Former Jewish Agency chair Natan Sharansky: The question of whether to make aliyah or not has become more real for many people because the coronavirus reminds us of the importance of family and home, and Israel symbolizes the Jewish home.
In poor, war-ravaged countries of the Middle East, COVID is yet another crisis for barely functioning regimes. In the wealthy Gulf states, citizens unlucky enough to contract the virus get first-rate care. In the meantime, there is an ever-present fear that Islamist elements will try to exploit the pandemic for their own purposes.
Former Shin Bet technology division head Ron Shamir says US cyber defenders are experiencing a “very difficult hour.” Former Israeli official Micky Aharonson notes that the massive attack could be part of Russia’s attempt to strengthen its negotiating position with Washington.
The Israel Institute for Biological Research promised to provide Israel with a vaccine within record time. Not only did it not deliver, but it also led to the government wasting billions of shekels and valuable resources that could have otherwise been directed towards handling the current economic and health crises.
After years of insulting Israel and funding Hamas, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is making overtures of reconciliation. What does this have to do with the Muslim Brotherhood and US President-elect Joe Biden, and how seriously should Israel take him?
The coronavirus disrupted sporting events and training schedules in every discipline, but that did not stop Israeli athletes from winning one medal after the other at championships worldwide. Shining particularly bright this year was Linoy Ashram, who made history when she was crowned European rhythmic gymnastics champion.
Israel first brought the Shin Bet into its virus outbreak battle in March. "We haven’t seen this tool be used exploitatively. This tool saves lives," says Deputy Health Minister Yoav Kisch.
A new joint project focuses on people-to-people encounters with activists and professionals representing academia, art, literature, politics, education, activism and the hospitality industry.
Alexander Lukashenko has enjoyed a relatively quiet presidency for more than 20 years until the coronavirus pandemic erupted and revealed his government’s indifference to human lives. Now, Belarusians refuse to remain silent any longer.
By leading four Arab states to make historic peace deals with Israel, young advisors to US President Donald Trump Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz did what appeared to be impossible. Shortly before their White House jobs end, the two sit down with Israel Hayom to discuss the high points of the last four years.