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Good Deeds Day, a flagship project of the nonprofit Ruach Tova of the Arison Group, will be held on March 19th and will send out the message of unity • Thousands of volunteering and doing good activities will take place nationwide. United in Good
The 18th Good Deeds Day will be held on March 19th, with thousands of volunteering activities and doing good opportunities taking place across the country. Good Deeds Day is a peak event that marks the ongoing, year-round activities of Ruach Tova, a nonprofit organization of the Arison Group, which offers tailored volunteering opportunities throughout the year.
This year, the key message of Good Deeds Day is United in Good, with the idea of creating a critical mass of good deeds that brings about positive change. It calls on each and every person to join and do a good deed, be it large or small, according to their ability and heart’s desire, with the goal of creating positive change. Good Deeds Day will also be celebrated worldwide, with millions of people participating in 110 countries across the globe.
Businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison, who initiated Good Deeds Day 18 years ago: "I have always believed that if we think good, speak good, and do good, our world will be a better place. Good Deeds Day creates a critical mass of people united together in good," says Arison. "As a nation, on October 7 we suffered a terrible and tragic assault, and we will never be the same. Since that day, we are all hurting, but we are also more united, loving, giving, and are volunteering for one another. This year on Good Deeds Day, let's all amplify the good and illuminate it while emphasizing our unity and our togetherness. Because we are all one."
The nonprofit Ruach Tova states that throughout 2023 and in the beginning of this year, volunteering in Israeli society reached an all-high. Moreover, since the beginning of the war an impressive force for good has been noted across Israeli society, with people wanting to give of themselves in numerous ways for the benefit of others.
Do you also want to take part in the 18th Good Deeds Day? You are invited to visit the Good Deeds Day website, and choose your own special way of doing good from a variety of options and places: at home or at work, in groups or as individuals, with organizations or nonprofits. You can also choose the type of volunteering activity that suits you best: preparing food baskets for people in need, participating in creative projects for evacuees, joining joy-spreading activities, helping the environment or animals, volunteering with special populations, children and youth, the elderly, and more.
The Good Deeds Day website also offers a wide variety of ideas and lesson-plans if you want to initiate your own doing good activity, by yourself or with your family, community, and friends. Additionally, on Good Deeds Day itself, a hundred Good Deeds Day stations will open nationwide, where you can just stop and do a good deed on the fly.
It should be noted that this year’s Good Deeds Day will take place in the middle of the month of Ramadan, and that the Arab society will also mark this special time with thousands of doing good projects planned to take place over an entire week dedicated to doing good deeds. The highlight event in Arab society will take place on the evening before Good Deeds Day, with volunteers preparing 116 iftar meals in 116 centers, simultaneously, to mark unity in the family and community.
Rafi Elul, Chairman of the nonprofit Ruach Tova of the Arison Group: "Since October 7th, at a time where the reality we’re experiencing is complex and calls for our full engagement and goodwill, we see thousands of citizens putting their differences aside and stepping out to volunteer and demonstrate their unity. This is exactly the idea for which Good Deeds Day was born 18 years ago. And this connection that we are creating together on Good Deeds Day takes on an even stronger significance now, this year in particular. I am excited to be part of a venture that brings all fractions of society, from individuals to businesses to authorities, to create doing good projects together, for a more united nation and an even stronger, better society."
Similar to last year's Good Deeds Day, the largest volunteering exhibition in Israel will also take place this year, called Social Lens. Aimed at encouraging active social involvement, the exhibition will present photographs that document the public's spirit of volunteerism during the year, in general, and in wartime, in particular. The exhibition will open in ten different locations across the country, from north to south, with the purpose of sharing the social activities that take place locally, which ultimately forge a connection between communities while shining a spotlight on the people who do good.
Visit the Good Deeds Day website, and choose your way of doing good.
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Photo Eli Dasa
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan
Yesterday (Wednesday, February 7), Javier Milei, President of Argentina, planted a tree of peace and hope at the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Grove of Nations of the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) in Jerusalem, making him the first president in participate in this significant tradition. since war broke out in Israel on October 7. The president's visit to the forest of nations here in Jerusalem, a city that tells the story of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, now that Israel is mourning the deaths of its civilians and soldiers, is a strong symbol of unity and shared values. from Israel and Argentina.
The President of the KKL-JNF, Ifat Ovadia-Luski expressed: "On this important occasion, we remember to thank the President of Argentina, Mr. Javier Milei, for participating in the long tradition, joining a line of presidents and world leaders who planted a tree in the KKL-JNF Gr/www.kkl-jnf.org/ove of Nations. This touching gesture during the hardships Israel is enduring during the war has deep meaning not only for us at the KKL-JNF, but for all civilians in Israel and the Jewish community in Argentina We also wish to thank the friends and allies of the KKL-JNF in Argentina for the warm and deep connection that has been formed in recent years and especially in the difficult times that Israel is experiencing. I am happy and proud that the president, despite the challenging circumstances chose to come to KKL-JNF's grove of nations here in the Jerusalem mountains and plant a tree of peace and hope - a shared hope for both nations to strengthen ties and further cooperation."
All members of the Argentine delegation that is visiting Israel these days participated in the exciting ceremony, among them: Karina Milei, Secretary of the Presidency of the Argentine Republic, Diana Mondino Chancellor of the Argentine Republic , Axel Wahnish (Argentine Ambassador designated to the State of Israel) , also Eyal Sela (Ambassador of Israel in Argentina) , Jonathan Peled (General Director for Latin America of the Israeli Foreign Ministry), the staff of the Argentine Embassy in Israel, who do an excellent and professional job. And for Israel they were present along with Ms. Ifat Ovadia Lusky (World President of KKL - JNF), Eitan Ginzburg politician Israel - Argentine (Vice President and President of the Education and Community Committee) former mayor of the city of Raanana and former vice president of the Knesset, Nissan Celik (member of the Board of Directors), Yuval Yani (Executive Director) and Ulises Taitelbaum (Former President of KKL Argentina)
Photos Silvia Golan
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In an orange-themed emotional ceremony, the third Annual SASA Setton Children's Literature Award, was dedicated to Ariel and Kfir Bibas, the last remaining children held hostage by Hamas in Gaza
Ofri Bibas: "One of Ariel's favorite books as of late, is 'who wants a piggyback' by David Grossman. The moments reflected in the story, are little vignettes of father and son. Daily, routine moments. These simple moments, described in the book, are little moments that are daily reminders of their absence, they elicit deep longing for them. Ariel and Kfir have become symbols, but for us, they are firstly our family – and our family is incomplete. They must return – now! Time is running out."
Yesterday, December 27, 2023, the SASA Setton Children's Literature Award ceremony, held in Tel Aviv for the third consecutive year, was dedicated to Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who are still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The event was held in the presence of the Setton family's representative, Mrs. Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, the extended Bibas family, Israeli singer Yuval Dayan, author Lihi Lapid and other high-profile guests. The goal of the award is to support local literature and promote children's book creativity. The award is given to authors and illustrators who have positively contributed to the Israeli culture.
The event culminated with the release of 500 orange balloons. SASA Setton Organization decided to dedicate the only children's literary award in Israel to Ariel and Kfir, and as a homage to their fiery ginger hair, the event was entirely orange. The Bibas children are the only remaining minors in Hamas captivity, and the award intended to bring awareness to the return of all the hostages home. The best children's book for 2023 was "Shoshana the bored trash bug" from Agam publishing house, written and illustrated by Orit Bergman, who received a 35,000 NIS prize. Esteemed Author and Editor Yona Tepper was selected to receive the SASA Setton lifetime award and received a prize of 25,000 NIS. This year, a new category was introduced, for creative illustration. The winner was Nathalie Belhassen, who received a 25,000 NIS prize for her book "In Blanket Land" from Keter/Knafaim Publishing house.
Since the war started, Israel's culture sector was brought to a halt. Therefore, the Setton Family representative, Mrs. Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, through SASA Setton, chose to dedicate the award to raising awareness for the ginger kids Ariel (4) and Kfir (11 months) who are still held by Hamas with their parents, while also invigorating this sector. SASA Setton organization promotes education for hospitalized children in all 41 schools within hospitals across the country, for over a decade. The SASA Setton prize was created by Mrs. Hilda Setton to commemorate her late husband, Philippe Setton Z"L.
In addition to the awards, previous SASA Setton Lifetime award recipient, the author Galila Ron-Feder Amit, presented her project based on her beloved redhead protagonist, "from Gingi to gingers' – where the leader of the group resigned to allow Ariel to take his place, and for Kfir to serve as his deputy. Israeli singer Yuval Dayan accompanied the balloon flying ceremony alongside the extended Bibas family with two of her songs.
The award selection committee included Chairman Adi Rubinstein, a culture affairs journalist, Lihi Lapid, author and lecturer, Prof. Shai Rudin, a researcher and lecturer for children's literature in Gordon Academy, and Tal Marlmelshtein, editor of Israel Hayom's weekend magazine.
Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, the donor family's representative: "This is the third year we have held the SASA Setton Children's Literature Award, and it was clear to us we had to connect the story of the Ariel and Kfir, the beloved redheads to our award. Our goal was to raise awareness for the campaign to return them home as soon as possible. SASA Setton is proud to promote the field of Israeli children's literature. We congratulate our winners: continue your important work in promoting Israeli creativity and literature. We can't wait to see the Bibas family, and all the hostages, return home safely. “
Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden Bibas: "One of Ariel's favorite books as of late, is 'who wants a piggyback' by David Grossman. The moments reflected in the story, are little vignettes of father and son. Daily, routine moments. It's been 80 days, without Ariel, Kfir, Yarden and Shiri. 80 days without a book before bedtime, playing with dad, a kiss to Kfir and a hug to mommy before crawling into bed. These simple moments, described in the book, are little moments that are daily reminders of their absence, they elicit deep longing for them. Ariel and Kfir have become symbols, but for us, they are firstly our family – and our family is incomplete. We want them home with us, to hug, console, love, restore. They must return – now! Time is running out."
Photos Silvia Golan
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The Jerusalem International Convention Center (ICC Jerusalem) in a Call to Partners around the World and Leaders – It Is Time to Make Our Voice Heard, Loud and Clear, for the Immediate Return of the Hostages, and to Say No to Terror!
The Jerusalem International Convention Center (ICC Jerusalem), in Jerusalem, is contributing to international advocacy efforts for the return of the hostages. It has, for some weeks, also been working to boost national resilience, and has held numerous events and activities for evacuees, soldiers, and security forces and rescue personnel.
As part of efforts to raise awareness of the state and return of the hostages who have been in captivity for 100 days, together with The Red Balloon the ICC Jerusalem management recently produced an advocacy video as part of the Red Balloon campaign in which people from all over the world are videoed with red balloons and say no to terror, in an effort to influence public opinion to work towards the release of the hostages in Gaza.
The video features the world stage at the ICC Jerusalem which, during the course of its 70 year history, has hosted leading Israeli figures, as well as important leaders from around the world, who talked about peace, unity and innovation. The call is going out from the ICC Jerusalem – "bring the hostages home now". The large auditorium at the ICC Jerusalem was filled with some 3,000 balloons, alongside pictures of the hostages who are still being held in captivity in Gaza.
Here is a link to the video: https://vimeo.com/889455604?share=copy
Yesterday, January 14 2024, the ICC Jerusalem management sent out a letter to its some 200 partners, and counterpart convention centers around the world, to join it in efforts for the release of the hostages.
"We call on you, our friends and partners around the world, and your leaders, it is time to make your voice heard, loud and clear! Call for the immediate return of the hostages and say no to terror! Over 130 innocent civilians want to go home, to their families. It is time to make your voice heard, loud and clear, and say no to terror, and to call for the immediate return of the hostages."
As an act of solidarity the ICC management asks all conference centers around the world to open conferences and events they hold with the new video the ICC has produced, and to share and circulate the video in their region so that this important message reaches all parts of the world, and to be a partner in disseminating light and hope to the world.
"As an international organization we have a moral obligation to contribute to the return of the hostages and to spread this as far around the world as possible. We, as an international convention center, with many partners around the world, seek to motivate them to act, as a token of solidarity with us, to raise awareness of the condition of the hostages, and to call for their immediate release," says Alex Alter, acting CEO, ICC, Jerusalem. He adds: "Our heart is with the families of the hostages who are, today, marking the 100th day of their loved ones' captivity. It is simply inconceivable."
Photo credit – Eldad Aloni – Sky High and Ruslan Paul.
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Tel Aviv University is offering the first academic course on the Israel-Hamas war that began on Oct. 7th, 2023. Targeting international students, the course was launched as early as the first semester of the current academic year. TAU officials explain that to offset the distorted, simplistic picture of the war currently presented on many campuses worldwide, the course aims to present an accurate, fact-based, and complex perspective on the conflict.
Thousands of students from all parts of the world study at TAU Lowy International School, from North and South America, Europe, India, China, Australia, Africa, and elsewhere. Now, for the coming academic year, TAU has initiated a new academic course led by top experts, on the Oct. 7th war. The course will review the background to the war, as well as its immediate implications for both Israel and the world at large, in different areas including conflict management, Middle East studies, economics, international law, security studies, national resilience, trauma studies, and more. In this way TAU aims to raise the international students' awareness of the war's causes and impact, in the hope that they will portray a more complex and accurate picture of it in their own countries.
Prof. Milette Shamir, TAU's VP International: "The horrendous statements heard on many campuses around the world, especially in North America and Western Europe, are often a byproduct of blatant ignorance coupled with the consumption of information from dubious sources on social media. As a counter measure, we offer students from all over the world an opportunity to learn about the war through exposure to well-founded facts, responsible research, and a complex ways of thinking. This is the appropriate response of academia to the venom propagated on campuses and in the social networks."
Dr. Nimrod Rosler, Head of the International Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation: "The horrors we experienced on Oct. 7th and afterwards underline the need for a deep understanding of the dynamics of violent conflicts. Such an understanding can be obtained from the academic knowledge and experience of the prominent lecturers who will teach in the course, providing participants with tools for dealing constructively with the war now and with its consequences in the future. Positive ways for coping with the horrors are the key to resilience and hope for a better future."
The new academic course follows another initiative of the Lowy International School: a taskforce initiated by international students to assist Israel's national effort to tell the war's true and tragic story to the world. Participating students conduct dialogues on the social networks with people in other places in the world, providing them with materials and information that present Israel's narrative from the perspective of international students in Israel.
Prof. Ronen Avraham, Head of the Lowy School's Parasol Foundation International LL.M. Program: "This task force is a moving initiative of students, and I am proud that TAU provides it with logistical backing. We have already reached 1.3 million people and have thousands of followers worldwide. The events of Oct. 7th will enter the history books, not only of Israel and the Palestinians, but also of the entire world. We will not give up our efforts to spread the truth, for the benefit of both our contemporaries and future generations."
Photo credit: Tel Aviv University.
Tel Aviv University grants permission for the use of these photos/images for stories on TAU
