Among Jewish boys born in 2024, David was the most popular name. A total of 1,842 boys received this name, representing 2.7% of Jewish boys. The second most popular name was Lavi, given to 1,518 babies, and in third place was Ariel with 1,479 babies, a name that rose from fifth place in 2023. This name replaced Yosef in its ranking, which dropped to sixth place.

The bottom line showed that the names in the top ten for girls born in 2023 remained in the top ten for girls born in 2024, with minor changes in the rankings. Among boys, nine of the names in the top ten for babies born in 2023 remained in the top ten for babies born in 2024, with minor changes in the rankings.

According to the data, Muhammad was the most popular name among all babies born in 2024 in Israel and among Muslim boys specifically, with 2,257 boys receiving this name. However, this name has been in a relative decline from 17% in the early 2000s to 11.4% in 2024.

This means that in the early 2000s, one in six Muslim boys received the name Muhammad, while in 2024, only one in nine was named this. Among Muslim girls, the most popular name was Miriam, with 566 girls bearing it.

Data from the bureau revealed that October 7 attacks influenced a decline in the name Be'eri. This name experienced the highest quantitative drop compared to the previous year, from 435 to 92. The bureau noted that this decline may be related to the fact that the name is primarily associated with Kibbutz Be'eri, which was at the center of the events of October 7, 2023.

The data further revealed that the names Eliyah, Ariel, Avigail, and Shilo experienced the highest quantitative increases compared to 2023. It should be noted that Avigail was the most popular name for Jewish girls in both 2023 and 2024. Ayala, which was the second most popular name among Jewish girls, rose slightly (from 1,171 to 1,182), and therefore the gap between it and first place grew.

Among Jewish girls, the traditional names Esther and Sarah were popular in cities with large concentrations of ultra-Orthodox Jews (Beit Shemesh, Beitar Illit, Bnei Brak, Modi'in Illit, Jerusalem), while the name Maya was popular primarily in central cities.

Similarly, the traditional names Avraham, David, Yosef and Moshe were popular primarily in cities with large concentrations of ultra-Orthodox Jews (Modi'in Illit, Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, Ashdod, Netivot, Elad, Tiberias, Beitar Illit), while the name Adam was popular in Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

The only name given to more than 20 girls in communities was Miriam, while the name Muhammad was very popular, especially in Jerusalem with 462 children. The names Ariel and Uri, as well as Ori, which were in the top ten most popular names for Jewish boys, also appeared in the top ten gender-neutral names.

Out of 3,024 multiple births in which all babies received names, 2,957 were twins and 66 were triplets. Among twins, the most popular name combinations for seven pairs of twins were "Muhammad, Ahmad" as well as "Rafael, Michael." The name pair "Lavi, Ari" was popular with six pairs of twins. Among the 66 triplets, all combinations were unique.

The post Israel's most popular baby names revealed for 2024 appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

No longer limited to parallel imports, SKIMS announced Tuesday its entry into the Israeli market through an exclusive partnership with Ironi Group, the premium and luxury fashion group that owns Factory 54.

Israel Hayom learned that standalone stores will also open at Ramat Aviv Mall and Big Fashion Glilot in several months. The first phase, launching alongside the website, will feature shop-in-shop formats within Factory 54 stores. Future plans include opening many more standalone stores, driven by the brand's high global popularity and strong demand from Israeli consumers.

The partnership represents another significant step in SKIMS' global expansion, allowing Israeli consumers to access the brand's innovative shapewear collections, loungewear, and bodysuits for the first time.

Starting November 10, SKIMS will launch for the first time in Israel on the Factory 54 website and expand during December to selected Factory 54 stores in a shop-in-shop format. Through the partnership, Israeli consumers will be exposed to the wide range of SKIMS' iconic and best-selling collections, alongside seasonal launches in limited editions.

The partnership reflects a long-term vision to create a significant commercial and community presence in Israel, providing consumers with an international-level shopping experience that embodies SKIMS' brand values of innovation and comfort.

Until now, brand enthusiasts could purchase items through the international website that ships to Israel or order through Terminal X's parallel import service. Now, as noted, the brand is making an official entry into Israel. Regarding pricing policy, the price differences compared to the United States remain unknown.

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The attackers sprayed threatening messages, including "Smash Zionism" and "No Zionist is safe here," across the restaurant's counter and walls using red and black paint, while terrified Greek employees watched helplessly.

"We remain in shock from yesterday's events," Levinson told Israel Hayom. "This kosher restaurant opened just six weeks ago and has been operating successfully. Yesterday, pro-Palestinian anarchists suddenly descended on the establishment. While I was in Israel, I immediately connected online with our frightened staff.

"The restaurant displays kosher certification, clearly identifying it with Israel. These vandals completed their destruction within seconds, making intervention impossible. They defaced walls, pillars, and tables while distributing hundreds of anti-Israel flyers claiming, 'You are killing babies.' When one employee attempted to leave, they threatened him, saying 'If you come out, it's over for you."

Levinson emphasized that "the targeted employees are Greek nationals. My sole Israeli staff member arrived after the incident concluded. A local police station operates near our restaurant. Greek authorities launched an investigation, with hate crimes specialists joining the inquiry. The Israeli embassy maintains contact regarding these events and coordinates with police to ensure full prosecution of the perpetrators."

Addressing future security concerns, Levinson noted, "The overwhelming support from Israelis residing in Athens provided tremendous encouragement. They arrived to demonstrate solidarity, singing 'Am Yisrael Chai' and boosting their morale. I hope Athens's mayor will meet with me while the embassy continues its intervention. Municipal leadership must address this situation seriously. Hebrew dominates conversation throughout this Athens neighborhood. Over 5,000 Israelis visit daily. Losing this Israeli presence would be tragic. Without proper governmental response, the situation will deteriorate significantly."

The post 'If you come out, it's over for you': Pro-Palestinians terrorize kosher restaurant in Athens appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Since 2001, the fertility rate for Muslim women has steadily declined, reaching 2.75 children per woman in 2024, compared to 3.06 for Jewish women, 1.66 for Druze women, 1.61 for Christian women, and 1.13 for women without religious classification. Nearly half of Muslims live in northern Israel, with 33.8% in the Northern District and 13.1% in the Haifa District. Another 22.1% reside in the Jerusalem District, 18.7% in the Southern District, 10.9% in the Central District, and 1.4% in the Tel Aviv District.

Roughly 43% of Muslims live in the ten localities with the largest Muslim populations. Jerusalem has the highest, with 386,300 Muslims, or 21.4% of the national Muslim population and 36.9% of the city's residents. The southern town of Rahat follows, with 77,900 Muslims comprising 99.5% of its population. Other notable Muslim communities include Umm al-Fahm (60,100 residents) and Nazareth (57,000 residents).

The Muslim population remains young, with 31.2% aged 0–14 and only 5.1% aged 65 and older. Among those aged 45–49, 9.2% of Muslim women are unmarried, compared to 4.7% of men. About 27% of Muslim-headed households include six or more members, compared to 10% of Jewish-headed households. Life expectancy in 2024 stood at 77.2 years for Muslim men and 82.9 years for women.

During the 2023/24 school year, 403,800 Muslim students attended primary and post-primary schools, with 6,900 in Hebrew-language schools and the rest in Arabic-language schools. In 2022/23, 74.0% of Muslim students who took matriculation exams qualified for a high school graduation diploma, and 48.3% met university admission standards, nearly matching the 46.8% from the prior year. Muslim women were far more likely to pursue bachelor's degrees (41.8%) than Muslim men (20.2%).

In the school year 2022/23, 3,100 Muslims enrolled in pre-academic programs, representing 27.0% of such students. In 2023/24, 49,800 Muslims studied in higher education, comprising 16.4% of all students. That year, 11,800 Muslims received academic degrees, accounting for 13.0% of all degree recipients.

In 2024, labor force participation among Muslims aged 15 and older was 48.2%, with 62.1% for men and 34.4% for women. In 2023, approximately 307,600 Muslims were registered with the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security, out of 1.18 million individuals. The disability registry included 179,100 Muslims, out of 1.163 million people.

In 2022, Muslims faced a criminal conviction rate 2.9 times higher than non-Muslims, at 579 per 100,000 people compared to 200 per 100,000. Common offenses included public order violations (28.2%), crimes against persons (22.4%), and property crimes (19.7%).

In 2024, 881,277 Muslims held driver's licenses, making up 16.8% of all drivers, with 41.5% being women. That year, 3,315 Muslims were injured in road accidents, representing 22.9% of all casualties, exceeding their 16.9% population share. Of these, 140 were killed, 690 were seriously injured, and 2,485 sustained minor injuries.

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In an official statement, eBay explained: "As a global corporation, eBay continually assesses its operational framework to align with long-term strategic objectives, ensuring optimal support for its customers and workforce. Following thorough deliberation, we have made the challenging decision to close our Israel office in the first quarter of 2026. We remain fully committed to supporting and guiding our employees through this transition period."

The closure of eBay's Netanya facility is a notable development for Israel's technology sector, which has long been a magnet for global tech giants. The center, established following eBay's 2011 acquisition of Israeli startup The Gifts Project for approximately $20 million. Israel, widely known as the "Startup Nation," has been a hub for innovation, with its tech sector contributing 18.1% to the national GDP in 2022, according to the Israel Innovation Authority.

Globally, eBay has been navigating economic pressures, as evidenced by its decision to cut approximately 1,000 jobs – 9% of its workforce – in early 2024.

The post eBay to exit Israel, terminating 200 workers appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

In a post on KFC Israel's Facebook page, the company announced: "Dear customers, eight KFC branches are currently closed. We apologize for the inconvenience. Fans of our famous tasty chicken can still enjoy KFC at the following open locations: Yachin Petach Tikva, Renanim Mall, Ir Yamim Mall Netanya, Cinema City Rishon Lezion, Opera Building Tel Aviv, Haifa's Haifa Bay Shopping Center, Grand Canyon Haifa, Kiryat Bialik's Kiryat Krayot Mall, downtown Haifa, Bilu Center, Big Ashdod, and Givatayim Mall, which are open for dining in and takeaway."

It is worth noting that the eight closed branches are operated by a franchisee named Mefaco, which manages branches serving the Arab sector. The remaining 13 branches that continue to operate as usual are managed by the Smart Service franchisee.

In the comments on the post, several users speculated whether the closures were related to Ramadan (which began last Friday and continues through the end of March) and even accused KFC of trying to conceal this. However, the company has denied this claim. Industry sources have attributed the decision to economic reasons.

KFC Israel's franchisee issued a statement: "The company Mefaco, which operates in Israel, has halted the business activity of the eight branches under its management. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will provide updates as soon as there is news to share. KFC remains committed to serving our valued customers, who are welcome to visit any of the 12 other KFC locations that are operating as usual. These locations include Tel Aviv, Givatayim, Rishon Lezion, Grand Canyon Haifa, Ashdod, Petach Tikva, Bilu Junction, Netanya, Raanana, Hutzot HaMifratz, Krayot, and downtown Haifa."

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Conflicting reports have emerged regarding resuming automated banking services in Israel. However, the Bank of Israel has issued an unusual directive to banks, instructing them to stock ATMs with cash. The malfunction has expanded to the point where bank customers can only withdraw cash from ATMs belonging to their own bank.

Previously, reports on SHVA's resuming normal operations remained inconsistent. For example, an Israeli major retail chain has yet to resume operations, while some locations have started operating as normal. Regardless, in the past hour, an emergency mechanism has been activated within the banking system to ensure the continued smooth operation of Israel's economy.

This is not the first time the company has faced system disruptions throughout Israel. Last October, SHVA had to deal with a cyberattack that led to payment processing difficulties and connection issues. During that incident, which began at 8 a.m., disruptions were detected in foreign connections to Israel's payment processing system, prompting the company to block access from abroad. The system only resumed normal operations after the disconnection.

The post Credit card payments unavailable in Israel, cause under investigation appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Following two recent cyber attacks on credit institutions and facing threats from Iranian government-affiliated groups of an imminent cyber strike against Israel planned for Friday, the Bank of Israel has called an emergency preparedness session.

The high-level meeting, coordinated with Israel's National Cyber Directorate, included representatives from the country's major banks, credit companies, and other financial institutions. Israeli commercial airlines were also notified of the potential threat.

Yesterday's situation assessment brought together senior officials from the Bank of Israel, the National Cyber Directorate, and the cybersecurity forum representing banks and credit card companies. They evaluated various scenarios that could unfold Friday, following the Iranian Anonymous for Justice group's threats to target Israel's financial infrastructure.

72 hours...
Still you have time to save your capital. The risk of not paying attention to our warnings can come at the cost of destroying your life.

נותרו רק 72 שעות.
עדיין יש לכם זמן להציל בכסף ובהון שלכם. אם אתם רוצים לקחת סיכון ולהתעלם מהאזהרות שלנו, דעו שההתעלמות הזו תעלה… pic.twitter.com/UBu9jFieCb

— Anonymous For Justice (@anonyforjustice) November 12, 2024

While an attack is considered likely, its precise nature and scope remain uncertain. Officials are particularly concerned about potential disruptions to credit card clearing operations, similar to the recent attacks on the SHVA clearing house, which could trigger increased cash withdrawals across Israel. The Cyber Directorate plans to implement several countermeasures in the coming days to thwart the Iranian group's intentions.

Both the Bank of Israel and the National Cyber Directorate have urged banks, credit companies, and financial institutions to enhance their preparedness and share any relevant intelligence. Their primary goal is to maintain business continuity regardless of the attack scenario.

The threat follows two significant cyber attacks in the past month against credit companies – one targeting SHVA and another striking Credit Guard two days ago – both of which caused nationwide disruptions to credit payment services.

In response, the Bank of Israel stated: "The Bank of Israel maintains ongoing contact, continuously and especially during these days, with the banking system, the Cyber Directorate, and other relevant bodies to prepare and ensure continuity of various customer services according to developments."

The post Iran's latest threat to Israel: 72-hour countdown to cyber attack appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Daniel Birnbaum, the former CEO of SodaStream, has unveiled a controversial proposal to offer substantial financial incentives to Palestinians who assist in returning Israeli hostages held in Gaza. In an interview with Israel Hayom, Birnbaum elaborated on the reasoning behind his plan and expressed optimism that it could facilitate the release of captives.

"I've spent an entire year searching for a way to help the hostages' families and the country," Birnbaum said. He explained that following the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, he had an "epiphany" after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement about granting safe passage and immunity to those who return hostages. "It was a new approach, but he missed the third element – the reward," Birnbaum noted. "Once you include the third element, the hope for a better life and not just survival, it becomes an offer that's much harder to decline."

Birnbaum acknowledges the complexities inherent in such a proposal. "The challenge lies in the execution: How to provide the money without endangering lives," he said, stressing that it would have been preferable if such an offer originated from the government or an American entity. "I want to avoid a repeat of the tragedy where six hostages were killed, and I imagine the captors are already exhausted and hungry," Birnbaum added. "We need to act now, not wait. This is an opportunity to circumvent Sinwar."

Addressing the reactions to his initiative, Birnbaum said, "I've received various responses, including accusations of being a populist and endangering hostages by potentially sparking clan wars over money. My response is – haven't the hostages been at risk all along?"

He revealed that he only announced the plan after extensive consultations. "Before going public, I consulted with over 20 senior officials, including former Shin Bet members. I concluded that now is the time for action." He emphasizes that the immediate step is to convey the message to those in the tunnels. "They don't have access to Israeli news or phones. The way to reach the tunnels is through leaflets, which need to be distributed by the army," Birnbaum explained. "I believe the government wants the hostages back, and it's not just about motivation but also about effective communication."

Q: Have you received responses from Palestinian sources as well?

"I've received over 100 messages on my phone, some in English and some in Arabic. I have a team currently sifting through them. I forward potentially relevant messages to the security officials." He also mentioned that some messages include images of Sinwar with a weapon, inappropriate content, and occasionally genuine inquiries about participants' safety. "Some messages ask how they can be assured of their safety, which gives me the impression they might be authentic. I pass everything to the security system, hoping they'll follow up appropriately."

"An alternative path for Hamas members and their families"

Birnbaum also discussed the challenges in negotiating with Hamas, saying, "Negotiating with Mohammed Sinwar [the brother of Yahya] is futile. For Gilad Schalit, 1,027 security prisoners were released. In my view, we don't have enough security prisoners to meet their likely demands." This perspective perhaps fuels Birnbaum's optimism about his initiative. "This situation may have created an unofficial civilian channel to Hamas. With all due respect to the Shin Bet's work, this could offer an alternative route for a Hamas member whose family is suffering from hunger and injuries."

"Based on the messages I'm receiving, there seems to be a new line of communication that didn't exist before. I'm willing to hand over my phone to the security system. Out of the multitude of messages, one or two might have potential. It won't be straightforward, as each hostage is guarded by several people. I received a message where someone wrote 'I'm deleting this so it won't be seen.' It makes you wonder if it could be a trap to lure IDF soldiers."

Q: Do you believe the state should have made such an offer?

"It's a dynamic situation. There are numerous reasons not to pursue this course of action. However, after more than a year, we must be open to new approaches. We can't keep repeating yesterday's strategies tomorrow."

"Given the current chaos and fear, this presents an opportunity. There's no one to negotiate with directly, so we should explore alternatives. The state has already implemented two-thirds of what the prime minister proposed, so I suggest we add the financial incentive. Let's give them a chance to make a decision, which could be influenced by family pressure. Their families might advocate for accepting this offer to avoid further loss of life. We have many hostages, and each one represents an entire world. My hope is that this effort will leave me impoverished. I'm willing to become destitute for this cause. People are offering to contribute financially, but that's not the point. What's crucial is that this offer reaches those in the tunnels and that they find it credible."

The post Ex-SodaStream chief explains 'cash for hostages' scheme appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Israel is taking significant steps to prepare for potential conflict, with both government actions and citizen initiatives ramping up in recent days.

The Israeli government has closed airspace north of Hadera for 24 hours. The Times of Israel reported that the closure applies to all aircraft except for emergency flights by the military, police, firefighters, and medical evacuations. This precautionary measure follows recent high-profile Israeli operations that resulted in the deaths of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of "challenging days ahead" but assured citizens that Israel is "prepared for any scenario. Our enemies should know that if they attack us, the price they will pay will be unbearable."

BREAKING: The airspace of northern Israel will be closed to all civilian air traffic for the next 24 hours, starting at 5:30 AM – Yedioth Ahronoth

— TheRealBiffBifford (@TBifford) July 30, 2024

In response to the heightened security concerns, Israeli citizens are actively preparing for potential disruptions to daily life. A dramatic surge in emergency preparedness equipment sales has been reported across the country.

Major retailers are experiencing up to a 250% increase in sales of generators and portable power stations. The chain Machsanei Chashmal reported a 2.5-fold increase in online sales of these items, with residents of Tel Aviv and Haifa leading the purchases. Liron Katz, VP of business development, told Israel Hayom, "We felt an increase in sales since the rocket hit Majdal Shams on Saturday, and it intensified starting last night due to the assassinations."

The Zap website, a prominent price comparison platform, noted an 80% increase in generator-related searches since Saturday's events. This trend extends beyond a single retailer, with Cinema World (Olam Hakolnoah) reporting that their inventory of generators, especially three-phase models, has been nearly depleted.

Supply chain issues are complicating efforts to meet the surging demand. Daniel Bar Sadeh, Marketing VP of Cinema World, highlighted the challenges: "We currently have no source to obtain more, and we checked this morning with three suppliers we work with, and they don't have any. Inventories are also delayed because of the Houthis."

In addition to power generation equipment, there's been a notable increase in purchases of home freezers, suggesting that Israelis are preparing for potential extended power outages or supply disruptions.

The Israeli government has also heightened security measures, with new precautions ordered for Netanyahu and other senior ministers. Meanwhile, the international community is closely watching developments. The United States has called for de-escalation, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging "all parties" to "stop escalatory actions" and work towards a ceasefire in Gaza.

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