Israel

From the battlefield to your daily commute, Israeli breakthroughs have reshaped the world. Marking 78 years, here are seven breakthroughs.

Vivek Ramaswamy criticizes fixation on Israel aid and says narratives blaming Jewish Americans for U.S. struggles are “ridiculous”

The 11th-grader from Moshav Nir Akiva and Gedera’s Rav Beharan Ulpana wins this year’s International Tanakh Quiz for Youth; U.S. 10th-grader Akiva “Jack” Schreier is runner-up, with Yehoshua Applebaum in third.

Fearing Tehran might try to strike during the live broadcast, the prime minister attended the torch-lighting ceremony wearing a protective vest under his jacket.

Wearing the Chief Rabbi’s signature robe and turban, Eyal Tzionov walked into the state ceremony and took a prominent seat—prompting attendees to ask him for blessings before the Shin Bet clarified there was no security breach.

Israel’s and Lebanon’s ambassadors in Washington meet tomorrow for another round of talks. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun sets an initial condition of an IDF withdrawal from Lebanese territory and calls for at least a one-month ceasefire. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar: "Hezbollah is a shared enemy of Israel and Lebanon. It harms Lebanon’s future."

He couldn’t stand by while someone was in danger. Ten years later, his wife reflects on Rabbi Nechemia Lavi hy"d’s courage, the loss left behind, and the faith that carries her forward.

When the siren sounded, 17-year-old Ella Abuksis made a choice that saved her brother’s life. A powerful story of courage, kindness, and sacrifice.

In a 60 Minutes interview, Rachel Goldberg-Polin returns to Hirsch's room in Jerusalem, holds the masking-tape "days" ball she made during his captivity, and relives learning—live on air—of his grievous injury: "We brought these people home, but not the way we wanted."

At a Mount Herzl ceremony in Jerusalem, Israel Katz outlined the IDF’s posture in southern Lebanon, said Israel will strike "even during the cease-fire" to protect troops, and touted significant blows to Iran. Memorial Day observances continue nationwide with a two-minute siren at 11 a.m., followed by ceremonies across the country.

Speaking at Jerusalem’s Hall of Remembrance on Mount Herzl, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled learning of his brother Yoni’s death during the Entebbe raid and warned that, with U.S. support, Israel preempted an Iranian plan for mass destruction.

Prosecutors say Mondar Badir, 48, tried to smuggle thousands of kilos of cigarettes and tobacco—plus generators, SIM cards, phones, and more—into Gaza, allegedly for major profit.

In Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog presented Argentina's Javier Milei with the President's Medal of Honor for his consistent, public support of Israel since taking office in 2023. Milei: "It is a great honor for me. May Hashem bless Israel."

The Jewish Agency’s 2026 report, powered by Ipsos, points to a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents worldwide; about half of Europe’s Jews encountered antisemitism last year, with Germany and Austria especially hard hit.

As the U.S. gets ready to open talks in Pakistan, Tehran sends mixed signals about whether negotiations will even happen. Israel is watching closely and preparing scenarios for a rapid escalation.

He heard his name in the dark and thought a fellow soldier needed help. What followed was a tragic and powerful story of courage and sacrifice.

He had only seconds to act, and in that moment, Natan Elbaz made a choice that saved his fellow soldiers. A powerful story of courage, faith, and selfless sacrifice.

Passengers held for hours at Domodedovo Airport, questioned over alleged Iran war ties

Remembering Noam Raz hy"d through the eyes of his teacher, a powerful reflection on quiet heroism and lasting influence.

Yom HaZikaron brings a nation to a standstill. Understand the emotions, traditions, and ways to navigate Israel’s day of remembrance.