News – Diaspora
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attack that left twelve dead. Here’s a look at how the world reacted, through cartoons.
Masked gunmen opened fire on Israeli tourists today as they boarded a bus in Cairo. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that there were no casualties, while Egypt’s Interior Ministry said the attack was directed at security forces.
Aegean Airlines has apologized for removing two Arabs from an Athens-Tel Aviv flight, after Jewish Israelis allegedly insisted they were terrorists. In a letter from Aegean CEO Dimitris Gerogiannis, he emphasized that the “crew did try for more than an hour and thirty minutes to resolve the situation,” but that “by the time that all the security had been rechecked,” the “two affected passengers did not feel comfortable to fly.”
News – Israel
The Shin Bet and the IDF busted a Hamas terror cell last month, it was revealed today, that was planning on kidnapping and murdering Israelis (surprised?), in a bid to use their bodies as collateral to trade for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Still believe Hamas is a legitimate political entity, Jimmy Carter? Really? Even after Israeli tech saved your life, eh?
During the 2016 World University Debating Championship in Thessaloniki, Greece, Israeli debate teams achieved a record showing, getting further in the tournament than ever before. Out of 400 teams, three Israeli teams remained in the 48 that advanced to the Open Final, for the first time in history.
The Atlantic ran an expose the other day on an IDF unit that recruits teens with autism. While, normally, autistic teens in Israel are exempt from military service, Unit 9900 allows them to contribute and collaborate in a way where their special skills are truly appreciated.
An Israeli bus driver has been praised for refusing to remove an elderly Arab man that passengers said looked suspicious (unlike the situation that transpired on a Greek airline). “I’m aware of the current security situation,” she told Israel’s Channel 2, “but there’s a limit to everything.”
The Simta Bar in Tel Aviv, where two Israelis lost their lives on Jan. 1, has reopened on a somber note. One of the first to enter the bar was Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai, who attended a memorial ceremony for victims Alon Bakal (who served as the bar’s manager) and Shimon Ruimi.
Remember that video of strangers kissing that went viral? Well, the editors at TimeOut Tel Aviv used it as inspiration for a video of Arabs and Jews kissing each other, in the wake of a national controversy over the Education Ministry’s decision to remove a love story between an Israeli and a Palestinian from the curriculum.
Business
For the first time ever, Israeli tech will get its own section at the National Association of Broadcasters trade show in Las Vegas, the world’s largest media convention. Around 105,000 visitors participate in the convention, hailing from 166 countries.
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES 2016) has been the talk of the town all week, and of course, there’s an esteemed delegation of Israeli high-tech companies in attendance, from Mobileye to BreezoMeter.
Science
Tel Aviv researchers have developed an innovative system that may treat an incurable blood cancer. The system may be able to successfully stop the reproduction of cancer-related protein in white blood cells, and was developed by Prof. Dan Peer of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Cell Research and Immunology.
Culture
At last night’s People’s Choice Awards, The Big Bang Theory (which features the talented Mayim Bialik) was voted the favourite television show, while Homeland (based on Israeli show Prisoners of War) won favourite premium cable television show.
We all know that JLaw has the hots for Larry David, but the actress decided to reiterate it anyway during an interview with Glamour editor-in-chief Cindi Leive. Apparently, Lawrence simply adored David’s Bernie Sanders impression (who didn’t?), and even masturbated to it. Okay, that part was a joke, she admitted, but seriously, she gave David her number, and he never even called? That’s some moral compass he has, not wanting to take advantage of women 40 years younger than him. Don’t know if it’s possible to have any more respect for the man.
Netflix finally arrived in 130 countries yesterday (before, it was only available in 60), including India, Saudi Arabia, and Israel! Happy binge-watching Friends and The Office, haverim sheli.
H&M is selling Jewish prayer shawls scarves on its website. It’s going after every market possible, apparently. Even synagogue wear.
Two hilarious television shows were renewed for more seasons yesterday, both at the helms of funny Jewish actors: Broad City, and Inside Amy Schumer.
So it’s apparently National Bobblehead Day today. To celebrate, the Forward has a list of 14 Jewish bobbleheads, just for the occasion.
Weather
It is currently -1 C in Toronto. Not too shabby.
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