The Bible Verses Tel Aviv

There was an irony in this year's International Youth Bible Contest, one of the highlights of Israeli Independence Day. The theme was Tel Aviv, in honor of the city's 100th anniversary. Tel Aviv can be considered Zionism's most successful "political settlement," since it has no real ancient history.





Of course, the very knowledgeable committee which composes the questions found ways around that minor detail.





The final stage of the contest is broadcast on TV, and like every year, I watched it at my cousin's house. We're always curious to see which schools, Israeli and diaspora, are most represented.





This year, two young men battled for first prize. One from south of Jerusalem and the other from north of Jerusalem. One from the Hebron Hills and the other from my regional council of Mateh Binyamin, Efrayim the southern Shomron.


The winner was Sapir Malka of Kochav Ya'akov. Kochav Ya'akov is near Ramallah, north of Jerusalem. He's a student in Yashlatz (Yeshivat Yerushalayim L'Tzeirim) the same yeshiva high school which suffered a murderous terror attack just over a year ago. Eight people were murdered in the attack. No doubt that his victory is l'ilui nishmatam, to "elevate their souls."

Yihi Zichrom Baruch

May Their Memories Be Blessed