Live HaTikva

May 7, 2008 - 6:02 PM by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
Filed under: History and Culture, Holidays, Israeliness, Life

Want to get in on the Israel Independence Day Action?

You can help set a Guinness World Record by joining others from around the world and in Israel in singing the country’s national anthem, Ha’Tikva (The Hope), live as it is broadcast from Israel’s Reshet Television Network.

Want the details? Go to this site to get info, words to the anthem, background on the project & a clock converter for the broadcast local time in your area. (22:50 local Israel, FYI)

Meanwhile….Check the video…

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IT’S HERE!!!

May 7, 2008 - 5:40 PM by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
Filed under: History and Culture, Holidays, Israeliness, Life

In a few short hours, mia comrades, we take to the streets here in The Promised Land in order to celebrate …

ISRAEL’S 60TH BIRTHDAY!!!

Personally, I’ll be joining an excursion to Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square for festivities – music, fireworks, displays and lots of spray foam and silly string. Thousands and thousands of revelers will be there too but heck, a 60th only comes around once, ya know?

Tomorrow morning it’s off to the beach for a 10 a.m. air force show over Tel Aviv. Friends currently visiting Israel from Denmark were here a decade ago and say the 50th air show was stupendous.

A note to those of you who haven’t been able to join us here in Israel for the occasion and a wee “mood setter” for you:

It’s been festive for the past week, hordes of tourists are out and about – hotels are sold out, tour buses are everywhere – electric excitement is in the air, Rabin Square was packed with English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, etc. speaking visitors last night for the country’s live/televised memorial service program.

Our hearts are with those of you who can’t be here and if you’re feeling a bit low about not being state-side, check out the next entry on joining the live Ha’Tikva singing session. It’s a way of getting in on the action.

Happy Holiday to All! Get out there and Have Fun!

Your Friends @ Israelity

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Remembering

May 7, 2008 - 7:30 AM by Stephanie · 2 Comments
Filed under: History and Culture, Holidays, Israeliness, Life

Last night at sundown…Israel began marking Memorial Day. From Harry at Jerusalemite blog:

Unlike in other parts of the Western world, where anonymous casualties are several times removed from the masses, Israel’s Memorial Day involves no mega retail sales, no football games and no barbecues. It is a bleak day where the entire nation pauses to reflect on the sacrifices our heroes have made in the name of our elusive peace and security.

…. a siren wails and Jerusalem (and all of Israel) stands in silence for one minute to remember the fallen. The state ceremony takes place at the Western Wall, and tomorrow, a two-minute siren will wail at 11:00, and families and locales will hold their own ceremonies and memorials.

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The 60th Craze

May 6, 2008 - 3:35 PM by Stephanie · 5 Comments
Filed under: Business, Holidays, Pop Culture

It seems everybody but everybody is getting in on Israel’s 60th anniversary craze.

That includes, of course, marketers who are pulling gimmicks galore in a bid for attention and those hard earned shekels.

What are some of the trendier 60th trends?

- Marco’s Shoes is offering “special edition” sandals and clogs in blue and white motifs

- Shilav Baby Clothing & Accessories will be giving away 60 baby carriages to the first 60 new mothers who sign up on their website between May 7-8.

- The cafe cafe chain is offering hummus flavored ice-cream for the anniversary

- Blockbuster Video is offering 6-movie memberships for 60 shekels ($17) instead of NIS143 ($41) between May 6-8.

- Africa-Israel Investments is offering an NIS60,000 ($17,400) discount to government employees who purchase apartments in the Savyoneem neighborhood (!!!)

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Economic Slowdown

May 6, 2008 - 11:45 AM by Stephanie · 1 Comment
Filed under: Business, Israeliness, Life, Politics

How does Israel compare with the rest of the world when it comes to the current recession/economic slowdown?

According to Israel’s press citing The Economist, growth trends are expected to rise by 3.6% in 2008 and 3.9% in 2009. This after a 4-year 5.3% growth pattern per annum.