Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The following are the end of day exchange rates as set by the Bank of Israel Thursday, January 8, 2025:
(Units are given in the foreign currency and the rate is given in its value in Shekels)

Currency | Unit | Rate (NIS) | Daily Change (against the Shekel)
US Dollar | 1 | 3.1740 | ‎-0.031%
GB Pound | 1 | 4.2662 | ‎-0.402%
Japanese Yen | 100 | 2.0250 | ‎-0.163%
Euro | 1 | 3.7051 | -0.143%
AUS Dollar | 1 | 2.1261 | ‎-0.529%
Can Dollar | 1 | 2.2892 | ‎-0.422%
DAN Krone | 1 | 0.4958 | ‎-0.141%
NOR Krone | 1 | 0.3142 | ‎-0.475%
SA Rand | 1 | 0.1923 | ‎-0.414%
SWD Krona | 1 | 0.3443 | ‎-0.405%
SWS Franc | 1 | 3.9787 | ‎-0.236%

Prime Minister’s Office:

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Administration and Society Division of the Prime Minister’s Office is publishing today the summary report of the activities of the Government Program for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants for the years 2023–2024. The report summarizes the activities of the inter-ministerial government program, which operates under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office and in cooperation with government ministries and local authorities, and presents a comprehensive overview of the program’s implementation, the scope of activities, and the progress of goals in the areas of Education, employment, welfare, Health, and social engagement.

The report presents key achievements recorded in recent years, such as: in the field of Education – where we are witnessing equality in the rate of eligibility for a matriculation certificate among the community’s youth compared to the national average, and in the field of employment – it shows that more than half of the participants in dedicated programs have successfully integrated into the labor market, and their average salary has increased by approximately 47%. This is alongside challenges that still require a response and continued action, such as increasing high-productivity employment and more significant integration into higher Education. These and others – served as the basis for extending and deepening the program and updating the policy within the framework of the government decision made last July (No. 3243) for the years 2025–2026. Continued attention to the integration of Ethiopian immigrants is important to the Prime Minister’s Office management and is on its agenda for promoting and implementing this government decision.

*The publication of the report expresses a commitment to public transparency, systematic reporting on policy implementation, and strengthening trust with the general public and with the ethiopian immigrant community in particular.* The report makes reliable, data-based, and up-to-date information on the government’s activities in this area accessible to the public, reflects decision-making processes and directions of action, and serves as a basis for continued dialogue, learning, and cooperation with the community, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants will continue to work towards promoting optimal, equitable, and sustainable integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society, while strengthening mechanisms for measurement, control, and public reporting.

Deputy Director General of Administration and Society, Liron Henetz:

“The government’s commitment to the optimal integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society is reflected in a continuous effort over the years, which requires a joint effort between government bodies, local authorities, civil society, and community members. This is a partnership that bears fruit. We see great importance in persisting in the effort until full and equal integration of Ethiopian immigrants in all areas of life is achieved.”

The full report is attached:

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Prime Minister’s Office publishes the activity summary report for 2023-2024 – featuring prominent achievements in the government program for the integration of Ethiopian immigrants, leading to the reduction of social and economic gaps and strengthening Community Resilience

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Administration for Government and Society at the Prime Minister’s Office today publishes the activity summary report of the government program for the integration of Ethiopian immigrants for the years 2023–2024. The report summarizes the activities of the inter-ministerial government program, operating under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office and in cooperation with government ministries and local authorities, and presents a comprehensive overview of the program’s implementation, the scope of activities, and progress towards goals in the fields of Education, employment, welfare, Health, and social engagement. 

The report presents key achievements recorded in recent years, such as: in the field of Education – where we are witnessing equality in the rate of eligibility for a matriculation certificate among the community’s youth compared to the national average, and in the field of employment – it is found that more than half of the participants in dedicated programs have successfully integrated into the labor market, and their average salary has increased by approximately 47%. This is alongside challenges that still require a response and continued action, such as increasing high-productivity employment and more significant integration into higher education. These and others – served as the basis for extending and deepening the program and updating the policy within the framework of the government decision made last July (No. 3243) for the years 2025–2026. Continued attention to the integration of Ethiopian immigrants is important to the Prime Minister’s Office management and is on its agenda for promoting and realizing this government decision.

The publication of the report expresses a commitment to public transparency, systematic reporting on policy implementation, and strengthening trust with the general public in particular and with the ethiopian immigrant community in particular. The report provides the public with reliable, data-based, and updated information on the government’s activities in this area, reflects decision-making processes and directions of action, and serves as a basis for continued dialogue, learning, and cooperation with the community, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants will continue to work towards promoting optimal, equitable, and sustainable integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society, while strengthening mechanisms for measurement, control, and public reporting.

Deputy Director General for Government and Society, Liron Henetz:
“The government’s commitment to the optimal integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society is reflected in a continuous effort over the years, which requires a joint effort between government bodies, local authorities, civil society, and community members. This is a partnership that bears fruit. We see great importance in persevering in the effort until full and equitable integration of Ethiopian immigrants in all areas of life is achieved.”

The full report is attached:

https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/news/ethiopia080126/he/file_ethiopia080126.pdf

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the northern city of Kiryat Shmona on Thursday, meeting with Mayor Avichai Stern to assess the city’s recovery a year after the war. Herzog toured a local restaurant rebuilt after being hit by a Hezbollah missile and spoke with business owners and employees about reconstruction efforts.

“We stand here with great emotion… to see the city begin to recover is a moment of hope,” Herzog said, urging the public to visit the north and support local businesses. He called on the government to maintain a sustained presence on the ground to accelerate Kiryat Shmona’s rehabilitation.

Mayor Stern emphasized the city’s resilience and called for continued state partnership to restore growth and security.

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel Railways and Israeli startup Exodigo showcased a new AI-driven remote sensing platform for mapping underground infrastructure at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The system, adapted for deployment on Israel Railways’ railcars, creates multi-dimensional digital models that provide accurate, high-quality information on existing infrastructure, streamlining maintenance, development, and minimizing disruptions.

Acting CEO Avi Elmalich said, “The results presented by Exodigo demonstrate significant potential, not only for Israel Railways, but also for railway operators worldwide.” Exodigo CEO Jeremy Suard added the technology enables systematic rail asset mapping and future AI integration to improve service efficiency.

I received with a heavy heart the bitter news of the passing of Uri Lupolianski, may he rest in peace – former Mayor of Jerusalem, founder and chairman of the ‘Yad Sarah’ charity organization, and a wonderful person who connected all parts of Israeli society.

I knew Uri decades ago. From the first glance, I was impressed that his name matched his personality traits – a pleasant countenance, pleasant manners, and giving honor to others. He was imbued with love for the people and the land, for the Torah of Israel, and of course for Jerusalem.

As one who constantly stands, as the Prime Minister of Israel, guard of our capital Jerusalem, I found in Uri a loyal partner in strengthening Jerusalem‘s status under Israeli sovereignty. In his years as Mayor, he vigorously contributed to building Jerusalem as a city that was joined together.
 
To this was added the giant enterprise ‘Yad Sarah’ for lending medical equipment. Uri revolutionized this field of auxiliary services for the sick and injured. Tens of thousands of citizens are helped each year by ‘Yad Sarah’ volunteers – and all of them are accompanied by Uri’s credo: “Every day I ask myself not how much good I did yesterday, but how I can help tomorrow.”

At this moment, as the wonderful Uri is laid to eternal rest in the land of Jerusalem, my wife Sara and I extend our deepest condolences to the extensive Lupolianski family.

May his memory be blessed.
 

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel-based Cytora Therapeutics has partnered with two U.S. companies to manufacture and commercialize its allogeneic stem cell therapy in the United States, targeting non-healing diabetic foot ulcers and other indications.

Under the agreement, Made Scientific, a U.S. cell therapy CDMO headquartered in New Jersey, will serve as the exclusive U.S. manufacturing partner, while Florida-based Zeo ScientifiX will lead commercialization and market access. The collaboration will initially pursue commercialization in Florida under the state’s recently enacted stem cell access law, while advancing parallel U.S. FDA Phase 2b clinical trials.

Cytora will continue overseeing clinical and regulatory development from Israel.

According to estimates by the Meteorological Service, the severe weather expected tomorrow (Friday) will be characterized by extremely strong winds, very high waves, and intermittent rains from the north to the northern Negev, accompanied by thunderstorms.

Between noon and night, significant flash floods are expected in the northern and central Dead Sea, and in the Judean Desert, as well as disruptions on Road 90, and local flooding in the northern Negev.

During the night, the rain will gradually weaken and stop in most areas. The winds will also weaken.

The rain system will be accompanied by very strong and even unusual winds with the potential for damage, and very high waves with the potential to affect beaches.

Accordingly, Israel Police officers will be deployed in the relevant areas to provide optimal service to road users, particularly on main roads and routes, all with the aim of preserving the lives and safety of all citizens of Israel.

The police will publish any information regarding road closures and traffic disruptions due to the weather and recommend that the public avoid areas where weather hazards are feared and to pay attention to weather forecasts.

The police call on the public to drive with great caution and not to approach areas where there is a fear of flooding, due to the existing dangers of falling, being swept away, and drowning.

Here are guidelines for the public and safety rules for proper conduct in rainy weather:

• It is important to stay updated on the weather forecast and act according to the forecasting alerts.
   
• Non-essential trips or excursions to streams and flood-prone areas that may be flooded due to the weather should be avoided.
   
• Contact the authorized bodies before going on a trip to the field to receive essential and up-to-date information.
   
• It is forbidden to cross flooded roads, watercourses, puddles, and water holes by any means of transportation, and not to approach them. This is a life-threatening danger.
   
• Hikers are requested not to enter life-threatening areas.
   
• Do not enter elevators and underground parking lots while they are flooded.
   
• Strong winds – loose objects or those that may detach in strong winds, such as antennas, flower pots, sheds, loose cables, etc., should be secured and fixed.
   
• For drivers – driving must be adapted to road conditions.

Information about changes in traffic arrangements can also be obtained through the Israel Police National Information Center at number 110 and via chatbot, as well as through the Traffic Division’s Telegram channel.

For any unusual event requiring immediate police intervention, contact the police emergency center at number 100 without delay.

Attached is an information letter, a sync video, and a link to the 110 center’s chatbot:
https://go.gov.il/110

And the Traffic Division’s Telegram channel chatbot
https://t.me/Atanpolice

In recent weeks, as part of a joint operation by the General Security Service and Northern District Police, a minor (15) from the North was arrested on suspicion of being in contact with terror elements.

During his interrogation at the Shin Bet and the Galilee District’s Unit for Combating Crime, it emerged that the minor had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) organization and that detailed instructions for manufacturing an explosive belt were found in his possession. Furthermore, it was revealed that as part of his connections with individuals identified with the organization abroad, he took practical steps to prepare himself for carrying out an attack.

The investigation materials also indicated that the minor expressed identification with past attacks against the state of Israel, alongside wishes for its destruction. In addition, he participated in extremist discourse against people of other faiths, including Christians and Muslims who do not share his extremist worldview. At the conclusion of the investigation, an indictment will be filed against him today.