Welcome to Gilis Good Newsletter #57!
This newsletter puts together a little bit about what’s been happening in Israel over the last week. We try to keep it positive. That’s why it’s the Good Newsletter.
If you don’t find this valuable, you can permanently unsubscribe at the bottom of this email. If you want info about our special offers but prefer not to get the newsletter, please reply and let us know.
If you like it, please spread the word and tell your friends to subscribe here.
It’s Yom Ha’atzmaut! Israelis everywhere are enjoying a beautiful Independence day with traditional activities, BBQ, watching the flyover, and fireworks. There has been a lot of talk regarding fireworks since it’s deafening and traumatic for many army veterans, birds, and other wildlife. Several cities have canceled their firework presentations or limited them and instead will be using laser light shows or coordinated drones. #goodmove
The FM of Russia commented that Hitler had Jewish blood. That sent the Israeli foreign ministry into a tizzy of condemnations. The Russian FM doubled down, and now Russia and Israel aren’t getting along so well. #neverreallylikedthemanyway
On the eve of Independence Day, the Central Bureau of Statistics published population data. Israel stands with a population of 9,506,000. The number breaks down to 7.02 million Jews, 73.9% of the total. 2 million Arabs, slightly more than 20%, and 478,000 others making up 5% of the population. About 79% of Israelis are native. Since last year’s Independence Day, 191,999 babies have been born, and 38,000 people made Aliyah. That is the largest number of new immigrants in 20 years. #israel74
Finally, this newsletter was written on Yom Hazikaron, Memorial Day, the day that we remember and pay homage to our fallen soldiers and those that have lost loved ones in terror attacks. It’s a tough emotional day that mixes with Independence day in the afternoon, and by evening we switch to full celebration mode. Sadness turns to joy.
As always, I hope to make you smile with some articles and nuggets from the past week.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please let me know.
If you don’t like something, definitely let me know. I love to get feedback.
Just. Hit. Reply.
Shabbat Shalom and Good Shabbos.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles linked in the articles below may not reflect the opinions and attitudes of Gilis Goodies
8 fun and fascinating facts surrounding Israel’s founding
As Israel celebrates 74 years of independence, we take a look at the bizarre debates, events and even architecture that marked its earliest days.
Israel’s Memorial Day starts with moment of silence, Western Wall ceremony
Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) officially began at 8 pm Tuesday night with the sound of the siren for one minute followed by a ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Tel Aviv cancels Independence Day fireworks show
Culture and Sports Minister Chili Tropper welcomed the decision to cancel the fireworks show.
Bold next-gen Israeli influencers sway public opinion
Young Israeli TikTokers and Instagrammers are serving as unofficial ambassadors to the world, whether they choose to or not.By Jonathan Frenkel MAY 2, 2022, 1:40 PM
20 celebrities with unexpected connections to Israel, from Will Smith to J-Lo
Bet you didn’t know that Pamela Anderson hosted the Israeli ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or that Leonard Cohen sang for troops in the Yom Kippur War.
Recipe of the Week: Israeli Salad!
This independence day, prepare a simple and delicious staple of israeli cooking. Also learn how this became such an Israeli salad.
Smiles Of The Week
Happy Birthdays
Adin Linden C/O Aliza Zeff
Perel Jacobson
Devora Wakslak
Lynn Rothstein
Phyllis Ellen
Leemor Waldman
Hannah Cons
Elisheva Sacks
Hudi Yarmove
Benjamin Merkin
Debbie Dachs
Malka Drang
Naomi Faham
Hillel Schwab
Miss and Love You
Emily Aminov
Dr. Stacy Kamer
Thank You
Ayelet Lazarovitch
Refael Bitton
David & Dalit Sommer
Happy Mother’s Day
Rivka Walk
Mrs. Liana Brown
Yael Pinsky
Happy Anniversary
Ora Gutfreund
Condolences
Bella Shemesh
David, Dov & Family Meyer
Shum And Goldie Katz & Family Katz
Gadi Ezra
