Israeli Hostages Return Home: A New Reality Emerges
Israelis have been moved by the emotional homecomings of released hostages reuniting with their families, friends, and even their pets. Yet, a different reality sets in when they return to everyday life. This was especially evident when ex-hostage Eden Alexander rejoined his IDF unit. Equally poignant was when the traumatized members of Kibbutz Be’eri invested in an Israeli renewable energy company, signaling a commitment to rebuilding and fostering a brighter future for Israel and the world.
— Michael Ordman
Celebrating Israel’s Global Contributions
Michael Ordman offers a dazzling catalogue of Israel’s beneficence and outsized contributions to global safety, health, technology, and humanitarian aid. Israel continues to provide critical support during times of famine, drought, and natural disasters across every continent.
POSITIVE NEWS IN A TIME OF WAR
VR Music Video Spotlighting Israeli Innovation
Israeli pop star Yoni Bloch released the music video “Sof Tov” on Tuesday evening (14:00 EST). The video highlights Israel’s renowned startup ecosystem and the region’s most inspiring technological breakthroughs, showcasing the country’s vibrant innovation scene.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS UPDATES
Israeli Companies Returning Home
In 2021, seven of the ten largest Israeli companies were listed in New York, while only three traded in Tel Aviv. Today, all seven companies are now listed in Tel Aviv, with two maintaining listings both in New York and Tel Aviv. This represents a significant shift towards strengthening Israel’s domestic financial market.
Gas Prices Drop
The government-controlled maximum price of 95 octane gasoline at self-service pumps fell by NIS 0.17 per liter to NIS 7.07 per liter—returning to prices last seen in August 2024. This marks the lowest price point in nearly two years and benefits consumers across the country.
Employees Achieve Millionaire Status Before Exits
More employees are becoming millionaires even before their companies go public or are sold. Over the past year, companies including Armis, Island, Quantum Machines, and Exodigo have allowed employees and founders to sell shares to new investors, enabling them to pocket significant proceeds.
$2 Billion Fund with a Focus on Israel
Viola Credit recently closed its Viola ABL Fund III, an asset-based lending fund totaling $2 billion. The fund was oversubscribed by $0.5 billion and uniquely emphasizes the Israeli fintech ecosystem, expected to bolster financing for local technology ventures.
Nvidia Expands Israeli Workforce
Global tech giant Nvidia, valued at $5 trillion, has grown its Israeli workforce from 3,300 to 5,000 in just one year, and hiring continues. Today, Israel represents Nvidia’s second-largest R&D hub outside the United States, underscoring the nation’s importance in global tech development.
Replacing Diesel Generators with Innovative Solutions
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers—a consortium led by Google and Microsoft—has adopted aluminum-air technology from Israel’s Phinergy as its primary solution to replace diesel-fueled generators in data centers, highlighting Israel’s cutting-edge contributions to green energy.
$1.5 Billion Solar Project in Texas
Israel’s Doral Energy secured a NIS 1.5 billion contract to build a massive solar field at Cold Creek, Texas. The project boasts a 553-megawatt output and storage capacity of 340 megawatt-hours, spread over more than 5,000 acres, exemplifying Israeli expertise in renewable energy on a global scale.
Recent Mergers and Acquisitions up to November 2, 2025
– Israel’s Nagish has completed an acquisition.
– The U.S. design software company Figma purchased Israeli AI-powered design workflow company Weavy for $200 million.
Environmental and Wildlife News
Rare Softshell Turtle Rescued from Jordan River
During Sukkot, a rare softshell turtle was rescued after its beak became entangled in abandoned fishing wire in the Jordan River. The Nature and Parks Authority recovered the turtle, treating it at the KKL-JNF Hula Valley Wildlife Acclimation Center after it was found to have ingested fishing hooks.
Arrival of Migrating Cranes and Rare Bird Sighting
The first flock of migrating cranes has arrived at the KKL-JNF Hula Valley Nature Reserve, marking the beginning of an annual natural spectacle as these birds depart their Russian breeding grounds. Additionally, Israel observed its first-ever sighting of Asia’s White’s thrush.
Cultural Highlights
Abu Ghosh Festival
This year’s Abu Ghosh Festival featured 30 concerts and musical events, including the “Sinatra Meets New Orleans” show with Eli Preminger and The Chocolate Factory Band. Due to renovation work at the Kiryat Ya’arim Church, part of the festival took place in Tel Aviv.
Punch Comedy Festival in Tel Aviv
Taking place December 11-13 at the Zionist House, Tel Aviv’s first-ever stand-up and comedy “Punch” festival showcases homegrown talent, a special Russian-language stand-up night, and a family-friendly Harry Potter Stand-Up Show. Tickets are available at [bit.ly/3WrVOf9](https://bit.ly/3WrVOf9).
Sderot Blues Festival
From December 1-3, the southern Israeli city of Sderot will host the Music, Soul, Cinema, and Resilience Festival at the Sderot Cinematheque. This event celebrates Israeli blues music through performances by top artists, local jam sessions, and rare blues film screenings, honoring the city’s rich musical legacy.
Israeli Opera Celebrates 40 Years
Marking its 40th anniversary, the Israeli Opera presents seven productions including:
– Purcell’s *Dido & Aeneas* (the company’s first production in 1985)
– Tchaikovsky’s *Iolanthe* (January)
– *The Dybbuk*
– Mozart’s *The Magic Flute*
– Strauss’s *Salome*
– Verdi’s *Nabucco*
– Puccini’s *Tosca*
Kevin Spacey Performs in Tel Aviv
Actor Kevin Spacey will perform “Songs & Stories,” accompanied by a jazz band, on November 19 at Tel Aviv’s Hangar 11. Spacey previously visited Israel in December 2024 alongside British author Douglas Murray.
Tel Aviv Night Run Lights Up the City
On October 29, the annual Tel Aviv Night Run captivated participants with courses lined by DJ stands and illuminated art installations. Organized by the Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality, the event featured 5km, 10km, and 15km races, celebrating sport, music, and urban energy.
THE JEWISH STATE
Ex-Hostage Leads Mass Tefillin Event
Survivor of Hamas captivity Bar Kuperstein urged the public at Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square to join a mass tefillin-laying event before Shabbat. He expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone for their prayers and support during his ordeal and that of other hostages.
Hostages Embrace Jewish Practices
Most of the ex-hostages were secular prior to their kidnapping but engaged in Jewish religious practices while in captivity. Some observed Shabbat, while others fasted on religious days. Bar Kuperstein demonstrated putting on tefillin during captivity, and many have maintained these practices since their release.
Ministers Quoting the Torah: A Shift Toward Religious Identity?
An interesting article suggests Israel may be becoming more “Jewish,” noting an increase in public officials quoting the Torah, indicating a growing embrace of Jewish tradition in public life.
From Ethiopia to New York to Jerusalem
Ethiopian-born scholar Dr. Shmuel Legasse has represented the Knesset abroad and worked with Jewish and interfaith communities across Africa, the U.S., and Israel. He emphasizes, “Our diversity is our greatest diplomatic asset.” His mentor was the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (z”l).
Celebrating Aliyah Day
Aliyah Day commemorates the 10th of the Hebrew month of Nissan—the time when the Israelites entered the Land of Israel. This year, the celebration takes place on the 6th or 7th of Marcheshvan to coincide with the Torah reading of *Lech Lecha*, when Abraham was commanded to go to the Land of Israel. Festivities include an event at Tel Aviv’s ANU Museum.
A Heartfelt IDF Proposal
At his graduation ceremony, an IDF soldier captured hearts by proposing on one knee to his girlfriend amidst cheers and dancing from fellow soldiers, creating a joyful highlight to the event.
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