Will Israeli peace ever happen?

November 16, 2022 / כ״ב בחשון תשפ״ג

Eighteen-year-old Mohammed Suf went on a stabbing spree at the entry gate into Ariel in the West Bank on Tuesday. Entering with a working permit, Suf fatally stabbed two Israelis and wounded several others at a gas station. Then, he hijacked a car and rammed it into oncoming traffic, killing a third Israeli. Soldiers spotted him as he exited the stolen car on foot with the weapon still in his hand. They shot and killed the terrorist about twenty minutes after his first attack. Although no organization has claimed responsibility for the episode, a statement by Hamas authorities incited Palestinians to “continue in their revolution.” A reference was also made to retaliation measures for 18-year-old Fullah Masalmeh; a teenage girl killed the day before by Israeli forces which is still under investigation. According to reports, 2022 has now become the deadliest year in Israel since 2006.

Two friends on vacation in Istanbul, Turkey never dreamed getting home would be “a miracle.” Natali Swissa and Or Atedgi from Ashdod escaped the November 13 deadly terrorist bombing unscathed. They had no idea exactly how close to danger they had been until they saw their images on the news. Security camera footage showed they had been nearly face-to-face with the bomber only moments before the blast. The women walked along the crowded Taksim Square, taking in the shops and the pleasant weather. Suddenly, a forceful burst of smoke threw them to the ground. The female Syrian bomber, believed to be a Kurdish rebel, killed six people -- including a teen and a child -- and wounded 81 before being located and detained. Uri Eitam, the Israeli Consul General in Turkey, assisted Israeli tourists and Turkish citizens in the horrific aftermath. Turkish officials have arrested 50 people in their investigation of the attack.

Looking for that perfect engagement ring? You might want to book a special tour with Tourism Israel. The largest diamond trading hall in the world looks like an interconnected office building. Large but nondescript, it sits on the border of Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan. What takes place inside, though, is the stuff of dreams. Security measures are as tight as Ben Gurion. You cannot enter without a passport and must agree to be fingerprinted. But Tourism Israel is giving diamond enthusiasts an up-close look at the world's most expensive gems and how the magic happens. Interestingly, Israel is not the home of even one diamond mine. All the diamonds coming into Israel are sourced from Africa, Australia, and North America. For about $80, tour participants receive a personalized tour of the diamond trading hall and a master class on the world of diamonds -- an insider look at the world's most coveted sparklers.

ARIEL BUSSO

“I would like to praise and recognize you [Feed Israel] for your wonderful work with the poor and those who are struggling financially. I am delighted to know there is an organization that provides and cares for the many needy families as well as holocaust survivors, providing them with food and other welfare needs.”