with international frameworks relating to Israeli settlements, following a vote held on Yom HaShoah. The motion, introduced by Councillor Julie Fairey, was approved by the council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee with 14 votes in favour. Several councillors opposed the […]

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