City Notes: Karmiel writer wins Flash Fiction award in Spain

A catch-up from around the country.

By NATHAN WISE
Christmas tree (photo credit: screenshot)
Christmas tree
(photo credit: screenshot)
NORTH
The city of Karmiel was proud to announce that one of its residents, author Miri Kaufman, recently received a prestigious writing award from the Museum of Words, Museo de la Palabra, in Toledo, Spain.
Kaufman was a runner-up in the museum’s Flash Fiction contest, in which writers submit texts in Hebrew, Arabic, English or Spanish not exceeding 100 words. The Museum of Words aims to achieve peace between different peoples using art and dialogue.
The mother of four recounted that a year after she sent her story to the competition, when she had almost forgotten about her submission, she received a call that she had won one of the three runner-up prizes – suddenly finding herself at Madrid’s Royal Palace at a festive dinner, receiving $2,000.
Kaufman holds master’s degrees in biology and education, and after 30 years of teaching she decided to spend more time writing.
KKL-JNF distributes Christmas trees
Just a few days before Christmas, the Keren-Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund had distributed some 800 Arizona cypress trees.
The annual campaign provides trees to local churches, monasteries, convents, embassies, foreign journalists and the general public, at a cost of NIS 80 per tree. Distribution took place in Nazareth, Shfaram and near Beit Shemesh.
CENTER
Bat Yam to build soccer stadium
The Bat Yam Municipality announced earlier this week that it had issued a tender for the construction of a soccer stadium to serve the entire Gush Dan area. The stadium, to be constructed near the Komemiyut train station, will be 20,000 square meters, with an additional 20,000 sq.m. of commercial and cultural space.
The tender stated that the project should be completed no more than four years after the necessary permits are obtained. It also set the building standard at UEFA and FIFA’s highest level – ensuring a perfect viewing experience, whether for soccer or for international music events, the municipality said.
Bat Yam Mayor Yossi Bachar stated there was a need in for a new stadium at an international standard in Gush Dan, noting it will be 15 minutes away by public transportation for residents.
Modi’in asks residents for photos of city
Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut, ahead of its 20th-anniversary celebrations, has asked residents to look through their albums and send in photos of the city in its first years, via email or post, to the municipal spokesman’s office.
Modi’in is also organizing a group art exhibit by local seniors and has called on interested artists to contact municipal representatives to participate in the event, which runs from January 3 to 16; a festive exhibition opening will be held at the renovated cultural center’s gallery.
December 27 is the last day to register to exhibit; participation is limited.
SOUTH
Desert Challenge held near Dead Sea shores
The annual Desert Challenge Festival began Thursday in the Tamar Regional Council, in the area around the southern Dead Sea, and was set to continue through Saturday – with biking and running events for seasoned athletes, amateurs and children. Tent and caravan camping areas were set up near the races’ starting line.
The challenge – with 3,000 participants expected – includes mountain biking races for singles and pairs ranging from 24 to 62 kilometers, with the “moon run” being Israel’s oldest organized night run. At the end of the events on Friday, a huge Shabbat barbecue will be held with live music and partying into the night.


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