City Notes: ZAKA honors Beduin volunteers in Rahat
A round up of news from around the nation.
By COMPILEDJULIE STEIGERWALDZAKA honors Beduin volunteers in Rahat(photo credit: ZAKA)SOUTHSaving lives in the NegevDozens of volunteers from the emergency response organization ZAKA gathered on March 23 for an honorary ceremony in Rahat to salute Beduin volunteers for lifesaving efforts in the Negev region.Among those who attended the event were Rahat Mayor Talal al-Krenawi, local sheikhs, ZAKA chairman Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, members of the organization’s city administration, ZAKA southern district commander Rabbi Asher Levy, ZAKA Negev district commander Yehuda Lorber and various member of the local business community.During the ceremony, each of the members of ZAKA’s southern Beduin unit was awarded a medal of honor by al-Krenawi and Meshi-Zahav to highlight the organization’s appreciation for their activities.Meshi-Zahav lauded the volunteers, saying, “There are those who talk about coexistence and some who actually implement it.”Al-Krenawi also praised the volunteers from the ‘Beduin Diaspora Unit,’ urging ZAKA to recruit more volunteers from the country’s Beduin sector.Eilat teacher arrested on suspicion of rapePolice in Eilat arrested a 70-year-old teacher from the city on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor, authorities announced on Sunday. The suspect was arrested over the weekend following initial questioning in light of a complaint on accusations of sexual harassment and rape filed by the minor. The suspect’s remand was extended until Monday to complete further investigation.NORTH La dolce vita: Italian film fest to hit cinemas from Haifa to BeershebaCinematheques across the country from Haifa to Beersheba will feature an array of classic and contemporary Italian films throughout April as part of a special program highlighting foreign cinema.Cinema Italia 2017 is the result of a collaboration between ADAMAS Italia-Israel and the Italian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv, Italian Cultural Institute in Haifa, Istituto Luce Cinecittà, the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality, the Haifa Municipality and the Cinematheques of Israel.Films to be featured in the program including: Pawn Street (Le ultime cose), Italian Race (Veloce come il vento), Fiore, Rome, Open City, Pericle (Pericle il nero), Paiza, Invisible (Indivisibili), Where Am I Going? (Quo vado?) and more.For the full program of showings and listings visit: jer-cin.org.il/website/modules/films/Program.aspx- ?id=789Rosh Hanikra fishing order to take effect Sunday The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is set to issue an order taking effect on Sunday (April 2) that will restrict fishing at the Rosh Hanikra Sea Reserve to prevent significant damage to the coastal area’s ecosystem, which includes various species of turtles and fish. Under the order, fishing north of artist Yehiel Shemi of Kabri’s coastal “Monument of the Illegal Immigration” is completely prohibited.Meanwhile, fishing south of the commemorative monument to illegal immigration during the British Mandate is limited to a distance of 20 meters.The INPA decision was made in light of a significant increase in the volume of fishing in recent years. Leftover hooks and wires were noted among pollutants that have led to significant harm to marine fauna populations and dilute the ecological diversity of the marine nature reserve.“Unfortunately, in recent years, we have identified a significant decrease in the quantity and quality of marine biodiversity and therefore we at the authority are trying to give nature a change to rehabilitate itself,” said INPA director Shaul Goldstein.“In order to minimize the inconvenience to fishermen and sport fishers in the area, we have maintained an area where fishing with rods is permitted in line with our guidelines.”CENTER Women’s run to race through Tel AvivThousands of women are due to turn out to celebrate female empowerment and physical activity with this year’s Women’s Tel Aviv Life Run on April 5.The women’s event, sponsored by pharmacy chain SuperPharm, kicks off from the Tel Aviv Port and will offer three urban race routes of varying lengths. The four-kilometer, eight-kilometer and 12-kilometer tracks all run along the city’s beachside promenade and double around in different locations depending on the route.Some of the country’s top DJs will providing invigorating live music at stations along the race path and a festive awards ceremony will take place at the port after runners cross the finish line.Registration costs NIS 130 for all participants and sign up is available at www.life-run.co.il/LifeRunReg.aspx.Yiddish music festival makes its way to White City Yiddish speakers from around the world will travel to Israel this Passover season for a festival celebrating the language.Starting on April 11 and running until April 18, the International Yiddish Festival 2017 at the Suzanne Dellal center in Tel Aviv will highlight traditional Yiddish musical culture. An array of international artists will attend the event to perform and to create new songs. Live performances will also include modern artists who combine Yiddish lyrics with contemporary music styles, such as jazz, pop and techno.Live performers are due to give intimate shows in a fusion of Yiddish singing, humorous acts and personal anecdotes. For ticket sales and further information, call (03) 510-5656.