Israeli Figures Celebrate Milestones Amidst Personal and Professional News
The Israeli "Bransha" (media and professional circles) saw a flurry of personal celebrations and professional appointments this week. Political commentator Meir Berger marked his son's bar mitzvah in Ashdod, attended by rabbis, politicians, and media figures including Uzi and Hazki Baruch of Channel 7. In Beitar Illit, media professional Yosaleh Bergman celebrated his son's circumcision, with colleagues from "Zira Politit" (Political Arena) sending well wishes.
A notable event involved a Givaty Brigade soldier released from military prison after refusing to board a Namer armored personnel carrier without a medic. Upon his release, the soldier, still in uniform, blew a shofar.
Legal circles were also active, with the wedding of the daughter of attorney Moshe Polsky of the Honenu organization taking place in Bnei Brak, drawing numerous lawyers and strategists. In religious news, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Kalman Bar, met with a former study partner, Rabbi Aryeh Stern, at Machon Meir. Meanwhile, Rabbi Elhanan Levin was chosen as the new rabbi for the community of Beit Gamliel.
Educational institutions saw significant appointments. Karin Maimon, an alumna, was appointed principal of the middle school division at Amit Orיה Ulpana in Beersheba, joining fellow alumna Nurit Davidi, the school's principal. Motty Toran retired after 26 years as head of the Kibbutz Dati Hesder Yeshiva in Ma'ale Gilboa, succeeded by Mishael Nourieli. Dr. Yossi Londin assumed the role of national supervisor for history in the state religious education system.
In politics and public service, Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu continued his visits to Torah institutions, including Yeshivat Akko and the girls' seminary there. Matanel Ben Gigi received an award from the Israel Police for his work establishing and commanding a city emergency response team in the Galilee. Elior Azran, 34, was appointed spokesperson for Migdal HaEmek, returning to his birthplace after serving in national media and political roles, including with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Shi Rozengarten concluded his seven-year tenure as chairman of the Im Tirtzu movement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Hesder Yeshiva in Sderot, where students sang and danced for him. He also attended a prayer service at the Western Wall led by former Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau. Rabbi Sharon Rosenzweig, widow of Rabbi Binyamin Rosenzweig, became engaged to Rabbi Yitzhak Braun.
